Bryan Cranston's Lasting Bond: From TV Dad to Real-Life Mentor for Frankie Muniz

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Actor-turned-NASCAR driver Frankie Muniz recently shared heartwarming details about his enduring relationship with former "Malcolm in the Middle" co-star Bryan Cranston, revealing that the acclaimed actor still regularly checks in on him decades after their hit show ended.

Speaking on the "Inside of You" podcast with Michael Rosenbaum, Muniz, who began working with Cranston at age 11, described how their on-screen father-son dynamic evolved into a genuine paternal bond that continues today.

"He really became like a father figure to me," Muniz said, noting that despite Cranston's rise to "Hollywood god" status through award-winning performances in shows like "Breaking Bad," the veteran actor maintains close contact. "He still reaches out to me every couple of weeks, checks in on me."

The former child star, who has largely traded acting for professional racing, praised Cranston's ongoing support of his various ventures, from attending his races to showing up at his band performances. "He really cares about what I'm doing," Muniz shared.

Their connection was forged during six seasons of "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000-2006), where they played father and son in the beloved family sitcom. Muniz particularly admired Cranston's professional dedication on set, describing him as "the most incredible person" who "gave it 100%" every day.

While Muniz now focuses on his NASCAR career, he expressed interest in potentially reuniting with his TV family, saying he'd love to see where the characters are 20 years later. This sentiment aligns with recent discussions about a possible series revival, with showrunner Linwood Boomer confirming that talks are ongoing and Cranston indicating the original cast's willingness to return for the right story.

The revelation offers a touching glimpse into how Hollywood relationships can transcend the screen, with Cranston's continued mentorship serving as a model for industry veterans supporting younger colleagues.

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