Erik Per Sullivan is an American former actor known for playing Dewey, the youngest brother on the hit TV show Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006). His funny and sweet performance made Dewey a beloved character. Before that, he appeared in movies like Armageddon (1998) and The Cider House Rules (1999). After Malcolm in the Middle ended, Sullivan left acting and has stayed out of the spotlight.
Early Life
Erik Per Sullivan was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on July 12, 1991. He grew up as an only child of Ann, a Swedish-born American citizen, and his father, Fred Sullivan, owns a Mexican restaurant called The Alamo in Massachusetts. From an early age, He learned to play the piano and saxophone and trained in Tae Kwon Do, where he earned a black belt.
Erik Per Sullivan's educational background includes attending Mount Saint Charles Academy in Rhode Island and Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. In 2009, he enrolled at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
Acting Career and Filmography
Erik Per Sullivan began acting at a young age and landed his breakthrough role in Malcolm in the Middle at just nine years old. His portrayal of Dewey, the mischievous yet intelligent youngest sibling, made him a standout character on the show. While Malcolm in the Middle remains his most recognized work, he also appeared in several films, including The Cider House Rules (1999), which won an Academy Award.
Erik Per Sullivan's other notable acting credits include voice work in Finding Nemo (2003) as Sheldon the Seahorse and roles in Christmas with the Kranks (2004) and Unfaithful (2002).
Filmography
Television
- Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006) – Dewey
- Wonderland (2000) – Tucker Banger
- The King of Queens (2002) – Young Arthur
- Come On Over (2006) – Young Luis (uncredited)
Film
- Armageddon (1998) – Kid with Rocket Ship (uncredited)
- The Cider House Rules (1999) – Fuzzy
- Joe Dirt (2001) – Little Joe Dirt
- Wendigo (2001) – Miles
- Unfaithful (2002) – Charlie Sumner
- Finding Nemo (2003) – Sheldon (voice)
- Christmas with the Kranks (2004) – Spike Frohmeyer
- Arthur and the Invisibles (2006) – Mino (voice)
- Mo (2007) – Mo
- Twelve (2010) – Timmy
Awards and Nominations
- Sullivan received several accolades for his performances, particularly for Malcolm in the Middle:
- YoungStar Award (2000) – Won for Best Young Ensemble Cast: Television (Malcolm in the Middle)
- Young Artist Awards (2001, 2002, 2003) – Multiple nominations for Best Ensemble in a TV Series and Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama)
- Teen Choice Awards (2001, 2002, 2003) – Nominated for TV: Choice Sidekick
- Young Artist Award (2003) – Won for Best Ensemble in a TV Series (Malcolm in the Middle)
Retirement from Acting
Erik Per Sullivan retired from acting after his last role in the 2010 movie Twelve. Since then, he has stayed away from the entertainment industry and has not appeared in several Malcolm in the Middle cast reunions.
