Malcolm in the Middle star urged to 'quit' reboot after sharing health fears in new update

Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Miniz has been flooded with support from fans after issuing a candid mental health update online. The actor, 39, has been in the news lately after it emerged his hit Fox sitcom is being rebooted two decades after it came off air.

While Frankie had expressed his excitement about the revival he was urged by fans to "drop out" after admitted he had hit a "new low" a week after filming started on April 13. Taking to X - formerly known as Twitter - on Monday (April 21), the TV star confessed: "If I'm being 100% honest... Mentally/emotionally I may be at a new low. Just wanted to say it out loud."

It didn't take long before his loyal legion of fans flooded to the comments to pass on their well wishes online. One user penned: "If you want to drop out of playing Malcolm drop out.

"You don't owe any person any 'fan' or studio coming back to the role. You decide how to live your life." Another added: "When I'm not feeling great I watch Malcolm in the Middle and it makes me feel better."

A third gushed: "You're a legend, head up Malcolm!" as a fourth chimed in with: "Sending prayers and love". Another added: "It'll be alright, buddy. Things always work out in the end. Keep your chin up and remember not to make any decision unless the sun is shining."

A fifth wrote: "That's dope you'd even post tis. I'd say a lot of us can relate. Oddly it's comforting knowing that we're not alone in this feeling. Stay strong."

"Sending all the good vibes your way. Everyone gets that feeling from time to time, chin up, head up, and take it one step at a time", another posted. Express.co.uk has contacted Frankie's representatives for a comment.

Frankie first catapulted to fame as the titular character of Malcolm in the Middle, which premiered 25 years ago and ran for seven seasons until May 2006.

The series centred on gifted child Malcolm, who boasted a 165 IQ and was the third-born child in a dysfunctional family of four - and then late five - boys and parents Lois and Hal.

The story arc of each episode tended to centre on the various hijinks of Malcolm and his markedly less intelligent brothers, Francis (played by Christopher Kennedy Masterson), Reese (Justin Berfield), and Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan).

In December, it was revealed that Disney+ is bringing the beloved show back for a limited series, with original stars Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek returning as Malcolm's parents, alongside Frankie.

The theme of the story picks up in present day, with the official logline stating: "Malcolm and his daughter are drawn into the family's chaos when Hal and Lois demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party."

Last month, Frankie revealed that in preparation for the reboot, he was re-watching all 151 episodes of the seven-time Emmy-winning comedy.

He tweeted: "Just started watching Malcolm in the Middle episode 1. Got 151 to catch up on before we start filming again in a few days!!! Can't wait to get back together with my old family."

Since Malcolm was taken off air in 2006, Frankie made a huge career U-turn, swapping actingt o become a NASCAR race car driver. In 2023, he competed in the ARCA Menards Series, finishing fourth at the end of the season with one top-tive finish and 11 top-10s.

Meanwhile, Frankie's co-star Bryan has had global acting success, scoring four Emmys and a Golden Globe for his universally acclaimed performance on Breaking Bad and an Oscar nod for 2015's Trumbo.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. Alternatively, you can find more information on the Samaritans website: