Celeb Alerts
Erik Per Sullivan (born July 12, 1991) is an American former child actor best known for portraying Dewey, the youngest brother in the Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006). He appeared in all 151 episodes of the series during its six-season run.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Erik Per Sullivan
- Date of Birth: July 12, 1991
- Age: 34 years (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Swedish (father) and Irish (mother) descent
- Profession: Former Actor
- Years Active: 1998–2010
- Height: Approx. 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Early Life, Family & Background
Erik Per Sullivan was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. His father, Fred Sullivan, owned a restaurant named The Alamo. Public records and interviews confirm he is an only child.
He trained in Taekwondo and achieved a first-degree black belt during childhood. In addition to martial arts, he studied piano and saxophone, both of which were later incorporated into his character Dewey’s musical abilities on television.
He attended Mount Saint Charles Academy, a private school in Rhode Island. After his acting career slowed, he reportedly enrolled at the University of Southern California, though he did not publicly discuss his degree or field of study.
Parents
Father: Fred Sullivan – restaurant owner (The Alamo, Worcester)
Mother: Name not publicly documented; no verified professional records available
Siblings
No siblings. He is the only child in the family.
Education
Mount Saint Charles Academy (Rhode Island). Later attended the University of Southern California (reported, not officially detailed in public records).
Television Career
Sullivan’s breakthrough came in 2000 when he was cast as Dewey in Malcolm in the Middle. The series aired on Fox from January 9, 2000, to May 14, 2006. He appeared in all 151 episodes, making him one of the core cast members throughout the entire run.
The role earned him recognition as part of the ensemble cast, which won a Young Artist Award for Best Ensemble in a Television Series in 2003.
His film work includes Joe Dirt (2001), Unfaithful (2002), and Christmas with the Kranks (2004). He also voiced Sheldon, a seahorse character, in Pixar’s Finding Nemo (2003), which grossed over $940 million worldwide.
His final credited acting role was in the independent film Mo (2007). He officially stopped appearing in film and television projects after 2010.
Career Highlights
- 151 episodes as Dewey in Malcolm in the Middle
- Young Artist Award (2003) – Best Ensemble Cast
- Voice role in Finding Nemo (2003)
- Film appearances between 2001–2004 in studio productions
Full Physical Measurements
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Weight: Not publicly documented
- Hair Color: Light Brown
- Eye Color: Blue
Relationship Status
No confirmed public records of marriage or long-term relationships.
Children: No confirmed records
Salary, Income & Net Worth
Estimated Earnings Source: Television contracts (2000–2006), film roles (2001–2004), voice acting
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $3–4 million (based on industry estimates for long-running sitcom child actors)
Social Media Handles
- No verified public social media accounts
Honors & Achievements
- Young Artist Award (2003) – Ensemble cast
- Part of Emmy-winning television series cast
Trivia
- Appeared in every episode of Malcolm in the Middle
- Earned a black belt in Taekwondo before age 18
- Voiced Sheldon in a film that grossed over $900 million worldwide
- Stopped acting before age 20
FAQs
How many episodes did Erik Per Sullivan appear in?
He appeared in all 151 episodes of Malcolm in the Middle.
What was his last acting role?
His last credited role was in Mo (2007).
Did he attend college?
Yes, he reportedly attended the University of Southern California.
Is he active in Hollywood today?
No, he has not appeared in films or television since around 2010.
What award did he win?
He won a Young Artist Award in 2003 as part of an ensemble cast.
