Jane Kaczmarek on Second Chances, ‘Malcolm’ Reunion and Finding Love Again at 70 (Excl)

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Jane Kaczmarek has always had a soft spot for snow days and blizzards—and, it turns out, for second chances, too. The Malcolm in the Middle star recently returned to her roots, marrying her high school sweetheart, Rusty, after reconnecting at their 50th reunion. “There’s something so comforting about Wisconsin,” says the 70-year-old actress, our latest Woman’s World cover star (get your copy here).

Now, she’s stepping back into Lois’s shoes for Disney+’s Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, a four-episode reboot that reunites the beloved TV family. It’s a full-circle moment for Jane, who paused her fast-paced career—spanning TV, film and stage—to raise her three children with ex-husband Bradley Whitford.

And what a year it’s been. Fresh off filming Netflix’s The Boroughs, Jane is savoring both career highs and personal joy at home in Pasadena. “It’s been a wonderful year,” she shares. “A second chance at love—and working again with Bryan Cranston—has been incredible.”

One surreal moment on set? Realizing the “kids” are now the same age she and Bryan were when the show first began. “Wow…that makes us really old,” she laughs.

But Jane’s perspective is refreshingly grounded: “I’m 70, and the only thing worse than turning 70 is not turning 70. What a gift.”

Through it all, she credits family, friendship and life’s simple pleasures for keeping her centered—and happier than ever in this exciting new chapter. Here, we sit down with Jane to get all the romantic and exciting details! 

Woman’s World: Lois has been described as temperamental, demanding, affectionate, forgiving and overbearing, but an intelligent and decisive matriarch. What of those qualities best describes you?

Jane Kaczmarek: All of them. I’ve never done anything Lois did that I wouldn’t have done in real life. I grew up in a household where parents weren’t afraid to say no, and there was a certain amount of fear for our father. Lois is working 38 hours a week for minimum wage, and Hal was working. They were on a real working-class budget and had to scrimp and save.

WW: Why do you think Lois resonated with female viewers so much?

JK: So much was changing 25 years ago about what you could say to your children. Lois just didn’t have time to coddle them. I never thought the family was dysfunctional—they had dinner together every night, and the kids didn’t get away with anything. The humor came from them having to be clever because Lois was eagle-eyed. And Hal loves Lois so much. He’s the ballast that keeps her functioning. There was one episode where Lois got sick and Hal realized the neighbors never invited them to parties because they didn’t like her. He told them off, saying she’s the most wonderful woman and he wouldn’t be the man he is without her. Women liked seeing that.

WW: Congrats on your recent marriage.

JK: Thank you. I went back to my 50th high school reunion and saw a boy I was madly in love with. We dated in high school, but I never thought he liked me as much. When he said he’s been in love with me for 52 years—I was in a coma.

WW: So second chances in love, second chances on the ‘Malcolm’ reunion—lots coming your way.

JK: Oh yes. My daughter graduated from Barnard, we did the reunion shows, and I got married. It’s been the most wonderful year. “I love you” doesn’t compare to “Honey, I’m home.” Rusty comes home every night at 5. Bradley was wonderful, but always working. Rusty and I are well suited for this stage of life. I like to come home, stay home, read, and work on my craft. I couldn’t be happier.

WW: New routines, passions, hobbies?

JK: I’ve always loved cut and paste. My mother said I should have been a kindergarten teacher. I decoupage Easter eggs, made thank you notes for my birthday cabaret. Rusty asked what I wanted for my 70th, and it was incredible.

WW: What might you miss most about the 80s, 90s, or early 2000s?

JK: Having no internet or cellphone. I miss the quiet and the ability to read uninterrupted. Phones make it hard to focus. I now use a kitchen timer and put my phone in a drawer to avoid distraction. Correspondence used to take time, which is why I write thoughtful thank you notes. Technology can’t replace that.

WW: Tips for relaxing and destressing?

JK: My mother was a letter writer. She never had a phone or computer. Writing letters composes your thoughts and removes stress. I even use an erasable pen so mistakes aren’t scary.

WW: Something you used to stress over that now makes you laugh?

JK: Exercise. I never exercise seriously—10 girl push-ups and walking. I listen to audiobooks while walking. My mother lived to 98, her mother to 103, never went to gyms; they cleaned. I weigh what I did during the show. I don’t think about numbers anymore.

WW: Sounds like you’ve embraced getting older.

JK: I’m thankful for Malcolm, but I never felt comfortable in that world. I put my career on the backburner to raise my kids, be part of my Pasadena community, and stay involved in music education. That suits me.

WW: Being active in a community brings balance?

JK: Oh yes. Talking to people face to face—even the mailman—makes me feel better.

WW: Worst fashion trend?

JK: Wearing my clothes from Malcolm. I realized I had on exactly the outfit from a rerun I was watching.

WW: Best compliment?

JK: That I was nice to people. Once, after workers helped with my gutters, they said, “You’re so real and nice.” That made me very happy.

WW: Compliment you like to give?

JK: I tell actors not to overlook community theater opportunities. I played in a musical at a children’s theater for a week and a half to memorize lines. It was one of the best acting experiences of my life.

WW: One word for your life today?

JK: Content. I might not have achieved everything I imagined, but I played many characters, saved enough to not worry, and I’m married to someone wonderful. My children are grown. Rusty’s children are grown. We can just enjoy life.

WW: Advice to your 20-year-old self?

JK: “No, you are not fat!” You beat yourself up unnecessarily, especially in show business. I used to make up nonsense about why I didn’t get parts—too thick ankles, whatever.

WW: Now you feel differently?

JK: Yes. Rosemary Harris told me, “Find a picture of yourself you don’t like, put it in a drawer for 10 years and then look at it.” I do that and think, Wow, what was I belly aching about? Self-acceptance is huge.

Watch Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair debuting April 10 on Hulu and Disney+.