Frankie Muniz Rejects SNL Hosting to Meet Amanda Bynes in 2000

Frankie Muniz, best known for his role in Malcolm in the Middle, turned down a historic opportunity to host Saturday Night Live in 2000 because it conflicted with his commitment to co-host the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards alongside his childhood crush Amanda Bynes. Despite the urging of his mother and numerous TV executives, Muniz chose to prioritize meeting Bynes over becoming one of the youngest SNL hosts, stating, "I don't back out of obligation." This decision came early in his career, before his full stardom, when he expressed admiration for Bynes and her shows. The Kids' Choice Awards that year included four cohosts, with Muniz sharing duties alongside LL Cool J, David Arquette, and Mandy Moore. Muniz recently shared this story on the Lightweights Podcast and will reprise his iconic Malcolm character in the upcoming Disney+ reboot titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, set to debut in December. His choice highlights the personal values he held even during his rise to fame.