'Shameless' season 9: Cameron Monaghan on Ian Gallagher's greatest strength and biggest flaw

For the last nine years, Monaghan has been able to build the character of Ian from scratch - from a confused, lost, scared adolescent teenager, to a confident, powerful, sassy gay Jesus.

It has been a couple of days since fans and followers of the hit Showtime dramedy, 'Shameless' were hit by a yet another massive blow in the form of a fan-favorite actor quitting the show. This time, it was Cameron Monaghan - the face behind the quiet, yet erratic storm that is Ian Gallagher. The other is Emmy Rossum, who had earlier let fans know that 'Shameless' season 9 would be her last.  

For the last nine years, Monaghan has been able to build the character of Ian from scratch - from a confused, lost, scared adolescent teenager, to a confident, powerful, sassy gay Jesus of sorts who was able to take over almost half the entire nation with his beliefs. And while the writers and creators might have had their own contribution in helping Ian evolve into the strong character he is today, if it wasn't for Monaghan's expertise at portraying a messed up bipolar man so articulately, then things could have easily fallen apart.

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