Frankie Muniz Opens Up About Past Costars and His Unexpected Career Path

Frankie Muniz recently reflected on his past collaborations with various well-known celebrities.

During his reflection on his experiences with Hilary Duff in Agent Cody Banks and Amanda Bynes in Big Fat Liar, Muniz, now 39, shared whether he maintained contact with any of his former co-stars.

“Truthfully, no,” Muniz disclosed exclusively to Us Weekly in their recent cover feature. “I’ve chatted with Angie [Harmon] occasionally. I haven't communicated with or seen Hilary since the initial showing of Agent Cody Banks. Reconnecting with everyone would be wonderful. My primary flaw is my poor communication skills. I aspire to be the one who reunites the group. Perhaps that will be my next endeavor.”

Muniz, whose acting career began in New York City as a child, mentioned that his ultimate “dream” involved appearing on the sketch comedy show All That alongside Bynes, also 39.

“I had an enormous crush on Amanda,” Muniz recounted. “I was slated to cohost the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2000 and was aware Amanda would be [presenting]. My mother received a call from Gail Berman, then the president of Fox, and my mom was ecstatic, exclaiming, ‘You’ve been invited to host Saturday Night Live.’ [However, it conflicted with the Kids’ Choice Awards date], so I declined the offer.”

He went on to say, “Consequently, I met Amanda, and we developed a friendship; we communicated via AOL. Our relationship was never secretly romantic. Following the debut of Big Fat Liar, I encountered her a couple of times, but we eventually drifted apart.”

Bynes later stepped away from acting at 24, subsequently drawing media attention for her challenges with mental health and substance abuse — a turn of events Muniz stated he “never would have predicted.”

“That’s all I’ll comment on,” Muniz remarked, in response to whether he foresaw the trajectory of Bynes’ life. “[She was] the most composed, cheerful, and amiable individual I’ve ever encountered. I observed no indication of any issues. I extend only wishes for her well-being.”

Frankie Muniz Discusses Stardom, Transformation, and the 'Malcolm in the Middle' Revival

Following a long period in the public eye, the Malcolm in the Middle actor has transitioned to an alternative form of entertainment: automotive racing. When questioned about his intention to completely exit show business, Muniz responded with a clear, “No.”

“While it’s true that I stated my focus is on racing,” he explained. “I have still undertaken various projects sporadically. I wasn’t entirely closing myself off from the industry, unlike some individuals who declare they never wish to return.”

To discover more about Muniz, view the exclusive video provided earlier and acquire the current edition of Us Weekly — available in stores today.