Erik Per Sullivan is a name that brings back memories of Malcolm in the Middle and his iconic role as Dewey Wilkerson.
But what is Erik Per Sullivan net worth today? As we dive into his financial journey, we explore how his acting career, voice roles, and early retirement have shaped his wealth.
This article breaks down the actor’s income streams, his financial decisions, and how his net worth stands in 2025.
Erik Per Sullivan Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Erik Per Sullivan |
Popular Name | Erik Per Sullivan |
Birth Date | July 12, 1991 |
Age | 33 years (as of 03/08/2025) |
Birthplace | Worcester, Massachusetts, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Irish, Swedish |
Education | University of Southern California (2009–2010), Phillips Exeter Academy, Mount Saint Charles Academy |
Marital Status | N/A |
Spouse | N/A |
Children | N/A |
Dating | N/A |
Siblings | Only child |
Parents | Fred Sullivan, Ann Sullivan |
Height | 1.75 m |
Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
Source of Wealth | Acting, Voice acting |
What is the Net Worth Of Erik Per Sullivan in 2025?
As of 2025, Erik Per Sullivan’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated primarily through his time as a child actor on Malcolm in the Middle, along with his roles in films like Joe Dirt and Unfaithful.
While Erik stepped away from acting in 2010, his early career left a lasting impact on his financial standing.
In comparison to other celebrities in similar fields, Erik’s net worth might seem modest. However, when compared to his fellow Malcolm in the Middle co-stars like Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, it’s clear that Erik took a different route post-acting, focusing more on a private life.
Here are some names related to his career:
- Bryan Cranston
- Jane Kaczmarek
- Frankie Muniz
- Justin Berfield
- Anna Paquin
- Hollywood
- Finding Nemo (film)
- Joe Dirt (film)
- Christmas with the Kranks (film)
For more about the wealth of other stars, check out this list of top earners.
Erik Per Sullivan Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did Erik Per Sullivan Earn His Wealth?
Erik Per Sullivan’s wealth primarily stems from his acting career, particularly his role as Dewey Wilkerson in the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. While child actors typically earn less than their adult counterparts, Malcolm in the Middle was a highly successful show that ran from 2000 to 2006.
For Erik, being part of the main cast helped secure him substantial earnings over the years.
In addition to TV, Erik also landed roles in films such as Joe Dirt (2001), where he played a young child opposite David Spade, and Unfaithful (2002) alongside Richard Gere and Diane Lane. These roles further boosted his financial standing and helped solidify his place in Hollywood during the early 2000s.
However, it wasn’t just acting that contributed to his wealth. Erik also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to Sheldon in the Pixar classic Finding Nemo (2003) and to Mino in Arthur and the Invisibles (2007). Voice roles in major films can be lucrative, even for actors who don’t appear on screen.
What Was His Salary During Malcolm in the Middle?
While exact figures for Erik’s salary during Malcolm in the Middle aren’t publicly available, child actors typically earned between $15,000 and $30,000 per episode during the early 2000s, depending on their role and popularity.
Given that Malcolm in the Middle ran for seven seasons and had a strong following, it’s reasonable to assume that Erik’s pay was in the higher range for a child actor at the time.
This salary, along with the residuals from reruns and merchandise, likely provided Erik with a stable financial foundation. However, by stepping away from acting after Malcolm in the Middle, Erik has avoided the public financial scrutiny that many former child stars face.
How Much Did Erik Per Sullivan Make from Voice Acting?
Voice acting in animated films like Finding Nemo is highly profitable, and it’s clear that Erik earned well from his role as Sheldon. While the exact payments for his work in Finding Nemo aren’t disclosed, Pixar films are known for paying competitive salaries, especially for big-budget productions. With Finding Nemo being one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, it’s safe to say Erik’s voice role likely added a significant amount to his earnings.
Similarly, his role in Arthur and the Invisibles (2007) contributed further to his wealth. Even though these roles were not as high-profile as his TV acting career, they still played a key role in his financial portfolio.
What Impact Did His Early Retirement Have on His Finances?
Erik Per Sullivan’s decision to retire from acting in 2010 meant that his wealth from acting and voice roles effectively capped at that point. However, early retirement is often a choice for those who have already amassed a certain level of wealth.
Erik’s decision to leave the public eye and focus on other aspects of life, including education, may have allowed him to maintain his financial position without the pressures of maintaining a high-profile career.
By stepping away from the spotlight, Erik avoided the risk of being typecast or facing financial instability common among child stars. While his wealth may not have grown substantially after retirement, his financial situation appears stable, allowing him to enjoy a private and secure life.
How Did Erik Per Sullivan Manage His Wealth?
Managing wealth as a former child star is never simple, but Erik appears to have handled his finances wisely. His focus on privacy likely meant he avoided the excesses that many former child stars fall prey to. Additionally, his choice to attend the University of Southern California (USC) suggests a focus on education and long-term financial planning.
It’s possible that Erik invested his earnings from his acting career into more stable ventures, potentially in real estate, stocks, or other businesses that offer passive income. This strategy would allow him to maintain his wealth while living a quiet, low-profile life.
Conclusion
Erik Per Sullivan’s financial journey highlights a rare path for a former child actor, balancing early success with a quiet, private life. With a current net worth of $5 million and the choices he made post-acting, Erik has secured his place among successful child stars who transitioned to adulthood without major financial struggles.
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