If you’ve spent any time at all watching the chaotic, heartwarming mess that is the Heck family, you know exactly who Brad Bottig is. He’s the jazz-hands-loving, tap-dancing, endlessly optimistic best friend of Sue Heck. But who plays Brad on The Middle?
The man behind the glitter and the "Senior Citizen Memory Recovery Through Tap" programs is Brock Ciarlelli.
It’s actually kinda wild how Brock took what could have been a tiny, one-off side character and turned him into a nine-season legend. Honestly, most fans can’t even imagine the show without him. He wasn't even supposed to be a regular at first. He just sort of... stayed. And thank god he did, because the dynamic between him and Eden Sher (Sue) is basically the glue that holds some of the crazier B-plots together.
The Journey of Brock Ciarlelli
Brock didn't just stumble into Orson, Indiana. He actually grew up in Littleton, Colorado.
He started out in local theater, which explains why he can actually tap dance and sing for real. It wasn't just a gimmick for the cameras. While he was filming The Middle, he wasn't just hanging out in Hollywood; he was actually a Mathematics major at Chapman University.
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Think about that. One day he’s filming a scene about Sue’s "Wrestlerettes" and the next he’s sitting in a senior-level Calculus lecture. That’s some serious range.
He’s not just a sitcom star. Brock is a multi-hyphenate. He’s an acting teacher at Stan Kirsch Studios in LA. He’s an anti-bullying advocate. He’s even a podcast host now. If you’re a die-hard fan, you’ve probably seen his new project, Middling with Eden and Brock. It’s basically him and Eden Sher recapping the show and spilling behind-the-scenes tea. It’s super nostalgic and feels like a warm hug for anyone who misses the show.
Why Brad Bottig Was So Groundbreaking
People often forget how Brad started. In the early seasons, he was Sue’s boyfriend.
Yeah. Remember that?
They "dated" briefly, but everyone—except Sue—realized pretty quickly that Brad was gay. Mike and Frankie’s reactions were honestly some of the best writing in the show. They were never mean about it. They were just sort of... amused that Sue hadn't figured it out yet.
When Brad finally came out to Sue in Season 7, it was one of the most emotional moments in the series. It wasn't a "very special episode" kind of thing. It was just two best friends on a lawn at night. It was quiet. It was real.
The Evolution of a Character
Brad could have easily been a stereotype. He loves Broadway. He loves fashion. He’s "a lot." But Brock Ciarlelli played him with so much heart that he became one of the most grounded people in Sue’s life.
- He was a better friend than Carly. (Fight me on this, but the Reddit threads agree.)
- He was fiercely loyal. Even when Sue was being "too Sue," Brad was there.
- He was ambitious. Remember when he deferred his New York college acceptance to do AmeriCorps in Indiana?
He eventually moved into the adult world of the show, even appearing in the pilot for the spinoff Sue Sue in the City. Unfortunately, that spinoff never got picked up by ABC, which is a literal crime against television. We deserved to see Brad and Sue taking on Chicago together.
Where is Brock Ciarlelli Now?
If you see Brock today, you might actually do a double-take. He’s definitely grown up.
He’s been doing some really interesting work lately that’s a far cry from the PG-rated halls of Orson High. He was in the Billy Eichner rom-com Bros playing a character named Steve. It was a "cringy but comical" role that let him flex some different comedic muscles.
He also popped up in the Netflix series Glamorous as Geoffrey. More recently, in 2024 and 2025, he’s been attached to projects like Doctor Odyssey and Oh Daddy!. He’s not just "the kid from The Middle" anymore. He’s a working actor who has managed to avoid the typical child-star burnout.
Fast Facts About Brock:
- Birthdate: July 12, 1993.
- Education: B.S. in Mathematics from Chapman University.
- Awards: He won four Young Artist Awards for his role as Brad.
- Theater: He once performed a one-man show called Fully Committed where he played 37 different characters. 37!
The Impact of Who Plays Brad on The Middle
The reason people keep asking "who plays Brad on The Middle" isn't just because they forgot his name. It's because he’s one of those actors who feels like a friend.
Brock Ciarlelli brought a specific kind of joy to the screen that is actually pretty rare. He represented a version of a queer teenager that was happy, supported, and allowed to be weird without being a victim.
Honestly, if you haven't checked out his podcast Middling, you should. It really highlights how much of "Brad" was just Brock’s natural energy. They talk about the "Loneliest Locker," the origin of Mike’s stumble at work, and the real-life friendship that makes the Sue/Brad dynamic feel so authentic.
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If you’re looking to keep up with what he’s doing, your best bet is following his career through his teaching or his more recent TV appearances. He’s constantly evolving, shifting from math student to sitcom star to "top acting teacher" in LA.
To really appreciate the work he put in, go back and watch the Season 2 episode "Super Sunday." It’s the one where he asks Sue to be his dance partner for "Square Dancing with the Stars." The comedic timing between him and Eden Sher in that episode is a masterclass in sitcom acting.
Whether he’s Marco in a new drama or Brad Bottig doing a jazz square, Brock Ciarlelli is a talent that’s here to stay.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the Middling with Eden and Brock podcast for the ultimate behind-the-scenes deep dive.
- Watch Bros on streaming to see his transition into adult film roles.
- Follow his acting studio updates if you’re interested in the craft behind the character.