Erik Per Sullivan, best remembered as Dewey from Malcolm in the Middle, has a net worth of $5 million as of 2025. At 33 years old, Sullivan remains one of the most recognizable former child actors of the early 2000s, despite stepping out of the spotlight over a decade ago. So how did he build his fortune—and what has he been doing since saying goodbye to Hollywood?
How Did Erik Per Sullivan Become Famous?
Sullivan’s rise to fame began in 2000 when he was cast as Dewey, the quirky and quietly clever youngest sibling (at the time) in Fox’s hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. The show, starring Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, and Jane Kaczmarek, quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. Dewey’s oddball charm, hilarious one-liners, and later, increasingly devious behavior made him a fan favorite.
Sullivan was just nine years old when the show premiered, but his performance earned him multiple Young Artist Award and Teen Choice Award nominations, helping solidify his place in early 2000s TV history.
What Did Erik Per Sullivan Do After Malcolm in the Middle?
While Malcolm in the Middle kept him busy until 2006, Sullivan also ventured into film and voice acting during that time. He appeared in:
- “Joe Dirt” (2001) as the young version of David Spade’s character
- “Unfaithful” (2002) alongside Diane Lane and Richard Gere
- “Wendigo” (2001), a psychological horror film
- “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004), where he played the son of Dan Aykroyd’s character
One of his most well-known roles outside of live-action was voicing Sheldon the seahorse in Pixar’s Finding Nemo (2003), which added a major animated credit to his resume. He also voiced Mino in Arthur and the Invisibles (2007), and played the lead in the indie film Mo, portraying a teenager living with Marfan syndrome.
His final credited acting role came in 2010’s Twelve, a crime drama directed by Joel Schumacher. After that, Erik quietly exited the entertainment industry.
Why Did Erik Per Sullivan Quit Acting?
Sullivan’s decision to step away from Hollywood seems to have been a personal one. He enrolled at the University of Southern California in 2009 after attending Mount Saint Charles Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy, suggesting he prioritized education over fame.
While he never formally announced retirement from acting, he’s maintained a notably private life since leaving the industry. He doesn’t appear on social media, hasn’t given interviews, and even skipped out on cast reunions for Malcolm in the Middle. For someone once regularly on-screen, the silence has only deepened the mystery surrounding his departure.
What Was Erik Per Sullivan’s Early Life Like?
Born July 12, 1991, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Erik is the only child of Fred Sullivan, a restaurant owner, and Ann Sullivan, who was born in Sweden. Thanks to his mother, Erik speaks some Swedish and has visited the country frequently. He was a well-rounded kid, studying piano, saxophone, and earning a black belt in Taekwondo.
This blend of creative and disciplined pursuits perhaps hints at why he was such a standout on-screen at a young age—he brought more to the table than just cuteness.
How Did Erik Per Sullivan Accumulate His Net Worth?
Although he’s no longer acting, Erik Per Sullivan’s $5 million net worth stems largely from his successful run on Malcolm in the Middle, which aired for seven seasons and continues to earn in syndication. As a main cast member, Sullivan likely earned residuals from reruns and international licensing deals.
In addition to Malcolm, he appeared in several commercially successful films (Finding Nemo, Christmas with the Kranks, Unfaithful) that would have provided solid paychecks. While he hasn’t added to his acting income since 2010, he appears to have been financially savvy—or at least low-key enough to preserve his earnings.
What Is Erik Per Sullivan Doing Now?
That’s the million-dollar question—and truthfully, no one knows for sure. Erik has gone to great lengths to maintain a low profile. He hasn’t returned to the public eye in any way—not through reality TV, interviews, social media, or convention appearances. While many former child stars reemerge in some form, Sullivan has managed to remain off the radar.
Some fans speculate he pursued a completely different career path, possibly in business or academia, while others believe he simply wanted a normal life after growing up in front of millions.
Will Erik Per Sullivan Ever Return to Acting?
There’s been no indication that he plans to. Despite frequent online interest—and occasional rumors of reunions or reboots—Sullivan has shown no desire to return to Hollywood. While Malcolm in the Middle remains a nostalgic favorite, he’s one of the few cast members who’s completely removed himself from the entertainment world.
And honestly? That’s totally fine. Some child actors chase the spotlight forever; others walk away—and Erik seems to be thriving in the latter category.
From beloved sitcom star to one of the industry’s most elusive former actors, Erik Per Sullivan’s story is a rare one. With a net worth of $5 million and a decade-long career that still brings him recognition, he’s proven that you can quietly step away from fame and still leave behind a lasting legacy.
