'I've said too much': Frankie Muniz reveals he hasn't spoken to fellow child actor and co-star Hilary Duff in 22 years – all because of her mum

Actor Frankie Muniz said he "regrets" what happened with former co-star Hilary Duff after revealing the pair haven't spoken in 22 years.

The two-time Golden Globe nominee opened up about the surprising reason their friendship fell apart during an episode of The Joe Vulpis Podcast.

"I've actually never told this story and I might get in trouble for it but I don't care, I'm 40" Muniz told the host.

Hear some of what he had to say in the video above.

Muniz and former Disney star Duff met as teens in the early 2000s at the start of their acting careers.

The star revealed Duff was "one of his first friends" when he moved to LA to film The Malcom in the Middle series.

READ MORE: Malcolm in the Middle's Frankie Muniz reunites with TV parents ahead of reboot

The two went on to play teen love interests in hit film Agent Cody Banks, where after the last day of filming Muniz revealed he never spoke to her again.

Watch why here:

According to Muniz, things took a turn long before filming began. After guest starring in Duff's own hit series Lizzie McGuire, he was on set and Duff's mum was there.

READ MORE: Teachers, hairdressers and restaurant aficionados: Travel Guides' jobs and careers outside of the show

"Her mum... I'm going to say was the epitome of a stage mum," he said on the podcast. "She was super intense."

"Her mum was like, 'Do you know what you're doing this summer?' And I go, 'Oh, I'm filming this movie where I'm playing like a junior James Bond.'"

Muniz was referring to his hit role in 2003 film Agent Cody Banks.

According to Muniz, Duff's mum asked if there a potential role for her daughter. While the film had a female lead, Muniz pictured Smallville actress Kristin Kreuk to play his love interest.

"The next morning" however, Duff was cast.

"Her mum was like, 'Hey guess what? They signed the contract last night'."

Muniz said he was shocked.

"I wasn't mad... I wasn't thrilled about it and not because I didn't want it to be Hilary," he said but because the studio went behind his back.

Muniz said he would be "very sad when Hilary's mum would come on set".

"I've never talked to Hilary since the last day of filming, have not said one word to her since. That's the truth," he told Vulpis.

The star said there was also an "awkwardness" because the pair were no longer dating, but he "regrets" not continuing being friends with her.

He said they had a great friendship for such a long time and he let Duff's mum get in the way of it.

"I would love to catch up with her, I would love to even talk about that because I'm sure she doesn't know any of that happened."

Malcolm in the Middle reboot

After rocketing to mega-fame on Malcolm in the Middle, Frankie Muniz went on to become one of Hollywood's most sought-after (and highest paid) teen actors, starring in hit films like Big Fat Liar and Agent Cody Banks.

Since 2023, Frankie has embraced his new career as a professional race car driver.

Earlier this year however, the star confirmed his return to acting for the highly-anticipated Malcolm in the Middle reboot series.

In April 2025, Muniz reunited with his on-screen Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek as filming begun.

A moment 18 years in the making, Muniz shared his first behind-the-scenes photo from the Disney+ revival.

All three actors are set to return for their respective roles as Malcolm, Hal and Lois for a limited, four-episode series.

In October 2025, Muniz was seen on set with on-screen brothers Justin Berfield and Christopher Masterson who will reprise their respective roles of Reese and Francis in the revival.

READ MORE: Our honest thoughts on Apple's $429 AirPods

Original actor Erik Per Sullivan will not be returning as youngest brother Dewey. Rising star Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will take over the role.

The miniseries will stream on Disney+. A premiere date has not yet been announced.

The teen star played the titular character Malcolm for seven seasons alongside a talented cast including, of course, Cranston and Kaczmarek.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest news from your favourite shows via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.