Justin Berfield
He evolved from a mischievous TV kid into a creative force behind the scenes, shaping film and television projects for a major brand.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American actor·Birthday: February 25·Millennials
Biography
Justin Berfield first entered living rooms as the troublemaking Ross Malloy on 'Unhappily Ever After,' but it was his turn as the scheming, aggressive Reese on 'Malcolm in the Middle' that cemented his place in pop culture. Unlike many child actors, Berfield smoothly transitioned away from the spotlight, leveraging his industry knowledge into a significant behind-the-scenes career. He co-founded a production company that caught the eye of Richard Branson's Virgin Group, leading to his role as Chief Creative Officer of Virgin Produced. In that position, he moved from memorizing lines to greenlighting them, overseeing the development of feature films and television series. Berfield's journey reflects a savvy understanding of the entertainment business, trading on-screen antics for executive influence.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Justin was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Justin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Justin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the iconic role of Reese, the chaotic older brother, on all seven seasons of the hit sitcom 'Malcolm in the Middle'.
- Served as the Chief Creative Officer of Virgin Produced, steering the company's film and TV development slate.
- Co-founded the production company J2 Pictures, which produced the film 'Moving McAllister' and later merged with Virgin's venture.
- Starred as a series regular on The WB's 'Unhappily Ever After' for five seasons during his early teens.
Did You Know?
He is the younger brother of actor Lorne Berfield.
He voiced the character of Rocky in the animated film 'The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle'.
His production company J2 Pictures was originally formed with his 'Malcolm in the Middle' co-star Frankie Muniz.
“I learned comedy by playing the biggest idiot in the room.”
