Charlie McDermott Movies and TV Shows: Full List & Updates

You probably remember him as the lanky, perpetually hungry Axl Heck on The Middle. But Charlie McDermott’s career stretches far beyond that nine-season sitcom, from an early uncredited role in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village (2004) to a critically praised turn in the indie drama Frozen River (2008).

Birthdate: April 6, 1990 ·
Years Active: 2006–present ·
Notable TV Role: Axl Heck in The Middle (2009–2018) ·
Notable Film: Frozen River (2008) ·
Spouse: Sara Rejaie (m. 2017)

Six key facts, one pattern: a career that moved from early indie acclaim to long-running network comedy and then toward music.

What is Charlie McDermott doing now?

McDermott has kept a lower profile since his last acting credit in 2019, but he hasn’t disappeared. According to Wikipedia (career timeline), he released experimental folk music albums in 2020 and 2022 and has been touring with his band. His Instagram feed shows recent performances, including a Dublin show captioned “Last show of the tour tonight.” So what’s the real deal with his acting career?

Did Charlie McDermott quit acting?

McDermott has not officially announced a retirement from acting. His last on-screen role was as Ty in the Netflix miniseries Unbelievable (2019), according to IMDb (actor profile). Since then, he has focused on music. The gap suggests a deliberate pivot rather than a permanent exit, but no public statement confirms either way.

What are Charlie McDermott’s recent projects?

• Debut album Some Things Just Fall Out of Your Hands (2020) Wikipedia (music)
• Second album Blind Warm Weight (2022) Wikipedia (music)
• Active touring schedule in 2024, including European dates

The implication: McDermott is actively building a music career, and acting seems to be on hold by choice rather than circumstance.

Who did Charlie McDermott marry?

McDermott married Sara Rejaie in 2017, a writer and producer based in Los Angeles. According to Wikipedia (personal life), the couple has not publicly disclosed having children. Rejaie is known for her work in production, though she keeps a relatively low media profile.

What is Sara Rejaie known for?

Sara Rejaie is a producer and writer. Her credits are not as widely documented as McDermott’s, but she has been involved in several independent projects. The couple’s personal life remains mostly private, with occasional glimpses on social media.

What this means: McDermott’s marriage is a stable, private chapter in his life, away from the spotlight of network TV.

What movies and TV shows has Charlie McDermott starred in?

McDermott’s filmography spans from early indie films to network comedies and streaming miniseries. TV Guide (credits page) lists 20 credits across film and television.

What are Charlie McDermott’s notable films?

His film roles span from an uncredited debut to a leading breakout and recent horror.

What are Charlie McDermott’s TV roles?

• The Middle (2009–2018): Played Axl Heck, the eldest son in the Heck family. This nine-season run is his most recognized role. Wikipedia (The Middle)
• Future Man (2017): Young Barry Futturman (1 episode). IMDb (TV credits)
• Bond of Silence (2010): TV movie role. TV Guide (credits page)
• Unbelievable (2019): Recurring role as Ty in the Netflix miniseries. IMDb (Unbelievable series)

The pattern: McDermott’s career shows a clear arc from serious indie roles (Frozen River) to long-running comedy (The Middle) and then to streaming drama (Unbelievable) before stepping back.

How old is Charlie McDermott?

Charlie McDermott was born April 6, 1990 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA. He is male and identified as an actor and director. As of 2024, he is 34 years old. Wikipedia (early life)

Where was Charlie McDermott born?

He was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. He began acting at age 14, attending acting classes and auditioning for roles. Wikipedia (early life)

What is Charlie McDermott’s family background?

McDermott’s family details are not widely publicized beyond his marriage. He has not shared extensive information about parents or siblings in interviews.

Why this matters: McDermott’s relatively private family life stands in contrast to the very public Heck family he portrayed for nine years.

What else did Eden Sher play in?

Eden Sher, who played Sue Heck on The Middle, is best known for that role. She also appeared in the film The Starving Games and had voice roles in animated series. Unlike McDermott, Sher has remained more consistently active in television. Wikipedia (Eden Sher)

What is Eden Sher known for?

Sher is primarily known for playing Sue Heck, the relentlessly optimistic middle child on The Middle. She received multiple award nominations for the role. Post-Middle, she has appeared in guest spots on shows like Star vs. The Forces of Evil and American Housewife.

The comparison: While McDermott shifted to music, Sher continued acting, illustrating different post-sitcom paths. For a similar filmography guide, check out our article on Dan Stevens Movies and TV Shows.

Timeline of Charlie McDermott’s career

This timeline shows a clear transition from actor to musician, with no acting roles since 2019.

What we know and what’s uncertain

The known facts give a solid basis for understanding his career, while the uncertainties leave room for future developments.

“Last show of the tour tonight Gonna be a really good one as we have the wonderful @…”

Charlie McDermott, Instagram caption from Dublin, 2024

“Charlie McDermott is an actor and director known for Frozen River, Unbelievable, and Instant Family.”

IMDb (biographical summary)

For fans of The Middle who wonder what happened to Axl Heck, the answer is clear: Charlie McDermott is making music and enjoying a quieter life. Whether he returns to acting remains an open question, but his body of work—from the harrowing Frozen River to the warm comedy of the Heck household—shows a performer who followed his own path. For casting directors, the decision is clear: wait for his next move, or lose a distinctive talent to the stage.

Fans who want to know what Axl Heck has been up to since the series finale can check out Charlie McDermott’s current projects Charlie McDermotts current projects for updates on his music, stage work, and family life.

Frequently asked questions