On our tour of some of the ABC Studios we visited the set of “The Middle” as well as some of the cast of the show on ABC. We were able to visit with Neil Flynn, Patricia Heaton, Charlie McDermott, and Atticus Shaffer. In fact, everybody except Eden Sher, who plays Sue on the show. It was quite the pleasure hanging out and snapping pictures with one another.
Cast of The Middle on ABC
When ABC’s sitcom “The Middle” premiered on September 30, 2009, it quickly became a cherished part of the network’s lineup. Set in the fictional town of Orson, Indiana, the show revolves around the Heck family, offering a humorous yet heartfelt look at middle-class life. Over its nine-season run, “The Middle” garnered a loyal fan base, largely due to its relatable storylines and, more importantly, its stellar cast. In this article, we’ll delve into the talented ensemble that brought the Heck family and their friends to life, focusing on the key members of “The Middle” cast.
Patricia Heaton as Frankie Heck
Patricia Heaton, best known for her role as Debra Barone on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” stars as Frances “Frankie” Heck, the matriarch of the Heck family. Frankie is a middle-aged, middle-class mother who works at a dental office and later as a car salesperson. Heaton’s portrayal of Frankie captures the essence of a frazzled yet loving mother trying to balance work and family life. Her performance earned critical acclaim and solidified her status as one of television’s most beloved actresses.
Neil Flynn as Mike Heck
Neil Flynn, who many recognize as the Janitor from “Scrubs,” plays Mike Heck, Frankie’s husband. Mike is a straightforward, no-nonsense man who works at a local quarry. Flynn’s deadpan delivery and subtle humor bring a unique charm to the character, making Mike a perfect counterbalance to Frankie’s often chaotic nature. Flynn’s ability to convey warmth and pragmatism made Mike Heck a favorite among fans.
Charlie McDermott as Axl Heck
Charlie McDermott takes on the role of Axl Heck, the oldest of the Heck children. Axl is a typical teenage boy: lazy, messy, and perpetually hungry. Despite his many flaws, Axl has a good heart and shows growth throughout the series. McDermott’s portrayal captures the awkwardness and humor of adolescence, making Axl a relatable character for many viewers.
Eden Sher as Sue Heck
Eden Sher’s portrayal of Sue Heck is one of the standout performances of the show. Sue is the eternally optimistic middle child who faces constant challenges and setbacks. Her unrelenting positivity and quirky personality make her an endearing character. Sher’s ability to infuse Sue with both comedic and dramatic elements earned her widespread praise and several awards, including a Critics’ Choice Television Award.
Atticus Shaffer as Brick Heck
Atticus Shaffer plays Brick Heck, the youngest member of the Heck family. Brick is an intelligent but socially awkward child with a love for reading and peculiar habits, like whispering to himself. Shaffer’s unique portrayal of Brick brings a delightful eccentricity to the character, making him a fan favorite. Despite his young age, Shaffer’s performance showcases a remarkable depth and understanding of his character.
Supporting Cast and Guest Stars of The Middle
“The Middle” also boasts an impressive supporting cast and a slew of memorable guest stars. Among the notable supporting characters are:
- Chris Kattan as Bob Weaver: Frankie’s quirky coworker at the car dealership.
- Brock Ciarlelli as Brad Bottig: Sue’s best friend and confidant.
- John Gammon as Darrin: Axl’s friend and later Sue’s boyfriend.
The show also featured guest appearances by prominent actors, including Brooke Shields, Ray Romano, and Betty White, adding to its charm and appeal.
The Impact of “The Middle” Cast
The success of “The Middle” can be attributed in large part to the chemistry and talent of its cast. Each actor brought their character to life with authenticity and humor, creating a family that viewers could relate to and root for. The show’s ability to balance comedy with genuine emotion resonated with audiences, making it a staple of ABC’s programming for nearly a decade.
In conclusion, the cast of “The Middle” played a crucial role in the show’s enduring popularity. From Patricia Heaton’s portrayal of the harried yet loving Frankie to Atticus Shaffer’s unique take on Brick, each actor contributed to the show’s charm and success. Whether you’re revisiting the series or discovering it for the first time, the talented ensemble of “The Middle” ensures that it remains a delightful and heartwarming watch.
The Middle is such a fun family show that for some reason, we, as a family, some times relate to. The situations that Mike & Frankie often find themselves in seems like I am looking into a mirror. I wasn’t a fan of The Middle until my visit, but now I feel like I am an advocate for the show. Watch “The Middle” every Wednesday 8/7pm CST!
Quotes from the Cast of The Middle
Forget about athletes, movie stars and politicians. Parents are the real heroes—but we think Frankie Heck (Patricia Heaton), must be some kind of superhero. A loving wife and mother of three, she’s middle class in the middle of the country and is rapidly approaching middle age.
Frankie and her husband, Mike (Neil Flynn), have lived in Orson, Indiana, their whole lives. A man of few words (every one a zinger), Mike is a manager at the town quarry and Frankie is the third-best used car salesman (out of the three) at the local dealership. She may not be a high-powered career woman, but when it comes to her family, she’ll go to just about any length. And with kids like these, she had better. There’s Axl (Charlie McDermott), her semi-nudist teenage son conceived while under the influence of Guns N’ Roses; Sue (Eden Sher), the awkward teenage daughter who fails at everything… but with the utmost of gusto; and their seven-year-old son Brick(Atticus Shaffer), whose best friend is his backpack.
Sometimes it seems like everyone is trying to get to the top, or struggling not to hit bottom, but we think Frankie and her family will find a lot of love, and a lot of laughs, somewhere in The Middle.
The Middle Cast on ABC
- Frankie Heck (Patricia Heaton) works hard. This supermom has to wrangle three of the quirkiest, but most lovable kids you’ve ever seen and a blue collar husband who’s known for his tell-it-like-it-is personality more than anything else.
- Mike Heck (Neil Flynn) is the patriarch of the Heck household. He loves his kids and he loves his wife, but his parenting style is a little unorthodox and he may not always be the most sensitive of life partners for his harried and hurried wife.
- Axl, (Charlie McDermott) the oldest son of Frankie and Mike Heck, was conceived during what might be remembered as the Guns N’ Roses period in the Heck household.
- Sue (Eden Sher) is the only daughter of Frankie and Mike Heck. While middle children might be known for being passed over, we’re pretty sure you won’t forget about Sue.
- Brick (Atticus Shaffer) is the youngest child of Frankie and Mike Heck. He’s known both in the household and out for some, let’s say odd behavior—his best friend is his backpack—but that doesn’t mean that he can’t pull it together when he needs to in order to help his mom make a sale.
FAQ – The Middle
“The Middle” is a sitcom that aired on ABC from 2009 to 2018. It follows the daily lives of the Heck family, a middle-class family living in the fictional town of Orson, Indiana. The show focuses on the humorous and relatable challenges faced by the family members as they navigate work, school, and personal relationships.
“The Middle” ran for nine seasons, with a total of 215 episodes. The show premiered on September 30, 2009, and concluded on May 22, 2018.
As of now, “The Middle” is available for streaming on various platforms such as HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Additionally, you can purchase episodes or seasons on services like iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon.
“The Middle” stands out due to its realistic portrayal of middle-class American life. The show’s humor is derived from everyday situations and the relatable struggles of the Heck family. Unlike many sitcoms that focus on affluent families or exaggerated scenarios, “The Middle” captures the essence of ordinary life with a perfect blend of comedy and heart.
Yes, “The Middle” received several awards and nominations during its run. Eden Sher, who played Sue Heck, won a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. The show was also nominated for various other awards, recognizing its writing, performances, and overall quality.
A spin-off centered around Eden Sher’s character, Sue Heck, titled “Sue Sue in the City,” was in development but ultimately did not move forward. However, the idea of exploring Sue’s adventures in a new setting remains a popular topic among fans of the show.
Conclusion
“The Middle” is more than just a sitcom; it’s a snapshot of middle-class American life, brought to life by an exceptional cast. Their performances made us laugh, cry, and see a bit of our own families in the Hecks. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, take a moment to appreciate the brilliant cast of “The Middle” – they truly are the heart of the show.
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