'Controlling, rude, disrespectful individuals': Frankie Muniz reveals reason for brief 'Malcolm in the middle' departure

AUSTRALIA: Former 'Malcolm in the Middle' star Frankie Muniz has revealed the reason behind his brief absence from the hit Fox sitcom, shedding light on tensions behind the scenes that caused his departure, according to News.com.au.

Muniz, now 38 and currently appearing on the reality show 'I'm A Celebrity Australia', disclosed to his fellow contestants the circumstances surrounding his absence from two episodes of 'Malcolm in the Middle,' which aired from 2000 to 2006.

Insight into Frankie Muniz's 'Malcolm in the Middle' hiatus

According to Muniz, he walked off the set due to tensions caused by unnamed individuals whom he described as "controlling, rude, and disrespectful." He expressed his frustration with a culture where people were reluctant to stand up to such behavior, describing an atmosphere where everyone "walked on pins and needles."

“There were two episodes I’m not in. I walked off that set,” he said of his time on the show, which aired from 2000 to 2006.

Despite not naming names, Muniz explained he could not bear the tensions on the set caused by "certain people."

“Everyone was so afraid to stand up when certain people were controlling or rude or disrespectful,” he said. “Like they walked on pins and needles.”

Following his departure from the Hollywood scene, Muniz's candid revelations shed light on his personal struggles and ultimate decision to leave behind the glitz and glamour of showbiz for a more fulfilling life outside of the limelight.

Despite his success in 'Malcolm in the Middle', Muniz confessed to feeling like an outsider in the Hollywood world. Despite accolades such as Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, he expressed a sense of detachment and discomfort with the industry, particularly with the lifestyle in Los Angeles, which he described as "miserable."

“I never felt like I fully fit in the Hollywood world, even though I was in the world,” he told News.com.au before entering the South African jungle to compete in 'I’m A Celebrity Australia'.

“I was nominated for Emmys and Golden Globes, and I was going to all this stuff, and I was there, and I was like, how am I here? I hated LA, so I kind of stayed in my own little world, my own little bubble,” he said. “And moving to Arizona, I did it on a whim, and I realized immediately that I started looking up."

He continued, “I started enjoying looking at trees and birds in the sky. Going to the grocery store was a fun thing. You don’t get that in LA. It’s a miserable experience.”

Transitioning away from Hollywood, Muniz found solace in a quieter life in Arizona, where he discovered joy in simple pleasures like nature and everyday activities. His decision to leave the bustling entertainment hub behind was not without its challenges, but Muniz found fulfillment in pursuing new passions outside of acting.

During his time on 'Malcolm in the Middle', Muniz also made strides in the film industry, starring in notable movies such as 'Big Fat Liar', 'Agent Cody Banks', and 'Racing Stripes'. His success on the small and big screens culminated in a substantial paycheck, with reports indicating he earned $150,000 per episode by the series' end.

Muniz retired from Hollywood to become a professional race car driver.

Internet abuzz as Frankie Muniz's 'Malcolm in the Middle' departure sparks speculation

The revelation from former 'Malcolm in the Middle' star Frankie Muniz about briefly quitting the show has sparked surprise and confusion among fans.

One user expressed disbelief saying, "Wait, what?? I thought he didn't even remember being on Malcolm in the Middle at all because of all his extreme biking injuries. Something isn't mathing."

Another user echoed similar sentiments, recalling, "Just when this guy thought he was free. You missed some fine print on that Malcolm contract did you? I thought he would have been above this fake speaking out trend."

The other user commented, "I thought he couldn't remember filming any of the show because of a head injury or something?"

Another user commented, "Malcolm gets hardcore."

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