Frankie Muniz Recalls Last Conversation With Dale Earnhardt Before Crash

The Malcolm in the Middle star was one of the last people to talk to the NASCAR legend before his fatal accident at the 2001 Daytona 500.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Frankie Muniz, the former child star of Malcolm in the Middle, has opened up about his last conversation with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt just moments before Earnhardt's fatal crash at the 2001 Daytona 500. Muniz, who was at the race filming a segment for MTV, said he was starstruck when Earnhardt approached him and thanked him for bringing him and his daughter closer together through the popular sitcom. Earnhardt's death on the final lap of the race, when his car hit the outside wall head-on, left a lasting impact on Muniz and sparked his own passion for the sport.

Why it matters

Earnhardt's death at the 2001 Daytona 500 was a seminal moment in NASCAR history, and Muniz's personal connection to the tragedy through their final conversation adds a poignant human element to the story. Muniz's recollection sheds light on Earnhardt's relationship with his fans and family, as well as the lasting influence the NASCAR legend had on those around him, even in his final moments.

The details

Muniz, who was 40 years old at the time, said he was intimidated to meet "The Intimidator" Earnhardt, but the NASCAR star was "extremely friendly" to him. Earnhardt told Muniz that he and his daughter would watch Malcolm in the Middle together on Sunday nights, and he thanked Muniz for bringing them closer. Earnhardt also advised Muniz to "enjoy the run" of his successful acting career, because "you never know when it's gonna end." Seconds after Muniz's final conversation with Earnhardt, the racing legend was involved in a fatal crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500, hitting the outside wall head-on. Earnhardt was pronounced dead at a local hospital that evening.

  • Muniz was at the 2001 Daytona 500 on February 18, 2001 to film a segment for MTV's Diary.
  • Earnhardt's fatal crash occurred on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 on February 18, 2001.

The players

Frankie Muniz

An actor best known for his starring role in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, who was at the 2001 Daytona 500 to film a segment for MTV.

Dale Earnhardt

A legendary NASCAR driver known as "The Intimidator" who tragically died in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500 at the age of 49.

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What they’re saying

“I don't get nervous meeting people or I don't get [a] starstruck feeling, but he's 'The Intimidator,' and I was intimidated.”

— Frankie Muniz (FS1 documentary)

“He was extremely friendly to me, and I remember he said, 'I have to say thank you to you … because your show has brought me and my daughter closer together.' He's like, 'It's something that we turn on Sunday nights and we watch together.'”

— Frankie Muniz (FS1 documentary)

“Another thing he told me was, you know, 'Enjoy it, enjoy the run, because you never know when it's gonna end.'”

— Frankie Muniz (FS1 documentary)

What’s next

The FS1 documentary "We've Lost Dale Earnhardt: 25 Years Later" that featured Muniz's recollections premiered on February 12, 2026, ahead of the 25th anniversary of Earnhardt's death on February 18, 2001.

The takeaway

Muniz's personal connection to Earnhardt's final moments serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact the NASCAR legend had on his fans and the sport he helped build. Earnhardt's advice to Muniz about cherishing his success resonates even decades later, underscoring the timeless wisdom and humanity of "The Intimidator."