When former child star Frankie Muniz left Hollywood to pursue his other passion, open wheel race car driving, he did not expect it to take a heavy toll on his health.
In 2005, the Malcolm in the Middle actor signed a two-year deal with Jensen Motorsport and over the next few years, he competed in major championships. His stellar performance didn't go unnoticed and at the end of the 2008 season he was nominated by his peers for the Jovy Marcelo Award.
Muniz continued to take part in races until a wrist injury in 2009 cut his season short. However, this was not the only serious setback Muniz experienced during his acting hiatus.
In 2012, at the age of 26, the actor suffered a mini-stroke, and almost a year to the day, he experienced a second one.
"Almost a year to the day, I experienced another mini stroke. Hopefully that will be the last. Miserable.," he Tweeted.
Now, 31-year-old Muniz is once again opening up about another major health problem and the impact it has on his life.
The Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor is among the stars currently competing on this season of Dancing with the Stars, and during the premiere episode of the show he spoke out about an injury he sustained during his days as a professional race car driver.
Muniz told his dance partner, Witney Carson, that he was involved in a crash which resulted in a broken back and severe injuries to his hands and ribs. Although he has healed, the injuries limit his abilities to do certain things including rehearse for his DWTS performances.
"I think we talk about my injuries every day because I have a creaky, old body. I'm 31 but feel like I have the creaky, old body of a 71-year-old," the actor told People in an interview after the show.
"But I'm doing whatever it takes to take care of my body so I can continue dancing," he continued. "I've raced Indy cars, I've played every sport, I consider myself a pretty athletic person, but I'm so sore. I'm so dead. I'm in the sauna, I'm icing. Everything that I'm doing every minute of the day is to make me a better dancer in this competition and make it to the end."
His partner agrees, adding, "This guy is amazing. He's so hard working and wants to do the best that he can. We're having a blast."
Muniz still managed to get out on the dancefloor for his first dance. Check it out:
He said he has no plans to stop anytime soon and we can't wait to see how far Muniz will go in the competition.
"I'm so scared to dance in front of people. I didn't even know if I could dance, but now that I'm doing it I don't want to stop any time soon," said Muniz. "I'm having the time of my life."