From Axl Heck To Indie Folk: 5 Major Things Charlie McDermott Is Doing Now After Retiring From Acting

The question on every fan’s mind—what happened to Axl Heck?—has a surprising and definitive answer. As of December 2025, Charlie McDermott, the actor who spent nine seasons playing the perpetually shirtless, wisecracking eldest son on the beloved ABC sitcom The Middle, has made a massive and permanent career pivot. He is no longer pursuing acting and has fully transitioned into life as a professional musician, embracing the indie folk scene.

This dramatic shift from a mainstream television career to a quieter, more personal pursuit is one of the most intriguing stories in Hollywood today. McDermott, now in his mid-30s, has traded the high-pressure world of sitcoms for the introspective, melodic sounds of folk music, releasing multiple albums and performing live. The latest updates confirm his commitment to this new path, making him one of the few actors to completely step away from the camera for a different creative endeavor.

Charlie McDermott: A Biographical Profile and Career Overview

To fully appreciate his current journey, it’s essential to look back at the career that led him to his current status as a retired actor and full-time folk artist.

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• Full Name: Charles Joseph McDermott Jr.
• Date of Birth: April 6, 1990
• Place of Birth: West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
• Age: 35 (as of 2025)
• Breakout Role: Axl Heck on the ABC sitcom The Middle (2009–2018).
• Notable Early Films: The Village (2004), Frozen River (2008), Sex Drive (2008).
• Post-Sitcom Work: Appeared in the film Instant Family (2018).
• Directing Credit: Directed the Season 8 episode "The Man and the Seat" of The Middle.
• Current Profession (2025): Indie Folk Musician and retired actor.

The Massive Career Pivot: Why Charlie McDermott Retired from Acting

The biggest news surrounding Charlie McDermott is his decision to leave acting behind. While many former sitcom stars continue to audition or take on smaller roles, McDermott has explicitly retired from his decades-long career in front of the camera. This transition was not a sudden impulse but a gradual shift toward a passion that offered a different kind of creative fulfillment.

The Call of Indie Folk Music

After the nine-season run of The Middle concluded in 2018, McDermott took a supporting role in the 2018 comedy film Instant Family, but his focus soon shifted entirely to music. He began releasing experimental folk music, a genre that allows for deep introspection and storytelling, which he has described as exploring "big feelings in small moments."

His musical style is distinct, featuring "meandering melodic guitar, soft vocals, and spoken word," drawing comparisons to influential indie bands like Radiohead and The Shins. This sound is a stark contrast to the boisterous, high-energy character of Axl Heck, showcasing a vastly different side of the artist.

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The Debut Album and Subsequent Releases

McDermott officially launched his music career in 2020 with his debut album, Some Things Just Fall Out of Your Hands. The album features tracks like "Wayside" and "Take Care," which he also produced music videos for. This was followed by a second, as-yet-unnamed album released in 2022, cementing his status as a dedicated recording artist. His commitment is clear: he is building a genuine portfolio as a musician, not merely a celebrity hobbyist.

Life on the Road: Charlie McDermott's 2024–2025 Music Presence

The most current updates on Charlie McDermott revolve around his live performances and continued musical output. Unlike his former co-stars like Patricia Heaton (Frankie Heck) or Neil Flynn (Mike Heck), who have continued to take acting roles, McDermott’s calendar is now filled with music-related events, not Hollywood auditions.

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Indie Folk Tour and Live Performances

McDermott has been actively touring and performing his indie folk music. A notable, recent highlight of his music career was a scheduled performance in Dublin, Ireland, in November 2024. This international gig is a strong indicator that his music is gaining traction beyond his American fanbase, drawing audiences who appreciate his unique sound and lyrical depth.

He promotes his work primarily through his music-focused social media channels, including his YouTube channel, @CharlieMcDermottMusic, where he uploads his songs and videos, and his personal Instagram, @charlietmcd. This digital presence is where fans can find the most up-to-date information on his releases and concert dates.

The Post-Hollywood Lifestyle

Beyond his creative pursuits, McDermott has also made practical life changes. Reports from July 2024 indicated that he made a significant property purchase, suggesting a settled life away from the Hollywood spotlight that dominated his youth. This move reinforces the narrative that he is fully invested in a post-acting life—one focused on stability, personal projects, and his new career in music.

What This Means for Fans of The Middle

The revelation that Charlie McDermott is a retired actor is a definitive answer for fans hoping for a reunion or a spin-off featuring the Heck family. While the show ended in 2018, the cast members—including Eden Sher (Sue Heck) and Atticus Shaffer (Brick Heck)—have occasionally discussed the possibility of future projects. However, McDermott’s firm career change makes any formal return to the role of Axl Heck highly unlikely.

Instead of looking for him on a new TV show, fans are encouraged to follow his music journey. His albums, including the 2020 debut, offer a new, mature, and deeply personal connection to the artist. The transition from a television star known for comedic timing to a serious indie folk musician is an inspiring story of creative evolution, proving that sometimes, the biggest plot twist happens off-screen.