Dec 5, 1985
Sagittarius
Wood Ridge, NJ
39 years old
N/A
N/A
TV Actor
Francisco James “Frankie” Muniz IV (born December 5, 1985) is an American actor and professional race car driver. He became a household name as the title character in Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006) and has since carved new paths in motorsports and various entertainment ventures .
Early Life & Origins
Born in Wood-Ridge (or Ridgewood), New Jersey, Frankie is the son of Denise Muniz (a nurse) and Francisco Muñiz III (a restaurateur) . At age four, his family moved to Knightdale, North Carolina, where he was discovered in a local production of A Christmas Carol playing Tiny Tim . After his parents divorced, he and his mother relocated to Burbank, California, and he began homeschooling in the sixth grade .
Rise to Stardom: Acting Career
Television breakthrough: Cast as Malcolm Wilkerson in Fox’s hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, launching in 2000. The show drew massive viewership (23M+ premiere) and earned him an Emmy nomination along with additional honors .
Film roles: Appeared in family favorites and comedies like My Dog Skip (2000), Big Fat Liar and Agent Cody Banks (2002–2003), and lent his voice in Racing Stripes (2005) .
Television cameos: Guest-starred in series including Lizzie McGuire, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Arrested Development, and more. He later revisited the screen in The Rookie (2021) and hosted Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018 .
Motorsport Journey
Early racing steps: Started in 2004 with the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, then competed in Formula BMW (2006) after pausing acting .
Return & progression: Returned to racing in 2021, joining the ARCA Menards Series in 2023 and securing a fourth-place finish overall .
NASCAR debut: In 2024, joined Reaume Brothers Racing for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, piloting the No. 33 Ford F-150; now racing full-time for the 2025 season .
New Projects & Legacy
Return to roots: Set to reprise Malcolm in a four-episode Malcolm in the Middle reboot on Disney+ in 2025, reuniting with original cast members .
Media presence: His close bond with co-star Bryan Cranston continues—Cranston supports Frankie’s racing efforts and checks in regularly .
Personal Life & Business Ventures
Family: Married to Paige Price since October 3, 2019; they welcomed a son on March 22, 2021 .
Health & memory: Experienced mini-strokes in 2012–2013; later clarified these were migraine auras and that memory lapses were exaggerated .
Musical and business side: Drummed in band Kingsfoil and managed Astro Lasso; also ventured into real estate and food retail with outposts like Outrageous Olive Oils & Vinegars .
Frankie Muniz’s story is one of remarkable transformation—from child star to racing driver, actor, musician, and entrepreneur. With his upcoming return to Malcolm in the Middle and full-time NASCAR career, his journey continues to inspire across screens and racetracks.
