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Brice Today
By the People, for the People
Former 'Malcolm in the Middle' Star Erik Per Sullivan Turns Down Reboot Offer
The actor prioritizes his Harvard education over a lucrative return to his iconic TV role.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:20am
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The glitz and glamour of a potential TV comeback are set aside as a former child star chooses the path of higher education over the lure of the spotlight.Brice TodayErik Per Sullivan, best known for his role as Dewey on the early 2000s sitcom 'Malcolm in the Middle', has declined to reprise his character in the show's upcoming reboot. Despite being offered 'buckets of money' to return, the former child star has chosen to focus on his studies at Harvard University, highlighting the importance of personal growth and fulfillment over financial gain.
Why it matters
Per Sullivan's decision to turn down the 'Malcolm in the Middle' reboot offer is a refreshing example of a former child star prioritizing their education and personal development over the pressure to return to the spotlight. It raises deeper questions about the nature of success and the evolving priorities of celebrities as they transition from child stardom to adulthood.
The details
According to Per Sullivan's co-star Jane Kaczmarek, the actor was offered a substantial financial package to return to his iconic role as Dewey. However, Per Sullivan has chosen to remain at Harvard, where he is currently pursuing his studies. This decision stands in contrast to the common narrative of former child stars struggling to find their footing after leaving the entertainment industry.
- In 2026, a reboot of 'Malcolm in the Middle' titled 'Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair' was announced.
- Per Sullivan was offered a lucrative deal to reprise his role as Dewey in the reboot.
The players
Erik Per Sullivan
The actor who played Dewey on the early 2000s sitcom 'Malcolm in the Middle' and has declined to return for the show's reboot, choosing to focus on his studies at Harvard University instead.
Jane Kaczmarek
Per Sullivan's former co-star on 'Malcolm in the Middle', who revealed the details of the reboot offer and Per Sullivan's decision to turn it down.
What they’re saying
“We offered Erik buckets of money to come back, and he said, 'No, I'm good. I'm at Harvard. I'm good.'”
— Jane Kaczmarek, Former 'Malcolm in the Middle' Co-Star
What’s next
The reboot of 'Malcolm in the Middle' will move forward with a new actor in the role of Dewey, as Per Sullivan remains committed to his education at Harvard University.
The takeaway
Erik Per Sullivan's decision to turn down a lucrative offer to reprise his iconic role on the 'Malcolm in the Middle' reboot is a powerful statement about the importance of personal growth and fulfillment over financial gain. His choice to prioritize his education at Harvard University over a return to the spotlight serves as a refreshing reminder that success is not solely defined by one's career in the entertainment industry.
