You probably remember this Californian actress from the comedies “Rat Race” or the sweet Beth “Road Trip”. The actress has also taken on more serious roles like as the ill-fated Kayleigh in “The Butterfly Effect” and Eve in action-thriller “Crank”, starring alongside Jason Statham.
![Amy Smart (aka Jasmine Hollander) Amy Smart (aka Jasmine Hollander) | Instagram/@smarthouse26](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_2d18189a4e2ba884f20b388df04a598f/AmySmart-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
More recently, she has had roles in Tyler Perry’s “The Single Mom’s Club” and the somber “Mississippi Requiem”. Interestingly, Amy Smart had her first steps in show business as a model in Italy before moving to Los Angeles and taking acting lessons. She has had a long career spanning more than 25 years. Smart is married to Carter Oosterhouse, and the two have a daughter together.
Frank Gallagher
The first character’s voice we hear is of Frank Gallagher. Immediately he captures our curiosity. He is not exactly the patriarch of the family – although he sees himself as one – as the raising of his brood is left to his eldest daughter. Apart from his drinking problem, and erratic behavior, one thing Frank spends much energy on is pulling off scams.
![Frank Gallagher Frank Gallagher | Alamy Stock Photo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_019c35cfc83ff723a29897d4c3dd6232/RW7K8J-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-WilliamH.Macy.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
You can almost see his ears pricking up when he learns vital “scam-worthy” information. Often, Frank’s ploys are unsuccessful, only making his kids’ lives harder. Sadly, the character does experience a tragic ending, leaving us somewhat deflated.
William H. Macy (aka Frank Gallagher)
Good news, people. We are happy to report that William H. Macy is nothing like his onscreen persona, Frank Gallagher. By now, William is a household name. This seasoned actor has been in the industry for over 40 years, with notable performances as Jerry Lundegaard in the Coen brother’s “Fargo” – for which he was nominated for an Oscar.
![William H. Macy (aka Frank Gallagher) William H. Macy (aka Frank Gallagher) | Alamy Stock Photo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_fc97fbf8628268beeab36e6eceb19ddd/2GB7F9F-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-WilliamH.Macy_.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
He has also taken a shot at directing productions like the movie "Krystal." Unlike Frank, Macy is a devoted father to his two daughters. In 1997, after 15 years of on-and-off dating, Macy tied the knot to Desperate Housewives actress, Felicity Huffman.
Fiona Gallagher
The eldest Gallagher child and the unofficial matriarchal, Fiona Gallagher is a force to be reckoned with. From a young age, she had to step into the cumbersome shoes of her mother, Monica Gallagher, who left the family.
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You don’t want to get on the wrong side of Fiona — that means hurting her family in any way. We kept praying for Fiona to find true love like Steve (aka Jimmy). We saw her smile, a sign of the ice queen warming up. Sadly, love seemed to always evade Fiona, often a result of her own erratic and self-destructive behavior.
Emmy Rossum (aka Fiona Gallagher)
Emmy Rossum was the perfect pick to bring the complex Fiona Gallagher to the screen. This New York-born and bred actress has been a part of the industry since childhood. Some of her films include “Poseidon” (2006) and “The Day After Tomorrow” as Sam’s (Jake Gyllenhaal) love interest.
![Emmy Rossum (aka Fiona Gallagher) Emmy Rossum (aka Fiona Gallagher) | Instagram/@emmy](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_9a50546fccae2a0ab179c0e15f42c186/igEmmyRossum-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Rossum has picked up a number of awards like a Saturn Award for Best Young Performer. The talent doesn’t end there. Rossum has also released three albums. Her love life resembled Fiona’s spiral of unsuccessful relationships, but in 2017, she married “Mr. Robot” creator, Sam Esmail, and the two welcomed a child.
Philip “Lip” Gallagher
Better known as “Lip”, and more accurately showing his cynical and critical side, Philip is the second eldest Gallagher child. He has a soft spot for his family members, especially for middle child Ian, to whom he is particularly close.
![Philip “Lip” Gallagher Philip “Lip” Gallagher | MovieStillsDB](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_5330f63ce72f3e4d5221c87652ee4839/shameless_1M2wqf-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-JeremyAllenWhiteShameless.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Certainly, the most academic of the brood, Lip takes advantage of his advanced intelligence and writes SAT tests for weaker students in exchange for cash to support his family. Seemingly destined for excellence, Lip’s behavior is dysfunctional, much like most of the other members of his family. He drinks copiously, engages in risky hook-ups, and distances himself from those who truly love him.
Jeremy Allen White (aka Lip Gallagher)
You might recognize this face from recent releases like "The Bear," Dave Franco’s horror film “The Rental”, and Hannah Mark’s “After Everything”. Before joining the “Shameless” cast, Jeremy Allen White had slowly built a name for himself in the acting world.
![Jeremy Allen White (aka Lip Gallagher) Jeremy Allen White (aka Lip Gallagher) | Alamy Stock Photo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_c43ee2597a41a0ec25a1332e23bec835/2JDG2MA-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-JeremyAllenWhite.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
His first big appearance was the young Clive in “Beautiful Ohio”. Though he was a committed dancer in his teens, he had a change of heart and chose acting over dancing. Right out of high school, he landed the role of Lip Gallagher. In 2019, White married his former “Afterschool” co-star, Addison Timlin. The celebrity couple has two daughters.
Ian Gallagher
As the third Gallagher child, Ian contently accepts being the middle child. He has a big heart and wants the best for his family; he has big dreams for himself and hopes to become a paratrooper. Over time, he finds the strength to open up about being gay.
![Ian Gallagher Ian Gallagher | Alamy Stock Photo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_8fbd3650543d0cf91805580640d73f98/HD8NW9-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-cameronmonaghanshameless.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
However, there is always one thing stopping Ian from making it happen – and that may be Ian himself. Cursed with bad decision-making and desiring tortuous relationships, Ian is his own worst enemy. That, however, does not stop audiences (and his brother Lip) from rooting for him and wanting him to succeed.
Cameron Monaghan (aka Ian Gallagher)
At 15, Cameron Monaghan landed the role of Ian Gallagher. It might have been a daunting prospect for the young actor, but Monaghan had plenty of onscreen experience at this point. Monaghan started out as a child model at three. At seven years old, he had his first commercial.
![Cameron Monaghan (aka Ian Gallagher) Cameron Monaghan (aka Ian Gallagher) | Getty Images Photo by Rosdiana Ciaravolo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_8da0fdc81c23a3e1b3d320ab9eb87a1a/GettyImages-1413317173-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-CameronMonaghan.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
His true breakthrough came when he landed the role of Chad in “Malcolm in the Middle”. There were probably countless broken hearts when the public learned that Monaghan was not gay in real life. For two years he dated Peyton List, but after their split, he started dating LA model, Lauren Searle.
Debbie Gallagher
As the seasons progress, Debbie, the fourth-oldest child, quickly transformed before our very eyes. Debbie has one major weakness, she will do anything to have a family – or in her case, get a family. Though she has plenty of good traits like being trusting and kind-hearted, she is dangerously selfish.
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She deceives her love interest and her deceit results in teenage pregnancy. Like her siblings, life is not easy for Debbie, but she does not make it easier for herself. If she was born into a different family, there's a chance things would have looked different, but obviously, the show wouldn't have been the same.
Emma Kenney (aka Debbie Gallagher)
Landing the role of Debbie Gallagher at 9 years old was an incredible breakthrough for Emma Kinney. The actress spent almost half of her life being a member of the "Shameless" ensemble. This means she got her big break as a working actress at an age most stars could only dream of, and that she literally grew up on camera.
![Emma Kenney (aka Debbie Gallagher) Emma Kenney (aka Debbie Gallagher) | Instagram/@emmakenney](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_a953641e7bdd31bb4f066078ef6640ac/igEmmaKenney-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Kenney is remaining single right now to focus on her career, but in an interview with Vulture, the actress admitted to having once had a crush on her “Shameless” co-star and on-screen brother, Lip Gallagher played by Jeremy Allen White.
Carl Gallagher
The second youngest Gallagher is Carl. In the first season, his destructive tendencies are showing in his fondness for melting and microwaving action figures. Disfiguring toys as a child usually foreshadows a character's trajectory, but Carl was able to get his redemption.
![Carl Gallagher Carl Gallagher | Alamy Stock Photo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_925d6ae582c028da6a9725e334942896/PRHC77-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-EthanCutkosky.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Two seasons after we discover those self-destructive tendencies, his father shaves his head in an attempt to create the latest perfect scam: pretending Carl has cancer. Soon, Carl turns to a life of crime and skirts dangerously close to ruining his life forever, but after a life-changing event, he signs up for military school and heads down another path.
Ethan Cutkosky (aka Carl Gallagher)
As young as Ethan Cutkosky may be, Cutkosky is not new to the world of acting and entertainment. Though he is only in his twenties – born in August 1999 – Cutkosky entered this world when he was four years old. He started out modeling when he was just a toddler, so by the time he landed the role, cameras were like old friends to him.
![Ethan Cutkosky (aka Carl Gallagher) Ethan Cutkosky (aka Carl Gallagher) | Alamy Stock Photo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_49a05fd83b5b657930d13953da4e394f/2HW62D5-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-EthanCutkosky.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
One of his first breaks was in the film “Fred Claus” starring Vince Vaughn. Yet, his stand-out performance was as Barto in “The Unborn”, and of course, in “Shameless”. There is another talent this actor is hiding. He is also an inspiring musician!
Liam Gallagher
Initially, it is not clear how Liam Gallagher fits in. He is kind of passed around the Gallagher siblings. Only his sister, Fiona, takes care of him, but very little. The lack of fitting in is an issue that only seems to grow in the youngest Gallagher sibling.
![Liam Gallagher Liam Gallagher | Alamy Stock Photo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_198fe2f59e5d79e1ba322f131a7cd8ef/KRE6JD-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-WilliamH.MacyChristianIsaiah.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Nevertheless, Liam grows up to be a bright student. Despite his father’s (Frank) shortcomings and constant scams, Liam never loses hope that Frank will become the father figure he never had. Relatives like Mavar try to fill this role for him, but Liam only wants Frank, even if it is to his detriment.
Christian Isaiah (aka Liam Gallagher)
Born in Virginia Beach on December 15, 2007, Christian Isaiah is one of the youngest people to join the regular “Shameless” cast. From the young age of 18 months, this promising actor caught the eye of the camera, when he entered his first modeling contest in which he was the 1st runner-up.
![Christian Isaiah (aka Liam Gallagher) Christian Isaiah (aka Liam Gallagher) | Instagram/@christianisaia9](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_deeea07bf2fe228acdbc9bc0b276a576/igChristianIsaiah-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
He also won the Best Smile award. No surprise there. A showcase of his acting talents includes films like “Ambivalent Hope: A Gun and a Prayer” for which he received a nomination for a supporting role. One thing we know about Isaiah is that he loves basketball shoes.
Veronica Fisher
Everyone would love a neighbor and a friend like Veronica, or, as she is more commonly called — “V”. If you could summarize her personality in three words, you could say she is adventurous, fun, and brainy. She is not only Fiona’s best friend but also a fixed companion to the Gallagher troop, often at the expense of her significant other, Kev.
![Veronica Fisher Veronica Fisher | MovieStillsDB](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_ef831510f245fc4a7241d191cdc8a038/shameless_shAZlQ-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-ShanolaHampton.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
While her brightness never seems to dim, she goes through darker periods. V always comes up with a solution, even one that might make your jaw drop, like convincing her then-husband Kevin to use her mother as a surrogate.
Shanola Hampton (aka Veronica “V” Fisher)
Though Shanola Hampton has had a long career in film, it was her role as the fun, kinky, and delightful “V” on “Shameless” which brought her into the limelight and our attention. That being said, Hampton has had roles in Scrubs and more significantly “Miami Medical”.
![Shanola Hampton (aka Veronica “V” Fisher) Shanola Hampton (aka Veronica “V” Fisher) | Instagram/@shanolahampton](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_25e789fc53c2e3486680d400fc00f28b/igShanolaHampton-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Growing up as a pastor’s daughter who had a love for singing gospel, in the early 2000s Hampton dedicated herself to becoming an actress. Interesting fact, during Season 4, Hampton was pregnant and the ultrasound onscreen is a real ultrasound of Hampton’s child. In 2000, Hampton married producer Daren Dukes and they have two children.
Kevin “Kev” Ball
His love for his significant other “V” often entails the entire contents of Kev’s house being loaned out to the Gallagher family. Obviously, this is not an easy task. Though he tries to hold onto everything from his toaster to his car to his landline phone, V as a trusted friend of the Gallaghers keeps bringing them back.
![Kevin “Kev” Ball Kevin “Kev” Ball | Alamy Stock Photo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_4bbcef0cea1b6e88f9e69192321c8905/HD8NWA-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-JeremyAllenWhiteSteveHowey.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Despite this constant win-lose, Kev has a good and positive friendship with the family. He keeps refilling Frank’s drinks at the Alibi. With hard work, loyalty, and commitment, Kev and V has a loving family and he becomes the owner of the Alibi.
Steve Howey (aka Kevin Ball)
This actor’s career has only gone from strength to strength since his debut in the late 1990s. It was not “Shameless” that put him on the map, but rather the sitcom “Reba,” starred and created by country music legend Reba McEntire.
![Steve Howey (aka Kevin Ball) Steve Howey (aka Kevin Ball) | Instagram/@stevehowey](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_d6ca88be08076d04b4802d39d07e6738/igSteveHowey-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
After the “Shameless” finale, the actor has only added more big roles to his credentials like playing a navy seal in the CBS show “Seal Team”. Up until 2021, Howey was married to former model Sarah Shahi. The pair got divorced but are co-parents to three children. Before his appearance on TV, Howey was on a basketball scholarship in Colorado.
Mikhailo "Mickey" Aleksandr Milkovich
Our first introduction to Mikhailo Aleksandr Milkovich or simply “Mickey” is as the neighborhood thug who wants to get even with Ian, for “coming onto his sister”. Always trying to be the tough guy and having spent time in juvenile detention, Mickey is in the closet.
![Mikhailo Mikhailo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_2beed4ee827b88ffe13ec3a78c19e2b0/shameless_LV62PeNoelFisherTheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
But after having an intimate relationship with Ian Gallagher, the cracks start to show and it becomes harder and harder for him to deny his feelings for Ian. He tried, of course, but he failed, and all of us in the audience applauded his shy kiss and admission of true feelings for Ian in Season 3.
Noel Fisher (aka Mikhailo "Mickey" Aleksandr Milkovich)
With his baby face and ability to pull off a shy smile like no one's business, Noel Fisher is much older than he looks. The cool Canadian also has had much success in his profession. You may recognize him as Vladimir in the last “Twilight” installment in “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” or Cael on FX’s “The Riches.”
![Noel Fisher (aka Mikhailo Noel Fisher (aka Mikhailo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_661a8310df04de4aae31f3d38aae0b5b/igNoelFisher-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-1.jpg.pro-cmg-crop-1.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Interestingly, Fisher’s performance was so convincing on “Shameless”, in 2014 he admitted to “Vanity Fair” that he was often asked whether he was gay in real life. In 2017, Fisher and the Afghan actress, Layla Alizada, tied the knot.
Amanda
Born to affluent parents, Amanda later reveals that she was adopted. Most audience members will have a soft spot for the sweet, creative Amanda. She establishes the boundary of saving herself for her future spouse and is amazingly innovative in finding ways to push that boundary without actually breaking it.
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In Season 4, Lip Gallagher and her begin a relationship. Our hearts break for Amanda as Lip turns on her and engages in an affair with his professor, Helene. Though she gets her revenge on Helene, it proves to be a double-edged sword, resulting in Amanda having to leave college.
Nichole Sakura (aka Amanda)
Starting out in small roles, the American actress Nichole Sakura has been able to pave the way for herself in the acting world. Born Nichole Sakura O’Connor, the actress changed her name to Nichole Bloom. However, paying homage to Japanese ancestry, she has subsequently changed her name to Nichole Sakura – her last name meaning ‘cherry blossom’ in Japanese.
![Nichole Sakura (aka Amanda) Nichole Sakura (aka Amanda) | Instagram/@nicholesakura](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_e88c3a70f6a071d5d68e37c87ecc9635/igNicholeSakura-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Sakura is most well-known as Cheyenne on the TV show "Superstore" where she starred alongside America Ferrera and Ben Feldman. She is also 2016 Netflix film “Teenage Wolf”. We are currently unaware of a romantic partner in Sakura's life, but she seems to be content mothering her sweet pooch.
Gus Pfender
Though we only saw him for two seasons (season 5 and season 6), when Gus showed up many viewers hoped and prayed that finally, Fiona Gallagher had met the right man — someone who can support her as she supports everyone else. Things were looking good.
![Gus Pfender Gus Pfender | MovieStillsDB](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_1e17334947a9b4454317e1685f3aa209/shameless_O7CBOBSteveKazeeTheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
The attraction was almost instant between the two. When they got married, things were looking even better. Alas, Gus was not expecting Fiona’s ex to reappear nor for Fiona’s feelings for her boss, Sean, to surface. Things only get worse by Season 6. The last we see of Gus, he is nursing a broken heart.
Steve Kazee (aka Gus Pfender)
Fortunately, Gus Pfender’s life does not resemble the actor, Steve Kazee, who played this role for two seasons. The Kentucky-born actor might look familiar. He has various appearances on TV including on “The Walking Dead” and “The Rookie”. While he does play roles on TV, Kazee is more well-known in theater productions as he is a regular on Broadway.
![Steve Kazee (aka Gus Pfender) Steve Kazee (aka Gus Pfender) | Instagram/@stevekazee](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_e0b0deec2df2047ced891ea169b3bd19/igSteveKazee-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
He has enjoyed success in theater and has even won a Tony Award for “Once” in 2007. Since 2018, the actor has been dating dancer, actress, and "Step Up" star, Jenna Dewan. In 2020 he announced his engagement and welcomed his first child.
Sheila Jackson
Most “Shameless” characters are complex and characterized by eccentricities and peculiar interests, but deep down they mean well. This can be no truer for Sheila Jackson. The first thing viewers will remember about Sheila is her kinky side – her desire for control over her lovers during intimacy.
![Sheila Jackson Sheila Jackson | Alamy Stock Photo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_76bf96e6c560f427dde244b92f690a63/PM5P6X-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-JoanCusackasSheila.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Yet, there is so much more to her. She is also sweet and has a tender maternal instinct, making her a soft target for others such as Frank Gallagher. A major issue is she suffers from agoraphobia, making her misunderstood by many others around her, but towards the end, she manages to break free.
Joan Cusack (aka Sheila Jackson)
This actress hardly needs an introduction. With a career span of more than four decades, there are over 80 acting credits in Cusack’s filmography. Standout performances include “Working Girl” for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. A decade later, she was nominated again for an Academy Award for the same role.
![Joan Cusack (aka Sheila Jackson) Joan Cusack (aka Sheila Jackson) | Getty Images Photo by Jason Kempin](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_bbbfc140ad9cfb1933ed8bdd4bd1ccb9/GettyImages-489222352-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-JoanCusack.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
She can star in any genre whether it is a comedy like “School of Rock” or something heartfelt like “Where the Heart Is”. Cusack's passions go beyond what is seen on screen, and she is a known political activist, often voicing her anti-war sentiment and her views on other political issues.
Svetlana “Lana” Yevgenivna
When Terry Milkovich learns that his son, Mickey, is gay, he hires Svetlana “Lana” Yevgenivna to change that. Mickey and Lana do marry, and we suspect that Mickey is her son’s, Evgeni, father. But married life proves tense and is short-lived when Mickey is incarcerated.
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Fortunately, Lana is a keen businesswoman and ever-resourceful. We are not sure whether she eventually finds happiness, but she proves a key player in managing the bar, Alibi, after V marries Lana to avoid her being deported. Sadly, their marriage doesn't hold up, and Lana ends up facing several government agencies and ultimately marrying an older, senile man.
Isidora Goreshter (aka Svetlana Yevgenivna)
The stunning Isidora Goreshter was the first of her family to be born in the USA. Her family originally immigrated from the former Soviet Union, but she is also of Moldovan descent with two of her grandparents being born there. “Shameless” fueled Goreshter’s acting career.
![Isidora Goreshter (aka Svetlana Yevgenivna) Isidora Goreshter (aka Svetlana Yevgenivna) | Shutterstock](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_552fd8633f6e12269cdb8086cf91ee64/shutterstock_1099668425-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-IsidoraGoreshter.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Since the young age of three, Goreshter has been performing as well as fostering a childhood career as a gymnast. She had had some small parts in films like “Paranoia” starring Harrison Ford and TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and “2 Broke Girls”. She studied Classical Ballet but later attended the Stella Adler acting conservatory.
Derek Delgado
In season 5, we meet Debbie Gallagher’s new love interest, Derek Delgado. At least that is how Debbie sees it. After Holly and Debbie get into a fight, Derek and Debbie first meet. It is head-over-heels instantly for Debbie, but not quite the same for Derek. The two become friends after Debbie signs up for boxing lessons at his gym.
![Derek Delgado Derek Delgado | MovieStillsDB](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_a9d1bc209f8225cf38bc0b26c16e1914/shameless_Vz1ZFTLucaOrielTheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Soon, Debbie and Derek begin a relationship, ultimately leading to Debbie falling pregnant. We might add that Debbie intentionally stopped taking the pill and tricked Derek by telling him she was still on the pill. Obviously, Derek was not pleased.
Luca Oriel (aka Derek Delgado)
Not much is known about this young actor, but he certainly caught our attention as Debbie Gallagher’s love interest and Franny Gallagher’s father in “Shameless”. For two seasons Oriel played the role of Derek Delgado, but the part was recast in season 8 and Damien Diaz finally took over the role.
![Luca Oriel (aka Derek Delgado) Luca Oriel (aka Derek Delgado) | Getty Images Photo by Greg Doherty](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_33a584b4376ba09fa2ee47122ffa9194/GettyImages-694902634-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-LucaOriel.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
This is not to imply that Oriel has gone completely unnoticed. We have spotted him as the actor who played Drummer Boy in Amazon Prime’s superhero show “The Boys.” “Shameless” did put him on the map and since the series, he had the main role in “The Devil’s Whisper”.
Mandy Milkovich
Born on the wrong side of the tracks and sister in the Milkovich family – the only family poorer than the Gallaghers – all the odds seem well stacked against Mandy Milkovich. Like many of the “Shameless” characters, they mean well but often their circumstances get the better of them.
![Mandy Milkovich Mandy Milkovich | Alamy Stock Photo](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_0886581c590ce7f015b44992e46e3ae5/HD8NWR-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife-EmmaGreenwell.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Mandy’s background is rough, to say the least. Her reputation is not exactly stellar, but for a while she makes a deal with Ian, pretending to be his girlfriend or “beard” so that no one would suspect him of being gay. Sadly, Mandy wants any chance just to be someone’s girlfriend.
Emma Greenwall
After taking over from Jane Levy, who left at the end of season 1, Emma Greenwall portrayed the complex Mandy Milkovich. Incredibly, that was her first-ever acting role! She did a superb job with her portrayal of Mandy — a girl who just could not get a break no matter how hard she tried.
![Emma Greenwall Emma Greenwall | Instagram/@emma.greenwell](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_551ad2acf341c23a69bf4f47fe668426/EmmaGreenwall-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Before “Shameless”, Greenwall had parts like Claudia in “True Blood” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”. From 2011 to 2014, Greenwall and her co-star Jeremy Allen White had a relationship. Onscreen, Greenwall’s character did not have much luck with White’s Lip, but offscreen they had a blossoming romance.
Karen Jackson
At the beginning of “Shameless”, no one would suspect the sweet-natured Karen Jackson of becoming a manipulative, self-centered individual who uses people to get her way. After her father, Eddie Jackson, abandons her and her OCD-agoraphobic mother, Sheila Jackson, it is up to Karen to take care of her mother.
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However, by the end of Season 1, everything gets a little too much for her, especially her father’s harsh judgment of her not-so-pure history. Karen continues an intimate relationship with Lip Gallagher, but her tempestuous nature starts to get the better of her, and things around her slowly begin to unravel.
Laura Slade Wiggins (aka Karen Jackson)
Born in the late 1980s, Wiggins has had guest performances on “CSI” (Las Vegas) and “Eleventh Hour”. Though she is most well-known for her role in “Shameless”, Wiggins has starred in “Rings”, “The Tomorrow People”, and “Starving in Suburbia”. As said, Wiggins does not resemble her onscreen persona in any way.
![Laura Slade Wiggins (aka Karen Jackson) Laura Slade Wiggins (aka Karen Jackson) | Instagram/@lswiggins](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_0c4e30a2e797f7423b1064732bf6d146/LauraSladeWiggins-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
She is steadily paving a career for herself as an acting professional both in film and television. On top of that, Laura has a passion for music — she sings and plays the guitar. In 2018, she married stuntman Kyle Weishaar, and the couple welcomed a daughter in 2021.
Mike Pratt
Like many of the men who meet Fiona Gallagher, Mike soon fell head over heels. Like others, they get burned by this olive-skinned beauty. Enter Mike Pratt in Season 3 as Fiona’s boss at World Wide Cup. The two start out as friends, then begin dating, much to the characters' infinite delight. Mike offers Fiona a chance at stability.
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He is a loving and family-centered man but ultimately does not satisfy Fiona’s darker side, which is understandably a hard thing to do. Mike gets burned – and in a big way too – after Fiona has an affair with his brother, Robbie.
Jake McDorman (aka Mike Pratt)
We have seen this face before, plenty of times. Jake McDorman’s first big break came from "Greek," a series exploring the friendships and love lives of college students. His role as Evan Chambers in "Greek" is completely different from his in “Shameless” as his character in "Greek" is the one with the infidelity problem.
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Other notable performances of his include “Are You There, Chelsea?” and “Manhattan Love Story”. He has also had some roles in movies such as “American Sniper”. Currently, this Dallas-born actor is unmarried, but he has been in a romantic relationship with the actress and model Lio Tipton.
Jimmy Lishman
Steve, we mean Jimmy, makes a dubious living from stealing cars, and yet, audience members were rooting for him from the get-go. Though clearly an outsider, Jimmy tries his best to fit in with the Gallaghers and win Fiona’s heart (as many other charters do, throughout the show).
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Eventually, the ice queen cracks, and the two start an intimate relationship. Steve’s problem, um, we mean Jimmy’s problem, is that he is not Steve. He has been living under the alias of Steve McBride and introduces himself to the Gallaghers using this name, but his past cannot be so easily buried.
Justin Chatwin (aka Jimmy Lishman)
If you were quick, you would have seen Justin Chatwin in the film “Josie and the Pussycats”. Most likely, you would probably know this Canadian actor from his guest appearances in “Weeds” and “Lost”. “Shameless” put this actor on the showbiz map.
![Justin Chatwin (aka Jimmy Lishman) Justin Chatwin (aka Jimmy Lishman) | Instagram/@justingchatwin](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_6908d2a6e92a6d68f657e322f1955e92/JustinChatwinIGTheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Since this break, Chatwin has played a cartoonist in CBS’s "American Gothic”, a superhero in the “Doctor Who” Christmas release, and more recently, a scientist in the Netflix production “Another Life”. Chatwin is a promoter of leading a nomadic lifestyle. Joining him in his constant need to roam is Ombú, the sweet stray dog he adopted in 2016.
Tommy
As a regular patron of the local bar, the Alibi, Tommy adds a much-needed comic relief to the otherwise somewhat bleak "Shameless" and he does so often at the expense of Frank. Many of our first encounters with Tommy are in the company of Frank at the Alibi where Frank is often the butt of one of Tommy’s jokes.
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To make a living, Tommy manages a group of construction workers. Lip Gallagher takes up a temporary job with Tommy. Though Tommy is constantly teasing Frank, his heart is in the right place and he often intervenes when Frank is in danger.
Michael Patrick McGill (aka Tommy)
“Shameless” may have helped Michael Patrick McGill to obtain more acting recognition, but this actor has had a long career as a professional actor. People in the soap circles might know McGill from his roles in the soap operas “Days of Our Lives” and “Passions”.
![Michael Patrick McGill (aka Tommy) Michael Patrick McGill (aka Tommy) | Instagram/@mpmcg80](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_de7784315348a5c7af095506583b3958/MichaelPatrickMcGill-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Yet this actor has had numerous guest appearances on both TV and in movies. In fact, he has had so many small roles in different tv shows, that if you name three random shows from the year 2001 onwards, odds are, he worked on it. This Wisconsin-born actor continues to add to his acting credentials but “Shameless” remains one of his biggest roles. Michael Patrick and Amy McGill married in 2012.
Sean Price
Once owner of Patsy Pies, he and Fiona Gallagher flirt at work almost as a sport. It is clear the two are falling for each other in Season 5. Working at Patsy Pies is not the only thing they have in common but a past with substance dependency and subsequent rehabilitation.
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In the case of Sean, he is recovering from some heavy stuff. His dependency caused him to lose his son and other heinous actions. By the time we meet him, he seems to be trying to make a clean start with Fiona. The two get married, but soon Sean relapses.
Dermot Mulroney (aka Sean Price)
Dermot Mulroney was a big name thanks to films like “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “The Wedding Date”. He also starred in Christopher Cain’s Western “Young Guns”. The actor has achieved some critical success, decorating his cabinets with awards such as Best Actor in "Samantha" at the Seattle International Film Festival.
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Lovers of the show "Friends", would also remember him as Gavin, who nearly has a fling with Rachel. Interestingly, Mulroney is quite the cellist. During the 1990s, he was part of a band called Low and Sweet Orchestra. His musical talents help him to land musical roles, if you remember him from “The Thing Called Love” starring River Phoenix.
Monica Gallagher
As Frank Gallagher’s estranged wife and the mostly absent mother of the Gallagher brood, Monica Gallagher frequently reenters the lives of her former husband and children. Obviously, her report with the family, as well as with the audience, is not the best. Frank first introduces Monica as a psycho.
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He is not wrong, because she did abandon her family, but her tempestuous behavior may be the result of substance abuse and struggling with bipolar disorder. Through the seasons, Monica slowly tries to rebuild her relationship with her kids. She fails plenty along the way but in her own way, she succeeds.
Chloe Webb (aka Monica Gallagher)
Chloe Webb is an actress hailing from Syracuse, New York. Before acting, Webb attended Berklee College of Music (in Boston) where she became a committed singer. Though singing was her true love, she realized her talents really lay in acting and pursued it as a career.
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Her first major breakthrough was starring as Nancy Spungen in “Sid & Nancy” for which she won numerous awards. Other notable roles include portraying Laurette Barber in “China Beach” and Louise Kracklite in “The Belly of Architect”. Little is known about Webb, except that she has been with partner J. Thomas Gelder since 1975.
Mavar
As a neighbor to the Gallaghers in the later seasons, Mavar tries to fill in the shoes of Frank Gallagher by being an example to the youngest and most neglected Gallagher, Liam. Mavar is a responsible African American man who aims to take Liam under his wing, showing him the best example by being a dependable role model.
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As a black kid growing up in a white family, Liam needed Mavar more than he realized. However, Mavar is not the first to get too close to a Gallagher and to get burned in the process. Needless to say, he is not the last either.
Anthony Alabi (aka Mavar)
This former American football player ended his football career and followed a new path in acting in 2010. Born in San Antonio, Alabi had much success with football. He made the NFL draft with the Miami Dolphins in 2005 and later went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
![Anthony Alabi (aka Mavar) Anthony Alabi (aka Mavar) | Instagram/@anthonyalabiofficial](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_6c55edf52462224b11313905ea8d73c3/AnthonyAlabi-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg-crop.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Playing something other than America's favorite sport, he decided to try his hand as an actor, and it seems to have paid off handsomely. His acting career is only taking off, but his most major role has been as Coach Spitz in “Raven’s Home”. He has also had appearances on “NCIS”, “Black-ish”, and “Modern Family”.
Jody Silverman
We meet one of the quirkier and lighter “Shameless” characters. Known for cooking naked, Jody Silverman is a tattoo artist who meets Karen Jackson at an Addicts Anonymous group. He forms a close relationship with her mother, Sheila Jackson, which becomes a little too close, in some viewers' opinion.
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Despite his background and possibly intimidating appearance, Jody is a good guy through and through and he does the right thing by marrying Karen. The only bad thing about the character is we saw him too little as he only stuck around for Seasons 2 and 3. Well, that and the fact that he was somehow in a relationship with a woman as well as that woman's mother.
Zach McGowan (aka Jody Silverman)
Starting out as a model for art students, this bearded, long-haired, blue-eyed boy comes from New York. While Zach McGowan is known for his dazzling performance as the troubled Jody Silverman, he has achieved much success in the acting world, especially as a voice artist.
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He has done voice-over work for the “Resident Evil” franchise’s latest “Operation Raccoon City” and the video game “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier”. Roles in the actor’s credentials include playing Roan in “The 100” and Charles Vane in “Black Sails”. The actor has been married since 2008 to Emily Johnson and they have four children.
Jasmine Hollander
Probably not the ideal friend for Fiona Gallagher, Jasmine Hollander is a former schoolmate of Fiona who probably harbors secret feelings for her friend. Jasmine is a mother of three and married to Hal. She and Fiona bond over their mutual share of harsh judgment from the community.
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She is fun and free-spirited and loves partying – and loves Fiona too. Sadly, Jasmine loves partying a bit too much. Her free-spirited behavior becomes a bit too free-spirited and she soon finds herself on a downward spiral involving romantic partners as well as different substances she should have steered clear of.
Amy Smart (aka Jasmine Hollander)
You probably remember this Californian actress from the comedies “Rat Race” or the sweet Beth “Road Trip”. The actress has also taken on more serious roles like as the ill-fated Kayleigh in “The Butterfly Effect” and Eve in action-thriller “Crank”, starring alongside Jason Statham.
![Amy Smart (aka Jasmine Hollander) Amy Smart (aka Jasmine Hollander) | Instagram/@smarthouse26](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/639208/rid_2d18189a4e2ba884f20b388df04a598f/AmySmart-TheCastOfShamelessInRealLife.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
More recently, she has had roles in Tyler Perry’s “The Single Mom’s Club” and the somber “Mississippi Requiem”. Interestingly, Amy Smart had her first steps in show business as a model in Italy before moving to Los Angeles and taking acting lessons. She has had a long career spanning more than 25 years. Smart is married to Carter Oosterhouse, and the two have a daughter together.