Former child actor, Frankie Muniz rose to fame when he had starred as a titular character in the 2000s hit show, Malcolm In The Middle.
However, acting was not his only passion.
In 2005, Muniz had signed a two-year deal with Jensen Motorsport as a race car driver, and when the show ended in 2006, he was competing in championships.
At the height of his racing career, Muniz had to put a hold due to health complications.
In 2009, he had suffered a wrist injury that cut his season short and was then involved in a crash that had left him with a broken back. In 2012, at 26, he had a mini-stroke, and almost a year later, experienced a second one.
“I think we talk about my injuries every day because I have a creaky, old body. I’m 31 but feel like I have the creaky, old body of a 71-year-old,” the actor told People in a recent interview.
Muniz had opened up about his health issues while competing on the season of Dancing With The Stars and on a recent episode, he detailed on the extent of his injuries, and it was sad.
Muniz had revealed the two mini-strokes and nine concussions, made him lose parts of his memories, including the six years he had starred on MalcomIn The Middle.
The Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor made a revelation during the rehearsals with his dance partner, Witney Carson. He said that while his injuries played a big role in why he cannot recall his past, they may not be the only factors.
“It makes me a little sad. Things pop back into my mind I should have remembered, said Muniz. “Truth is, I don’t remember much [of Malcolm In The Middle], it almost feels like it wasn’t me.”
After the car accident, Muniz has experienced ischemic attacks, which occur when the body temporarily stops supplying blood to the brain.
“First, I lose my peripheral vision and I can see people but I can’t recognize them,” Muniz said in an interview with People. “I can see words but I can’t tell what they say. Then I start going numb. It’s a gross feeling, but I know now when it’s going to come. I usually go lay down and wait.”
He continued, “I’ve gone to so many neurologists who have done every single test. I have no answers as to why it happens. I got so tired of trying to find an answer that I don’t think I’ll search for an answer anymore. I’ve accepted it.”
Muniz’s former co-star, Bryan Cranston had made an appearance on the DWTS clip to express support for this actor and told him that he should not worry about what he is not able to remember because he is around to help him.
“They are still [his] experiences,” said Cranston. “It will me my job. I will tell him, ‘remember this? Remember that on Malcolm?’ What a life for you.”
Muniz has another supporter, his girlfriend, Paige. She keeps a daily diary for him just in case his short-term memory fails.
Since this week’s DWTS theme was “Most Memorable Year,” Muniz chose to focus on the present instead of the past he can’t remember. He still went on to score 24 out of 30 for his quickstep.
You can watch Muniz talk about his memory problems in the video below:
