In the original series, Dewey was portrayed by Erik Per Sullivan. In the upcoming miniseries, Caleb Ellsworth-Clark steps into this cherished role. Ellsworth-Clark is known for his work in notable projects like “Fargo,” “Spiral,” “The Silencing,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “The Thicket,” often appearing in smaller roles such as Drunk Jim, Bike Courier, Taller Brother, and Guardian #1.

Although Dewey is not the central character in “Malcolm in the Middle,” he remains a compelling figure, providing Ellsworth-Clark with a richer character than many of his previous roles. In “Life’s Still Unfair,” viewers will see Dewey as an adult, exploring how his tumultuous childhood, marked by parental neglect and sibling rivalry, has influenced his life. Will Dewey break free from his past, or is he destined to repeat the cycle?

Originally from Calgary, Ellsworth-Clark grew up in a family passionate about theater. He honed his craft at Mount Royal University, where he participated in various plays, including “Body Awareness.” Landing the role of Dewey represents a significant step in his career, emerging from a competitive casting process where he stood out among many hopefuls.

In an interview with the Calgary Herald, Ellsworth-Clark expressed his thoughts. “I know Dewey is a favorite for many people, thanks to Erik Per Sullivan’s portrayal,” he shared. “I hope not to disappoint by being different. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for this opportunity and believe it’s okay if Dewey has evolved a bit.”

A fan of the original “Malcolm in the Middle” series, he’s thrilled to become part of this comedically dysfunctional universe and act alongside the likes of Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston, the latter of whom has been working toward a reboot for several years. However, there are naturally some nerves as he enters this established group of actors… and fans.

“I know that Dewey is a lot of people’s favorite character and the way that character was portrayed by Erik Per Sullivan,” he said in an interview with Calgary Herald. “I don’t want to disappoint anyone just by not being that guy. But at the same time, I want to be here and I’m grateful for the opportunity, and maybe it’s okay that Dewey is a little different.”

After “Malcolm in the Middle” ended in 2006, the career of original Dewey actor Erik Per Sullivan didn’t last very long. Following appearances in a handful of lesser-known projects and Joel Schumacher’s poorly-received crime thriller “Twelve,” which has a measly 3% score on the Tomatometer, Sullivan completely stepped away from acting. In fact, it wasn’t until April 2025 — when a smiling Sullivan was photographed in Boston going to grab a coffee — that he was recognized publicly for the first time in 18 years.

In 2024, his on-screen mother Jane Kaczmarek said in an interview with Malcolm France, “He started at 7, he ended at 14. He wasn’t interested in acting at all. He goes to school at a very prestigious American university that he’s asked us all to be quiet about. And he loves Charles Dickens. He’s doing graduate work in Victorian literature. I admire it because so many people think being in show business is just the greatest thing in the world. It’s not for everybody.”

Though he was invited to step back into Dewey’s shoes for “Life’s Still Unfair,” he declined, preferring to hold fast to the quiet and peaceful existence he built for himself. But there’s no hard feelings — his former cast members respect his decision, and he’s all for having someone else portray Dewey. Frankie Muniz told New York Post, “We had his blessing from day one to have the role be in the show and recast it. So I hope people aren’t too upset that he didn’t come back, but it was by his choice.”