Francisco James Muniz IV, widely known as Frankie Muniz, is an American actor, musician, writer, producer, and professional racecar driver. Born December 5, 1985, Muniz rose to fame in the early 2000s as the star of the hit TV sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. After establishing a successful acting career, Muniz transitioned to professional motorsports, where he now competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 33 Ford F-150 for Reaume Brothers Racing.
Early Life and Background
Muniz was born in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, and raised primarily in Knightdale, North Carolina. Homeschooled from sixth grade onward, he began acting in local theater productions before moving into commercials and small television roles. At age 14, he landed his breakthrough role as the lead in Malcolm in the Middle, a series that ran for seven seasons and became a pop culture staple.
Career
Muniz built a successful career in Hollywood with films such as Big Fat Liar (2002), Agent Cody Banks (2003), and Racing Stripes (2005). Despite his fame, Muniz shifted focus in 2008 to pursue professional racing.
He began in open-wheel competition, racing in the Atlantic Championship, before exploring other motorsport avenues. By 2021, Muniz transitioned into stock car racing, competing in the ARCA Menards Series with Rette Jones Racing. In 2023, he earned a fourth-place finish in the ARCA season standings, cementing himself as a promising driver.
For 2025, Muniz steps into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series full-time with Reaume Brothers Racing, piloting the No. 33 Ford F-150, continuing his quest to climb NASCAR’s national series ladder.
Off-Track Ventures
Muniz’s interests extend beyond racing. He has served as a musician, drumming for the indie rock band Kingsfoil, and has worked as a writer and producer for various entertainment projects. His openness about personal health challenges, including mini-strokes, has made him a relatable public figure. Muniz advocates for fitness, mental health awareness, and career flexibility, balancing his time between racing and family.
Net Worth
Muniz’s estimated net worth is around $40 million, accumulated from acting, music projects, endorsements, and motorsport ventures.
Family Life
Frankie Muniz was born to Denise, a nurse, and Francisco Muniz III, a restaurateur of Puerto Rican descent. He married Paige Price in 2019, and the couple has one son, Mauz Muniz, born in 2021.
Recent Controversies
Muniz has maintained a controversy-free public image, known for professionalism in both entertainment and racing. He has been candid about his medical challenges, earning public respect for his resilience.
Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025
2024: Competed full-time in the ARCA Menards Series, earning multiple top-10 finishes and finishing 4th in the championship standings.
1 August 2025: Moved up to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving full-time for Reaume Brothers Racing in the No. 33 Ford, continuing his journey to establish himself as a competitive stock car racer.
