Frankie Muniz Opens Up About Feeling Like an ‘Outcast’ in Hollywood

Frankie Muniz is reflecting on his unconventional path through Hollywood and beyond, admitting he has often struggled to feel like he belonged in the acting world.

During a recent appearance on the Lightweights Podcast, the Malcolm in the Middle star shared how, even at the height of his fame, he sometimes felt out of place among his peers.

“I’ve always felt a little bit like an outcast as an actor. I remember I was nominated for like an Emmy or the Golden Globes when I was a kid, and I remember showing up there and being like, ‘How am I even invited here? Like, I don’t even feel like […] these aren’t my people. Like I’m an outcast, you know?” Muniz said.

He explained that after the sitcom wrapped up, he leaned into other passions, including professional racing, music, and running businesses, often distancing himself from the label of “actor.”

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“For some reason, I’ve hid from the title actor. I was like, ‘Oh no, I race cars now’ or I was in a band or I’m doing this or I’m a business owner.’ Yeah, I act, but I also do this. When we finished Malcolm, I’m in the middle of my NASCAR season, right? I’m a NASCAR driver. It was the first time I was happy to say I’m an actor. I am an actor and I’m proud of it,” he added.

Muniz, now 38, has lived a multi-faceted career since his child star days, balancing acting with pursuits in racing, music, and entrepreneurship. His next starring role will be in the Malcolm in the Middle reboot titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair.

The reboot is a four-episode revival that will premiere on Disney+ in December 2025. Muniz returns in the lead role as an adult Malcolm, while Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek reprise their iconic roles as Hal and Lois.