If you grew up in the 90s, you definitely remember the kid who sat on the couch, shoveled carrots into his mouth, and called Matilda a "dipface." That was Michael Wormwood. He was the perfect foil to Mara Wilson’s brilliant, book-loving protagonist—a character so blissfully ignorant and mean-spirited that you couldn't help but laugh at his absurdity. But while Mara Wilson and Danny DeVito stayed in the public eye for years, the actor behind Michael, Brian Levinson, seemed to vanish into thin air.
Honestly, it's one of those classic "where are they now" mysteries that keeps 90s kids scrolling through IMDb at 2:00 AM.
Brian Levinson wasn't just a one-hit wonder who appeared in Matilda and called it a day. He actually had a pretty busy run as a child actor before he decided to trade the Hollywood lights for a more "normal" life. Looking back at Brian Levinson movies and TV shows, you'll realize he was tucked into some of the biggest franchises of the decade.
The Early Days: From Predators to Bel-Air
Most people assume Matilda was his big break. It wasn't. Brian actually started his career way earlier, and his debut was about as far from a Roald Dahl adaptation as you can get.
Back in 1990, a very young Brian Levinson appeared in Predator 2. He played a kid (aptly named Brian) in a scene that most horror fans still remember for its sheer tension. Imagine being eight years old and sharing a set with a Yautja. It’s a wild way to start a career.
He didn't stop there. The early 90s were a whirlwind for him. He popped up in some of the most iconic sitcoms of the era. Have you ever rewatched The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and thought you saw a familiar face? He was there. Roseanne? Yep, he appeared there too.
The Matilda Peak and Michael Wormwood
Then came 1996. This was the year Brian Levinson became a household face, if not quite a household name. In Danny DeVito's adaptation of Matilda, Brian played Michael Wormwood, the favored son of Harry and Zinnia.
Michael was the personification of "empty-headed." While Matilda was reading Moby Dick, Michael was watching game shows and learning how to clock odometers. Brian played the role with a perfect, deadpan snark. His chemistry with Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman was effortless. They felt like a real, albeit highly dysfunctional, family.
Interestingly, while the 2022 musical version of Matilda completely cut the character of Michael, the 1996 version used him to highlight just how isolated Matilda was. Brian’s performance made the "dipface" line legendary. It’s a role that has kept him in the hearts of fans for nearly three decades.
A Quick Look at Brian Levinson's Credits
To get a real sense of his range, look at these specific projects:
- Predator 2 (1990): His cinematic debut as the kid on the subway.
- North (1994): A bizarre but star-studded Rob Reiner film where Brian played a child.
- Hardball (1994): Not the Keanu Reeves baseball movie, but a short-lived TV sitcom.
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: A guest spot during the show’s peak.
- Matilda (1996): His most iconic role as the carrot-munching Michael Wormwood.
- Seinfeld: He appeared in the episode "The Apology" (1997).
Why Did He Walk Away?
After a guest appearance on Seinfeld in 1997, the trail goes mostly cold. It's a story we've seen before with child stars, but Brian’s exit felt particularly quiet.
Unlike many who struggled with the transition to adult acting, Brian seemed to just... move on. He didn't have a public "downfall" or a messy tabloid phase. He just finished his childhood roles and chose a different path.
He did make one notable public appearance years later. In 2013, the cast of Matilda had a "tea party" reunion. It was a heartwarming event where the actors recreated famous scenes. Seeing an adult Brian Levinson alongside Mara Wilson and Danny DeVito was a massive hit of nostalgia for fans. It proved that despite the distance from the industry, the bond with his fictional family remained strong.
Life After Hollywood
So, what is he doing now? Brian has kept his private life very private. He isn't chasing the TikTok dragon or trying to launch a comeback tour. Reports over the years suggest he moved into the world of logistics and customer service in California.
He’s a reminder that not every child star wants to be a lifelong celebrity. Sometimes, you do a few cool movies, work with legends like Danny DeVito, and then decide you’d rather just live a quiet life. There’s something deeply respectable about that.
How to Revisit Brian Levinson's Work
If you're looking to take a trip down memory lane, tracking down Brian Levinson movies and TV shows is actually pretty easy thanks to streaming.
- Start with Matilda: It’s available on almost every major platform (Netflix, Tubi, or for rent on Amazon). Watch his timing—it’s actually much better than we gave him credit for as kids.
- Find the Seinfeld Cameo: Season 9, Episode 9. Look for him in the scene where Kramer is trying to "optimize" his shower time.
- The Predator 2 Hunt: If you’re a horror buff, go back and watch the subway scene. It’s fun to see "Michael Wormwood" in such a dark, gritty setting.
The best way to appreciate Brian's contribution to 90s culture is to watch Matilda with a fresh set of eyes. Look at the way he portrays the "golden child" in a house of scammers. It’s subtle, it’s funny, and it’s a huge part of why that movie still works today.
Your next step? Go queue up the Matilda reunion videos on YouTube. Seeing the "Wormwood" family back together as adults provides a level of closure that you won't get from just rewatching the film. It's the perfect way to see the man behind the "dipface" insults one last time.