Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Muniz reveals his grandfather died in heartbreaking social media post
American actor Frankie Muniz has shared some heartbreaking family news.
The actor, known for his starring role on Malcolm in the Middle, revealed in an emotional Instagram post to his 1.1 million followers that his grandfather died over the holidays.
“Our Thanksgiving Day plans were abruptly changed when I got a call last Monday letting me know my grandfather, John Preli, passed away at the age of 97,” he shared.
Muniz accompanied the post with photos from his grandfather’s funeral.
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In one photo, he helped his three-year-old son Mauz Mosley place a flower on the coffin.
Muniz shares his son with wife Paige Price.
The actor paid tribute to his late grandfather, gushing that “every member of my family is where they are and who they are because of him.”
“He taught us lessons about life that I will never forget and I am forever grateful to have had him in my life,” he continued.
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Muniz said he was “at peace” knowing his grandfather was now with his wife of almost 70 years Martha, who had previously died.
“Sad to lose my grandfather but loved getting to spend time with my family this weekend as it was a reminder of what is truly important. I love you pops,” he signed off.
On the final slide of his post, Muniz shared a family photo of him with his grandfather.
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The post was inundated with messages of condolences for the star and his family.
Motorsports racing driver Brad Perez wrote, “sorry for your loss buddy”.
Aside from acting, Muniz is a professional stock car racing driver.
“So sorry for your Loss,” Dancing With the Stars professional dancer Keo Motsepe said. Muniz was on the dance show in 2017.
”So sorry for your loss. Love to you and family ❤️” Aussie fitness guru Michelle Bridges commented.
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Muniz rose to fame in the early 2000s on the sitcom series Malcolm in the Middle. He was just 15 years old when the first season premiered in 2000.
The teen star played the titular character Malcolm for seven seasons alongside a talented cast including Bryan Cranston.
He starred in other ’00s films like Agent Cody Banks with Hilary Duff, Big Fat Liar and Racing Stripes.
After Malcolm in the Middle wrapped in 2006, Muniz went on to pursue a professional carer as a racecar driver.
In 2020 he married his partner Paige Price and a year later they welcomed their son.
The couple recently celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary, which Muniz marked with a heartwarming tribute to his “incredible wife”.
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