Justin Berfield, who played Reese in the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, has given his first interview in nearly two decades, explaining why he stepped away from Hollywood. Speaking on The Joe Vulpis Podcast, the 40-year-old actor revealed he became a stay-at-home dad and saw no reason to do interviews without a current project to discuss.
Berfield said he moved to Colorado with his wife Liza after the show ended in 2006, seeking a change of scenery. 'I kind of separated from Hollywood and I just got to live somewhere else for once,' he said, adding that he enjoyed fly fishing and the seclusion. He later returned to Los Angeles after three years.
He also clarified that he never intended to become a major star. 'I was never in demand,' he said, but noted he has loved being a stay-at-home father to his two children. Behind the scenes, he has worked as a producer and writer.
Berfield is now reprising his role in the four-episode revival Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair, which premieres on Disney+ on April 10. He described returning to set as feeling like 'a really long hiatus', adding that the cast slipped back into their roles effortlessly.
The revival sees Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) dragged back to his family for his parents' 40th anniversary party. Other returning cast members include Christopher Masterson, Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, though Erik Per Sullivan (Dewey) is absent.
