Sitcoms are weird. One day you’re watching a family struggle to pay an electric bill in Orson, Indiana, and the next, ten years have passed and the kids are suddenly thirty. It’s been a while since the Heck family officially said goodbye in 2018, but the actors on The Middle haven't exactly disappeared into the cornfields. In fact, if you’ve turned on a TV lately, you’ve probably seen them—you just might not have realized it because they’re so good at blending into new roles.
Patricia Heaton basically owns the sitcom genre at this point. After nine seasons as Frankie Heck, she didn't just retire to a beach. She jumped straight into Carol's Second Act. It didn't last as long as her previous hits, but it proved she’s one of the few actors who can carry a multi-cam show on her back. Honestly, playing a frazzled mom for nearly two decades (counting Everybody Loves Raymond) would burn anyone out, but Heaton seems to thrive in the chaos of middle-class storytelling.
What the Heck Happened to the Kids?
Watching child actors grow up is always a gamble. You never know if they're going to pull a "Jodie Sweetin" or just go get a degree in marine biology and never be seen again. Atticus Shaffer, who played the iconic, whispering Brick Heck, has taken a path that's actually pretty smart. He’s leaned heavily into voice acting.
If you have kids or just enjoy animation, you’ve heard him. He was in The Lion Guard as Ono and did voices for Star vs. the Forces of Evil. He has osteogenesis imperfecta, which he’s always been very open about, and it’s cool to see him navigating Hollywood on his own terms. He isn't chasing every blockbuster; he seems content doing work that fits his vibe.
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Then there’s Eden Sher. Sue Heck was the heart of that show. If you didn't root for Sue, you basically don't have a soul. Sher was supposed to get a spin-off called Sue Sue in the City, which actually filmed a pilot. ABC passed on it, which felt like a punch in the gut to fans. But Sher didn’t stop. She’s done guest spots on Jane the Virgin and voiced the lead in Star vs. the Forces of Evil (yes, alongside her TV brother Shaffer). She also wrote a book called The Emotionary. It’s basically a dictionary for words that don’t exist for feelings that do. Very Sue Heck of her.
Charlie McDermott and the Indie Pivot
Axl Heck was the quintessential "lazy older brother," but Charlie McDermott is the opposite. While he was still on the show, he was out there directing indie films and playing folk music. He’s probably the member of the actors on The Middle cast who is most likely to show up in a moody A24 movie.
He released an album called Ginkgo in 2020. It's surprisingly good—sorta melancholic and slow. He also appeared in Unbelievable on Netflix and had a role in the film Instant Family. He doesn’t seem interested in the "leading man" Hollywood machine. He’s more of an artist who happens to be a great actor. He moved to New Zealand for a while. He’s just doing his own thing, and you have to respect that.
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The Stoic Presence of Neil Flynn
Neil Flynn is a legend. Before he was Mike Heck, he was the Janitor on Scrubs. The man is a master of the "dry delivery." Since The Middle ended, he’s been keeping a relatively low profile, though he did star in a sitcom called Abby's which was filmed entirely outdoors. It was an interesting experiment, even if it only lasted one season.
Flynn is the kind of actor who will always have work because he’s a "pro’s pro." He’s a veteran of Second City, so his improv skills are top-tier. Even when he’s playing a guy who doesn't want to talk about his feelings, you can see the layers.
Why This Cast Worked So Well
- Chemistry: They actually liked each other. You can't fake that for nine years.
- Relatability: Unlike the Modern Family kids, the Heck kids looked and acted like real Midwest teenagers.
- Work Ethic: Look at their IMDb pages. They don't stop.
Where to Find the Supporting Players
It wasn’t just the core five. The recurring actors on The Middle were half the fun.
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- Brock Ciarlelli (Brad Bottig): He’s been very active on TikTok and social media, sharing behind-the-scenes stories. He’s also continued acting in smaller projects and theatre.
- Beau Wirick (Sean Donahue): He’s stayed close with the cast, especially Eden Sher. He’s done some guest spots and focused a lot on his personal life and fitness.
- Alphonso McAuley (Hutch): He’s a huge presence on social media and has appeared in various comedy sketches and films like Girlboss.
The reality of the TV industry is that most shows are forgotten six months after the finale. The Middle is different. It has this weird staying power on streaming platforms like Peacock and Max. People find it comforting. It’s "laundry folding" TV—shows you can watch while doing chores that make you feel less alone in your own mundane life.
The Legacy of the Orson Residents
There’s often talk about a reboot. In the era of The Conners and Fuller House, it’s always a possibility. However, the cast seems to have moved on to a point where a revival might feel forced. The finale was actually perfect. We saw where they ended up. Axl had kids who were just like him (karma), Sue finally found her place, and Brick became an author.
If you’re looking to follow the current work of these actors, your best bet is to look toward the indie scene for McDermott, the voice-over world for Shaffer, and the Broadway or book world for Sher. They aren't the types to be in the tabloids. They’re working actors.
Actionable Ways to Support the Cast Today
If you miss the Hecks, don't just rewatch the show for the tenth time. There are ways to see what they're doing now that actually supports their current careers.
- Check out Eden Sher’s "The Emotionary": It’s a great read if you’ve ever felt a "weirdly specific" feeling you couldn't name.
- Listen to Charlie McDermott’s music: Search for Ginkgo on Spotify or Apple Music. It’s perfect for a rainy drive.
- Follow Atticus Shaffer on Twitch/Socials: He occasionally does gaming streams and interacts with fans in a way that’s very grounded.
- Watch "Shrinking" or "Abbott Elementary": Keep an eye out for guest spots. This cast is well-respected in the industry, and they pop up in the best comedies.
The actors on The Middle succeeded because they felt like our neighbors. They didn't feel like "stars." Even now, years later, that groundedness is what defines their careers. They aren't chasing clout; they're just doing the work, one role at a time, much like the characters they played for nearly a decade.