'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.
PUBLISHED OCT 11, 2018

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.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

A dreamy Nantucket getaway turns tense as old friends reunite, and one unexpected guest changes everything
1 hour ago
Rapp will play Samantha in the upcoming season of the hit show alongside Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston
2 hours ago
Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, and Chase Sui Wonders are set to return to ‘The Studio’ Season 2
3 hours ago
The latest episode focuses on John and Carolyn, a year into their marriage, as their relationship becomes increasingly strained
4 hours ago
A chance encounter turns awkward fast as sparks fly between a quiet songwriter and a hockey star
6 hours ago
'The Real Housewives of Miami' ratings have significantly dropped since Season 1, and the reality series aired its last season in 2025.
22 hours ago
Taylor's other reality series, 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' has halted production this week following domestic assault allegations.
22 hours ago
The final three episodes of ‘The Madison’ Season 1 are set to drop on March 21 on Paramount+
1 day ago
‘Invincible’ Season 4's future just got more complicated as a deadly enemy returns and a ruthless leader issues a chilling command
1 day ago
Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo’ live-action adaptation focuses on how the much-loved characters first crossed paths long before Mystery Inc. was established
1 day ago