Erik Per Sullivan, now 33 years old, has an estimated net worth of $5 million. Best known for his iconic role as Dewey in the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, Sullivan was a standout child actor in the early 2000s. After a string of notable roles in both film and television, he quietly stepped away from Hollywood in 2010. So, what has he been up to since then? And why did he vanish from the spotlight?
Who Is Erik Per Sullivan and Where Did He Grow Up?
Born on July 12, 1991, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Erik Per Sullivan is the only child of Fred Sullivan and his Swedish-born wife Ann. His father owns a Mexican restaurant called The Alamo, and his mother’s Scandinavian roots meant Erik grew up speaking some Swedish and visiting Sweden often. He had a pretty active and diverse childhood—learning the saxophone and piano, and even earning a black belt in Taekwondo before hitting his teenage years.
Education-wise, Sullivan attended Mount Saint Charles Academy and later Phillips Exeter Academy, both respected schools in New England. He later enrolled at the University of Southern California in 2009, just before his exit from the entertainment industry.
How Did Erik Per Sullivan Become Famous?
Erik’s big break came in 2000 when he landed the role of Dewey in Malcolm in the Middle. He was just nine years old at the time, and the quirky, offbeat show quickly became a major hit on Fox. Dewey, the youngest of four brothers at the start of the series, stood out for his innocence, oddball personality, and surprising wisdom.
As the show progressed over its seven-season run, Sullivan’s portrayal of Dewey evolved from the “sweet little brother” to a more complex character with a sharp wit and mischievous streak. It wasn’t just the fans who took notice—he earned multiple Teen Choice and Young Artist Award nominations for his performance.
What Other Movies and Shows Did He Appear In?
While Malcolm in the Middle was his most famous role, Sullivan had a surprisingly rich filmography during his short time in the spotlight. He appeared in Joe Dirt (2001) as the younger version of David Spade’s character and had a role in the indie horror flick Wendigo the same year.
One of his most memorable film roles came in Unfaithful (2002), where he played the son of Diane Lane and Richard Gere’s characters. That same year, he even made a guest appearance in The King of Queens, playing a young Arthur Spooner (Jerry Stiller’s character) in a flashback.
He also made his mark in the world of animation. In Finding Nemo (2003), he voiced Sheldon, the seahorse with a nervous energy. Later, in 2007, he voiced Mino in Arthur and the Invisibles. In 2004, he had a major role in the Christmas comedy Christmas with the Kranks, acting alongside big names like Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis.
His final acting gig came in 2010 with the teen drama Twelve, directed by Joel Schumacher. After that, he quietly stepped away from acting.
Why Did Erik Per Sullivan Leave Acting?
One of the biggest mysteries surrounding Erik Per Sullivan is why he left Hollywood. After his role in Twelve, he seemingly disappeared from the public eye. No official statement was ever made, but by 2010, he was done with the entertainment world entirely.
Unlike many former child actors, Sullivan didn’t try to transition into adult roles or build a social media presence. In fact, he’s stayed completely offline—no Instagram, no Twitter, nothing. He hasn’t even appeared at any of the Malcolm in the Middle cast reunions, which has only fueled speculation and curiosity from fans.
What Is Erik Per Sullivan Doing Now?
That’s the million-dollar question. As of now, there are no confirmed reports about his current career or lifestyle. Some fans speculate he’s living a quiet, private life possibly related to his academic interests or working in a field far removed from entertainment. Given his early start in Hollywood, it’s entirely possible he simply chose to live a more grounded life away from the cameras.
How Much Is Erik Per Sullivan Worth Today?
Despite stepping away from acting more than a decade ago, Erik Per Sullivan has built a solid net worth of $5 million. That figure likely stems from his years on Malcolm in the Middle—a long-running show that continues to have reruns and streaming success—as well as his film roles and voice work in hits like Finding Nemo.
Why Do Fans Still Remember Him?
There’s something unforgettable about Sullivan’s portrayal of Dewey. Whether it was his quiet weirdness, his piano skills, or his dry delivery of the show’s funniest lines, fans connected with the character—and by extension, with Erik himself.
Even years after the series ended, viewers still quote his lines, post Dewey memes, and wonder what happened to the actor behind one of TV’s most beloved little brothers.
