Charlie McDermott in The Middle: Axl Heck’s Change from a Joke to a Fan Favorite

Axl Heck is always doing something funny and is always shirtless, so it’s hard to think about The Middle without thinking of him. Charlie McDermott played Axl, the oldest child in the Heck family, which is both insane and lovable. McDermott’s calm demeanor and superb timing for jokes helped create the show’s humor and gave Axl an emotional center that no one saw coming. Over the course of nine seasons, Axl changed from a lazy teen to a responsible adult, which made him one of the show’s most popular characters.

What Does Charlie McDermott Do?

Before he played Axl Heck, Charlie McDermott was already making a name for himself in the profession. He was in popular sitcoms including The Office and Private Practice. Critics loved his work in the indie film Frozen River, which went on to garner multiple Academy Award nominations. But it was The Middle that made him famous and made sure that people would remember him forever in TV history.

Axl Heck: Not Just a Fool

Axl seemed like a typical teenage jock from the first episode: rude, rebellious, and often seen strolling around the house in just his boxers. But Charlie McDermott gave the part a startling amount of substance. Axl wasn’t just there for the jokes; he was a real person with a lot of heart.

He had a pleasant but occasionally nasty connection with his siblings, Sue and Brick. He also had nice times with his parents, Frankie and Mike. Axl brought a crazy but great energy to the house, whether he was making jokes or showing signs of growing up.

How to Grow Your Character the Right Way

One of the best things about The Middle was watching Axl Heck grow up. People saw him have a hard time in high school, college, and the beginning of his adult life. During these moments, McDermott was able to hold Axl’s laziness and hubris in control while also being honest and getting better.

His chemistry with Eden Sher (Sue Heck) and Patricia Heaton (Frankie Heck) made some of the show’s funniest and most moving scenes even better. Axl’s journey wasn’t always simple, but that made it interesting and easy to follow.

A Legacy of Sitcoms That Will Last

When The Middle concluded in 2018, McDermott focused on music and other creative projects that weren’t in the public glare. Fans still enjoy his portrayal of Axl, and many of them locate the series again on streaming services. Axl’s humorous quips, stupid demeanor, and slow evolution into an adult are still funny today.

Charlie McDermott converted a boring, one-dimensional slacker role into a fully realized character who was funny, imperfect, and extremely real.

Final Thoughts

Fans enjoyed Charlie McDermott’s character as Axl Heck in The Middle because it was so different. McDermott turned Axl into more than just a hilarious character; he turned him into an essential part of the show’s emotional fabric by giving him actual character development, heart, and humor. Without his drive and talent, The Middle wouldn’t be the sentimental favorite it is now.