<Li> Neil Flynn as Michael `` Mike '' Heck Jr. , Frankie 's husband , known for his straightforward manner and lack of emotion . Mike works at the local limestone quarry as the manager . He reached his 20 - year work anniversary at the quarry in the season 5 episode `` The Award '' . Despite his no - nonsense approach to work and family , Mike is a devoted and understanding husband and father who always seems to come through for Frankie and the kids . It has been said on several occasions that Mike 's favorite film is Reservoir Dogs and that he only asked Frankie out on a second date because she lied and said she also liked the film . Mike 's reclusive , emotionally distant father , `` Big Mike '' ( John Cullum ) , and Mike 's well - meaning but unreliable brother Rusty ( Norm Macdonald ) both live in Orson . It is revealed in Season 8 's `` Clear and Present Danger '' that Mike 's mother died of lung cancer at age 42 , and his father made him do his homework and go to school the next day instead of allowing Mike time to mourn . Mike loves all sports but is particularly passionate about seeing the Indianapolis Colts play in the Super Bowl . He and Rusty start a business in season 7 , designing disposable diapers with sports team logos on them and naming their creations `` Li'l Rivals . '' </Li>
<Li> Neil Flynn as Michael `` Mike '' Heck Jr. , Frankie 's husband , known for his straightforward manner and lack of emotion . Mike works at the local limestone quarry as the manager . He reached his 20 - year work anniversary at the quarry in the season 5 episode `` The Award '' . Despite his no - nonsense approach to work and family , Mike is a devoted and understanding husband and father who always seems to come through for Frankie and the kids . It has been said on several occasions that Mike 's favorite film is Reservoir Dogs and that he only asked Frankie out on a second date because she lied and said she also liked the film . Mike 's reclusive , emotionally distant father , `` Big Mike '' ( John Cullum ) , and Mike 's well - meaning but unreliable brother Rusty ( Norm Macdonald ) both live in Orson . It is revealed in Season 8 's `` Clear and Present Danger '' that Mike 's mother died of lung cancer at age 42 , and his father made him do his homework and go to school the next day instead of allowing Mike time to mourn . Mike loves all sports but is particularly passionate about seeing the Indianapolis Colts play in the Super Bowl . He and Rusty start a business in season 7 , designing disposable diapers with sports team logos on them and naming their creations `` Li'l Rivals . '' </Li>
who plays mike 's dad in the middle
who plays mike 's dad in the middle
John Cullum
John Cullum