Remember Reese from ‘Malcolm in the Middle’? See What Justin Berfield Looks Like Now at 40
Justin Berfield, who charmed audiences as the mischievous Reese in the hit Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, first stepped in front of the camera at age five. His debut was in a Folgers coffee commercial, and he soon appeared in more than 20 other national ads. As a child, Berfield also had small roles on television shows like The Good Life, Hardball, The Boys Are Back, and The Mommies.
Berfield’s first steady role came with the sitcom Unhappily Ever After, where he played Ross Malloy from 1995 to 1999, appearing in 100 episodes. According to reports, he was also one of thousands of young actors considered for the role of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace in 1995.
In 1999, Berfield landed what would become his most famous role. Linwood Boomer cast him as Reese, the older brother of Frankie Muniz’s Malcolm. Though Berfield is actually slightly younger than Muniz, he brought Reese’s trouble-making personality to life from 2000 to 2006, appearing in all 151 episodes.
The show became a major part of his life, shaping his public image and giving him early fame. He has said in interviews that playing Reese taught him about comedy, timing, and the demands of long-term television work.
After Malcolm in the Middle ended, Berfield focused on producing and directing, staying behind the scenes rather than continuing in front of the camera. He made occasional acting appearances, including a 2010 episode of Sons of Tucson and confirmed in 2025 on Instagram that he would return for the reboot Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair. Despite stepping back from acting, Berfield has stayed connected to the industry and his fans.
Beyond acting, Berfield has been involved in charity work. In 2001, he became a National Youth Ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities and participated in the program until he turned 18. He has also worked with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Virgin Unite, the charitable branch of Virgin Group, showing his commitment to giving back.
On the personal front, Berfield married Liza Almeida in 2017, and the couple now has two children. His family life has remained relatively private, contrasting with the public attention he received as a child star.
Looking at his career, Malcolm in the Middle was a turning point. It gave Berfield national recognition, taught him professional skills at a young age, and opened doors to production and behind-the-scenes work later in life. While he stepped away from acting for years, the show remains a defining part of his career, and fans still remember him as the clever and chaotic Reese.
It’s impressive how Berfield managed to transition from child star to producer while maintaining privacy and focusing on family life. It shows a thoughtful approach to fame and career growth. What do you think about Justin Berfield’s journey from Reese to producer? Share your thoughts in the comments.
