From Child Prodigy To Adult Star: Where Is Franklin From My Wife And Kids Now?

It has been over two decades since the genius Franklin Aloysius Mumford first graced our screens on the hit sitcom *My Wife and Kids*, but the actor behind the iconic character has certainly not faded into obscurity. As of December 2025, Noah Gray-Cabey, the former child star who played the precocious, piano-playing neighbor, has successfully navigated the challenging transition to adult roles, balancing his acting career with his deep passion for music and a recent foray into screenwriting. His journey is a fascinating blend of academic brilliance, musical virtuosity, and a steady stream of television and film work, proving he is a true multi-hyphenate in the entertainment industry. The character of Franklin, known for his advanced intellect and sophisticated charm that often overshadowed the adult characters, remains one of the most memorable child roles in sitcom history. Today, the actor is a grown man, and his career trajectory has been just as impressive as the fictional report cards of his on-screen counterpart, with recent roles in popular TV dramas and a 2023 horror film demonstrating his versatility.

Noah Gray-Cabey: Complete Biography and Profile

Noah Gray-Cabey is an American actor and world-renowned pianist whose career began at a remarkably young age, showcasing a prodigious talent for both performance and academics.

• Full Name: Noah Gray-Cabey
• Born: November 16, 1995
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 30 years old
• Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S. (Some sources also mention Maine)
• Occupation: Actor, Pianist, Writer
• Years Active: 2001–Present
• Education: Accepted to Harvard University at age 15. Graduated from Paraclete High School in Lancaster, CA, in June 2011.
• Musical Career Highlight: At age 5, he became the youngest soloist ever to perform with an orchestra at the Sydney Opera House.
• Key TV Roles:
  • Franklin Aloysius Mumford in *My Wife and Kids* (2002–2005)
  • Micah Sanders in *Heroes* (2006–2010) and *Heroes Reborn*
  • Dr. Eliot Dixon in *Code Black* (2016–2018)
  • Mason in *Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists* (2019)
  • Frausto in *All American* (2021–2023)
• Recent Film Role: Robbie in *Fog City* (2023)

The Transition: From Sitcom Genius to Dramatic Roles

The biggest challenge for any child star is shedding their iconic early role to be taken seriously as an adult actor. Gray-Cabey navigated this with strategic choices, opting for dramatic and complex roles that showcased his range immediately following the end of *My Wife and Kids*.

The Superhero and The Doctor: Post-Franklin Success

Almost immediately after his run as Franklin, Gray-Cabey landed a major role in the hit NBC series *Heroes*. He played Micah Sanders, another child genius with the power of technopathy—the ability to communicate with and control machines. This role was a significant pivot, moving him from lighthearted comedy to a high-stakes science fiction drama. This pattern of choosing serious roles continued into his young adulthood. From 2016 to 2018, he starred as Dr. Eliot Dixon in the CBS medical drama *Code Black*. Playing a resident doctor in a high-pressure environment demonstrated a maturity and gravitas that firmly established him as a capable adult performer, far removed from the precocious boy who loved Janet "Jay" Kyle.

Noah Gray-Cabey's Most Recent Projects (2023–2025)

In the last few years, Noah Gray-Cabey has maintained a steady presence on television and in film, focusing on projects that resonate with contemporary audiences. His most current and notable work includes a recurring role in a popular sports drama and a recent turn in the horror genre.

On the Field: *All American* (2021–2023)

One of his most recent and prominent television roles was as Frausto in The CW's critically acclaimed sports drama, *All American*. The series, which follows high school football star Spencer James, gave Gray-Cabey a platform to connect with a new generation of viewers. His arc on the show, which ran from 2021 to 2023, confirmed his ability to blend into an ensemble cast while contributing to a compelling, serialized narrative. Fans of his earlier work appreciated seeing him in a modern, character-driven series.

A Turn to Terror: *Fog City* (2023)

Further demonstrating his desire to explore different genres, Gray-Cabey appeared in the horror film *Fog City* in 2023, playing the role of Robbie. This move into independent film and the horror genre shows an actor committed to versatility, not resting on the laurels of his past television fame. This project is a key piece of evidence for his up-to-date career status, offering fresh content for his long-time followers.

Beyond Acting: Music, Academics, and Activism

What truly makes Gray-Cabey a unique figure in Hollywood is the depth of his interests outside of acting. His life story is a testament to the power of balancing creative and intellectual pursuits.

The Piano Prodigy's Enduring Passion

Long before he was acting, Noah Gray-Cabey was a musical prodigy. He began performing classical piano at the age of four, touring throughout New England, Washington, Jamaica, and Australia. His record as the youngest soloist to perform with an orchestra at the Sydney Opera House remains a phenomenal achievement. This musical foundation is not just a footnote; it is a core part of his identity. He and his family even started a project called Action in Music (A.I.M.) to help children develop their musical talents and perform internationally, with funds going to hospitals and orphanages.

The Academic Pursuit and Writing Aspirations

Gray-Cabey was accepted to Harvard University at the young age of 15, highlighting his exceptional intellect. While he has balanced acting with his studies, his academic inclination has recently translated into a new creative endeavor: writing. In recent years, he has publicly shared his interest in screenwriting, mentioning on social media that he has been actively working on a script that he hopes to bring to the screen. This potential shift into writing and producing marks an exciting new chapter for the star.

Social Justice Advocacy

In addition to his creative work, Noah Gray-Cabey has also used his platform for social good. He has been an outspoken advocate for social justice, voicing his opinions and support for movements like Black Lives Matter. This demonstrates a commitment to using his voice for issues beyond the entertainment world, showing a thoughtful and engaged public persona. The journey of Franklin from *My Wife and Kids*—or rather, Noah Gray-Cabey—is one of continuous evolution. From a child star who could command a piano and a scene with equal brilliance, he has matured into a versatile actor, musician, and emerging writer who is actively engaged in the world around him. His latest work in *All American* and *Fog City*, coupled with his creative drive to write, proves that the brainpower that made Franklin a star is still fueling a fascinating and dynamic career today.