Whatever Happened to The Middle Cast? Discover the Truth Behind Their Lives Post-Show!
With its unique blend of humor, heart, and unapologetic silliness, “The Middle” offered a relatable glimpse into the lives of a modest Midwestern family. Starring Patricia Heaton as Frankie Heck and Neil Flynn as her husband Mike, the sitcom allowed audiences to laugh and cry alongside the Heck family. Their three children — the optimistic Sue (played by Eden Sher), the confident Axl (Charlie McDermott), and the socially awkward Brick (Atticus Shaffer) — often provided the comedic heart of the show while simultaneously navigating their dreams and aspirations. Now, nearly five years after its finale, let’s take a closer look at where the cast of The Middle is today.
Patricia Heaton: From Frankie Heck to Stardom!
Before stepping into the sneakers of Frankie Heck, Patricia Heaton was already well-known as Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond. After The Middle, she embraced new opportunities with gusto. Patricia starred in the CBS sitcom Carol’s Second Act, portraying a teacher-turned-doctor, although the show ended after one season. Additionally, she took to the big screen, featuring in Mending the Line, and as of now, she enjoys a recurring role as bartender Holly on the Paramount+ reboot of Frasier.
Neil Flynn: The Evolution of Mike Heck
Following his tenure as Mike Heck, Neil Flynn continued to build upon his rich sitcom heritage. Known for his memorable stint as the Janitor in Scrubs, he quickly transitioned into guest roles on various shows, including Girls5Eva and Shrinking. Flynn also lends his voice to multiple characters in animated series like Clone High and recently, he voiced Donner in The Santa Clause on Disney+.
The Journey of Charlie McDermott: Axl Heck to Music
For Charlie McDermott, the character of Axl Heck was just the beginning. Although his roles have become less frequent since The Middle, he has ventured into the film world with projects like Instant Family and the miniseries Unbelievable. Interestingly, McDermott has shifted gears and is now focusing on his passion for music, performing folk and ambient tunes while touring around the world — a fitting move for the adventurous spirit of Axl!
Eden Sher: From Sue Heck to Stage and Screen
Eden Sher transitioned smoothly from her role as the eternally optimistic Sue Heck into various creative avenues. Following The Middle, she has dabbled in voice acting, famously voicing Star Butterfly in Star vs. the Forces of Evil. Sher remains active in the acting world, making guest appearances in series like Jane the Virgin and developing her one-woman show titled I Was on a Sitcom, which touches on her experiences as a sitcom star. Additionally, she has become a proud mother to three-year-old twins!
Atticus Shaffer: Continuing the Legacy as Brick Heck
Atticus Shaffer charmed audiences with his portrayal of the quirky Brick Heck. Post-The Middle, he has further honed his skills in voice acting, continuing the legacy of his unique character by voicing roles in series like Harvey Girls Forever! and Pete the Cat. Although live-action roles have been scarce, he made an appearance in Netflix’s Never Have I Ever, showcasing his versatility.
Bob Weaver’s Tale: Chris Kattan’s Career After The Middle
Chris Kattan, known as Bob Weaver, further endeared himself to fans through his comedic charm as Frankie’s goofy friend. Since his days on The Middle, he has successfully married voice acting roles with live-action projects, appearing in movies such as The Ridiculous 6 and the animated film Hotel Transylvania 2. He continues to be a familiar face in the entertainment world.
Why Was The Middle Canceled? The Reason Behind the End
Despite its popularity, The Middle concluded on a high note. Executive producer Eileen Heisler explained that the decision to wrap up the show was based on maintaining the audience’s fondness. “We felt it was better to leave people wanting more than to overstay our welcome,” she stated. This thoughtful conclusion allowed for a satisfying finale, where loose ends were tied up, and the characters progressed in their journeys.
As we wrap up our reflection on the lives of the The Middle cast, it’s heartening to see how they have embraced new paths, exploring myriad opportunities post-show. While they have moved on from their beloved roles, the impact of The Middle will forever echo in the hearts of its fans.