Erik Per Sullivan: From Dewey to Doctoral Studies
Erik Per Sullivan, the former child star recognized for his role as Dewey on the hit sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle," has largely remained out of the public eye since 2007. Now 33, Sullivan was recently photographed in Boston, grabbing coffee, a sign of his life as a graduate student immersed in the study of Victorian Literature. This sighting, and news of his academic pursuits, offers a glimpse into the life of the actor who traded Hollywood for Harvard.
Early Success as Dewey
Erik Per Sullivan made a lasting impression as Dewey, the youngest brother on "Malcolm in the Middle," which aired from 2000 to 2006. His portrayal of the quirky, often mischievous Dewey endeared him to audiences. He began acting on “Malcolm” at age 7 and continued until he was 14.
Transition from Acting to Academia
While many child actors continue to pursue careers in entertainment, Erik Per Sullivan chose a different path. After "Malcolm in the Middle" wrapped in 2006, Sullivan continued acting for a short period, appearing in the 2010 crime thriller "Twelve." However, he ultimately decided to leave Hollywood and focus on his education. He studied at Mount Saint Charles Academy in Rhode Island, and Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.
Higher Education and Current Studies
Today, Erik Per Sullivan is a graduate student studying Victorian Literature. Bryan Cranston revealed that Sullivan is currently pursuing his master’s degree at Harvard University. This academic focus represents a significant shift from his earlier career in television, highlighting his dedication to intellectual pursuits.
"Malcolm in the Middle" Revival and Dewey's Recasting
Last December, nearly 25 years after the show’s finale, the original cast of "Malcolm in the Middle"-including Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek-confirmed they would reprise their roles in a four-episode revival on Disney+. However, Erik Per Sullivan will not be returning as Dewey. Instead, Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will take on the role.
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Bryan Cranston shared that he had spoken with Erik about the revival, but Erik expressed no interest in returning to television. “He said, 'Oh God, no, I haven't acted since I was 9 or something,’” Cranston recalled.
Connections with Former Costars
Despite not participating in the revival, Erik Per Sullivan remains in touch with his former costars. Jane Kaczmarek provided an update about him, stating, “He’s very very well.” She also noted that he was not interested in acting.
The Revival: What to Expect
The "Malcolm in the Middle" revival will feature Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, Justin Berfield as Reese, Christopher Masterson as Francis, and Jane Kaczmarek as Lois. The revival centers around Malcolm returning home for his parents’ 40th anniversary party, bringing his daughter Leah along for the family reunion. Frankie Muniz expressed his excitement for the revival, noting that discussions about the show’s return began as early as 2015.
Other Stars Who Left Hollywood
Erik Per Sullivan is not the only celebrity to step away from the spotlight. Numerous actors and entertainers have chosen to leave Hollywood for various reasons, seeking privacy, new careers, or a different pace of life.
Ellen DeGeneres
After her talk show ended in 2022, Ellen DeGeneres returned to stand-up comedy before relocating to England with her wife, Portia de Rossi, in November 2024.
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Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks moved to Australia to focus on her ice cream business, SMiZE and Dream, citing the country's strong ice cream market and her love for the lifestyle.
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria has split her time between Mexico and Spain, citing changes in Los Angeles and work opportunities as reasons for her move.
Richard Gere
Richard Gere moved to Spain with his Spanish wife, Alejandra Silva, to raise their bilingual children.
Christina Milian
Christina Milian relocated to Paris with her French husband, Matt Pokora, so their children could study in France.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan moved abroad, first to London and then to Dubai, seeking a break from paparazzi attention and finding love and new opportunities.
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Josh Hartnett
Josh Hartnett moved to the Hampshire countryside in England with his wife and children, seeking a life less focused on the movie business.
Jesse Eisenberg
Jesse Eisenberg has lived in Indiana on and off for the past decade, preferring a more normal life away from the entertainment industry.
Rosie O'Donnell
Rosie O'Donnell moved to Ireland in January 2025 with her youngest child and is in the process of getting her Irish citizenship.
Ian Somerhalder
Ian Somerhalder stepped away from acting to focus on raising his children and building his companies, including a bourbon brand and a health and wellness company.
Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy has expressed feeling unfulfilled by her acting career and has explored writing as a way to potentially return to the field on her own terms.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz initially retired from acting but was enticed to return for the 2025 Netflix film "Back in Action."
Terrence Howard
Terrence Howard has repeatedly announced his plans to quit acting, though he has continued to appear in various projects.
Jack Gleeson
Jack Gleeson, known for his role as King Joffrey in "Game of Thrones," took a break from acting to pursue other interests before returning to the craft in 2020.
Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates largely retired from acting to focus on her family and her New York City boutique, Blue Tree.
Rick Moranis
Rick Moranis stepped away from live-action roles to focus on raising his children after the death of his wife.
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