7 Shocking Facts About 'Brick' From The Middle: Where Atticus Shaffer Is Now In 2025

The character of Brick Heck, with his signature whisper-to-himself habit and insatiable love for reading, became one of the most iconic and endearing figures in modern television history. Played by the talented Atticus Shaffer, the youngest child of the chaotic Heck family on the long-running ABC sitcom The Middle, Brick’s quirky charm anchored the show for nine seasons, concluding in 2018. The question remains: what has the now-adult Atticus Shaffer been up to since leaving the fictional town of Orson, Indiana?

As of late 2024 and early 2025, Atticus Shaffer has undergone a massive personal and professional transformation, shifting his focus from live-action sitcoms to a prolific career in voice acting and, perhaps most surprisingly, becoming a popular content creator on YouTube and Twitch. While the original search term—"brick malcolm in the middle"—is a common mix-up between two popular sitcoms, the actor behind the character, Atticus Shaffer, has a fresh, unique story that is far from the typical child star narrative. His journey involves embracing his unique physical condition, deepening his faith, and building a new career in the digital space.

Atticus Shaffer: Complete Biography and Profile

Atticus Shaffer, the actor famous for bringing Brick Heck to life, has maintained a steady career in the entertainment industry, transitioning seamlessly into new roles after his decade-long run on television. His life story is one of perseverance and adaptability.

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• Full Name: Atticus Ronald Shaffer
• Date of Birth: June 19, 1998
• Age (as of 2025): 26 years old
• Birth Place: Santa Clarita, California, United States
• Primary Profession: Actor, Voice Actor, YouTuber
• Most Famous Role: Brick Heck on The Middle (2009–2018)
• Notable Voice Roles: Ono in The Lion Guard, Edgar in Frankenweenie, Morrie in Adventures in Odyssey
• Medical Condition: Shaffer was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Type IV), a genetic disorder commonly known as brittle bone disease.
• Current Focus: Voice acting, content creation (vlogs, video game streaming), and sharing his Christian faith.

The Truth About the 'Brick Malcolm in the Middle' Confusion

The confusion between "Brick" and the iconic show Malcolm in the Middle is understandable, as both were critically acclaimed sitcoms about dysfunctional, lower-middle-class families. However, it is important to clarify that Atticus Shaffer played Brick Heck on The Middle, which ran from 2009 to 2018. There is no character named Brick in the cast of Malcolm in the Middle.

The Heck family—Frankie, Mike, Axl, Sue, and Brick—were often compared to the Wilkerson family from Malcolm in the Middle due to their similar themes of financial struggle and sibling rivalry. Despite the mix-up, Atticus Shaffer's performance as the socially awkward, book-obsessed youngest child left an indelible mark on television, making his character's name a cultural touchstone. His character’s constant self-whispering of the last word of a sentence was a defining, unforgettable quirk.

Atticus Shaffer’s Life with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

One of the most defining aspects of Atticus Shaffer’s public life is his openness about living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease. This condition affects collagen production, leading to fragile bones that can fracture easily. Shaffer's shorter stature and unique appearance are a result of this condition, and he has used his platform to educate the public.

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Crucially, Shaffer has always insisted that his condition should not define his career. He sees it as merely a part of who he is. His ability to secure and perform demanding roles like Brick Heck and numerous voice acting parts demonstrates his commitment to his craft, proving that his talent transcends any physical limitations. This advocacy has made him an inspirational figure to many young fans with similar challenges.

From Sitcom Star to Voice-Acting Veteran and Digital Creator

Since The Middle concluded, Atticus Shaffer has strategically pivoted his career, finding immense success in the world of voice acting. This move allows him to focus purely on his vocal talent, which is perfectly suited for animated roles. His work in this field is extensive and continues to expand in 2025.

The Prolific Voice-Acting Portfolio

Shaffer's voice work is perhaps his most consistent professional endeavor post-Heck family life. He is widely recognized for voicing the character Ono, a quick-witted egret, in the Disney animated series The Lion Guard, a spin-off of The Lion King. He also provided the voice for Edgar in Tim Burton’s 2012 stop-motion film Frankenweenie. Continuing his work in children's and family entertainment, he voices the character Morrie on the popular Christian radio drama and podcast Adventures in Odyssey.

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This shift has allowed him to maintain a high profile in the industry while exploring a new creative outlet, a smart move for many former child actors looking for longevity in their careers. The voice-over world provides consistent work and a level of privacy not afforded to live-action television stars.

Atticus Shaffer: A YouTuber and Twitch Streamer in 2025

In a major update for fans looking for his current activities, Atticus Shaffer has embraced the world of online content creation. He actively manages a YouTube channel and streams on Twitch, where he engages directly with his audience, often discussing his Christian faith, video games, and general life updates.

His YouTube channel, "AtticusShafferVlog," is a treasure trove of recent content, including vlogs about food, daily life, and deep dives into his personal beliefs. He frequently posts live streams and videos, some as recent as a few hours ago, making his online presence a truly current and personal connection point for fans. This move demonstrates a modern approach to celebrity, leveraging the power of direct-to-fan communication and providing a platform where he can be completely authentic, separate from a scripted character like Brick Heck.

The Lasting Legacy of Brick Heck and The Middle

Although Atticus Shaffer has moved on, the legacy of The Middle remains strong. The show is beloved for its realistic, unvarnished portrayal of a middle-class family struggling through everyday life. Brick Heck’s most memorable characteristics—his whisper, his book addiction, and his social awkwardness—have become cultural shorthand for the endearing oddball.

The show's success was built on the chemistry of the entire cast, including Patricia Heaton (Frankie Heck), Neil Flynn (Mike Heck), Charlie McDermott (Axl Heck), and Eden Sher (Sue Heck). While there have been rumors and discussions about a potential spin-off focusing on Sue Heck (dubbed Sue Sue in the City), those plans have not materialized as of 2025. Fans continue to hope for a full Heck family reunion, but for now, they can follow the adult lives of the cast members, particularly Atticus Shaffer, through his vibrant and current digital presence. His successful transition proves that even the quirkiest of child stars can find a meaningful and unique path in adulthood.