Frankie Muniz, former star of “Malcolm in the Middle” explained in a recent interview why he made the decision to never have a sip of alcohol in his 38 years of life. Not only that, Muniz discussed why he made the same decision regarding drugs, despite being surrounded by a family that drinks and an acting community that is not afraid to let loose and party.
Muniz explained that there wasn’t just one simple reason that he chose to avoid using drugs and alcohol. In fact, he even went so far as to say that it wasn’t how he was raised. When asked if this proclivity to abstain from substances came from his parents, Muniz responded that his whole family drinks alcohol to have fun at the end of the week.
Muniz, in the interview with People, said, “Every family member in my family drinks. And that’s what they do for fun. I tried to figure out why I didn’t, because I don’t have a reason. It wasn’t, like, a religion.” Despite this, Muniz still found it important that he not drink or do drugs. He continued discussing why he made that choice at such a young age.
Muniz explained, “When I was 15, 16 years old, I felt like I was so old. I had experienced so much. And I had experienced a lot in my life in comparison to most 15 or 16 year olds. but even though I was in the entertainment business, I never saw it, meaning the drug use, any of that stuff. I somehow stayed away. I just went to the set and did my thing.”
Hilariously, Muniz talked about how television influenced his perception of drugs, saying, “I grew up thinking the only people who smoked pot were criminals…on episodes of Cops. Now I talk to my dad about it and my mom and they’re like, ‘We smoked pot every single day, you just didn’t know.’”
Muniz also discussed the sometimes awkward conversation that takes place when telling a group that he doesnt drink. While he explains that most people are understanding, there is still a momentary shock when the child star says that he will not be partaking in alcohol during a party.
He said, “I couldn’t believe everyone’s reactions when I said I don’t drink. ‘Oh, we’re at a club, we have a bottle. You want a drink?’ ‘No, I don’t drink. I’m good with water.’ Everyone was either shocked or appalled that I didn’t drink. Or they’d be like, ‘Wow, that’s so strong of you.’
“I was always kind of like, ‘It’s so weird that people have such a strong reaction to me not drinking.’ Like, who cares? I don’t care what you do. Why do you care so much about me?’ I don’t know if I made a conscious decision, but it just stuck with me that I was never gonna drink or do anything.” Muniz is still planning to stick to his commitment to sobriety, he explained after quickly joking that he may end his 38 years after that interview.
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