Shameless: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

Shameless (2011–2021) is an American comedy-drama series, adapted by John Wells from Paul Abbott’s British show, airing on Showtime for 11 seasons and 134 episodes.

Set in Chicago’s South Side, it follows the dysfunctional Gallagher family, led by alcoholic patriarch Frank, as they navigate poverty, addiction, and resilience with dark humor.

Filmed in Los Angeles (with Chicago exteriors), it became Showtime’s longest-running scripted series, averaging 1–1.5 million viewers per episode.

With an 82% Rotten Tomatoes score for season 1, it’s praised for its raw performances but criticized for inconsistent later seasons and an abrupt finale.

Main Cast and Their Roles

William H. Macy as Frank Gallagher

• Role: Frank, the neglectful, alcoholic father of six, schemes for money and survival, often abandoning his kids. Macy’s “chaotic yet magnetic” performance earned five Emmy nominations. Appeared in all 134 episodes; also executive producer. Salary: ~$350,000 per episode in later seasons, ~$4.2 million per season
• Net Worth: $45 million
• Height: 5’9″ (1.75 m)
• Family: Born March 13, 1950, in Miami, Florida, to William Sr. (insurance broker) and Lois Macy. One brother, Fred. Goddard College graduate; studied under David Mamet
• Relationships: Married Felicity Huffman (actress) from 1997 to 2023 (divorced post-college admissions scandal); two daughters, Sofia (born 2000) and Georgia (born 2002)
• Post-Series: Starred in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024). Upcoming: Wild Horse Nine (2025)

Emmy Rossum as Fiona Gallagher

• Role: Fiona, the eldest Gallagher, acts as the family’s caretaker until her season 9 exit to pursue independence. Rossum’s “fierce” performance earned Critics’ Choice nominations; she directed episodes. Appeared in 110 episodes. Salary: ~$250,000–$350,000 per episode in later seasons
• Net Worth: $12 million
• Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m)
• Family: Born September 12, 1986, in New York City, to Cheryl Rossum (photographer). Only child; parents divorced pre-birth. Of Jewish-Russian descent
• Relationships: Married Justin Siegel (2008–2010), Sam Esmail (director, Mr. Robot) since 2017; one daughter (born 2021), one son (born 2023)
• Post-Series: Starred in Angelyne (2022). Upcoming: Crowded Room (2025)

Jeremy Allen White as Phillip “Lip” Gallagher

• Role: Lip, the intelligent but troubled second-eldest, battles alcoholism and mentors his siblings. White’s “raw” performance was a breakout. Appeared in all 134 episodes. Salary: ~$200,000 per episode in later seasons
• Net Worth: $8 million
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
• Family: Born February 17, 1991, in Brooklyn, New York. Parents (former actors) and family details private; no siblings reported. Trained at Merce Cunningham Studio (dance)
• Relationships: Married Addison Timlin (actress, 2019–2023); two daughters, Ezer (born 2018) and Dolores (born 2020). Dating Rosalía (singer) since 2023
• Post-Series: Stars in The Bear (2022–present). Upcoming: Deliver Me from Nowhere (2025)

Cameron Monaghan as Ian Gallagher

• Role: Ian, the third-eldest, navigates his bipolar disorder and gay identity, marrying Mickey Milkovich. Monaghan’s “nuanced” portrayal was lauded for LGBTQ+ representation. Appeared in ~130 episodes; left briefly in season 9. Salary: ~$150,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $5 million
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
• Family: Born August 16, 1993, in Santa Monica, California, to Diane Monaghan (single mother, insurance claims). Only child
• Relationships: Single; no children. Dated Peyton List (2017–2019). Previously linked to Ruby Modine and Lauren Searle
• Post-Series: Starred in Paradise Highway (2022). Upcoming: Tron: Ares (2025)

Emma Kenney as Debbie Gallagher

• Role: Debbie, the fourth-eldest, evolves from sweet to rebellious, becoming a single mom. Kenney, cast at 11, grew up on set; her “versatile” arc was praised. Appeared in all 134 episodes. Salary: ~$90,000 per episode in later seasons
• Net Worth: $4 million
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m)
• Family: Born September 14, 1999, in New York City. Parents (attorney and publicist) and family details private; no siblings reported
• Relationships: Single
• Post-Series: Stars in The Conners (2025). Focuses on mental health advocacy

Ethan Cutkosky as Carl Gallagher

• Role: Carl, the fifth-eldest, transforms from delinquent to police officer. Cast at 11, Cutkosky’s “gritty” growth was a highlight. Appeared in all 134 episodes. Salary: ~$80,000 per episode in later seasons
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born August 19, 1999, in St. Charles, Illinois, to David (software engineer) and Yvonne Cutkosky. Only child
• Relationships: Single
• Post-Series: Starred in Alex/October (2022). Pursues music and photography

Christian Isaiah as Liam Gallagher

• Role: Liam, the youngest Gallagher, grows from toddler to clever teen, often the family’s moral compass. Isaiah joined in season 8, replacing Brenden and Brennan Sims. Appeared in 50 episodes. Salary: ~$30,000–$50,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $1.5 million
• Height: 5’2″ (1.57 m)
• Family: Born December 15, 2007, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Parents’ names private; no siblings reported
• Relationships: Single
• Post-Series: Focuses on fashion (King Legacy) and modeling. Limited acting roles

Shanola Hampton as Veronica “V” Fisher

• Role: V, the Gallaghers’ loyal neighbor, runs a bar with husband Kevin and raises twins. Hampton’s “vivacious” breakout role was a fan favorite. Appeared in all 134 episodes. Salary: ~$120,000 per episode in later seasons
• Net Worth: $1 million
• Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m)
• Family: Born May 27, 1977, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Ron Hampton (pastor). One sister, Andrea. University of Illinois graduate
• Relationships: Married Daren Dukes (producer) since 2000; two children, Cai (born 2014) and Daren (born 2016)
• Post-Series: Starred in Found (2023–present). Upcoming: Dangerous Moms (2025)

Steve Howey as Kevin Ball

• Role: Kev, V’s husband and bar owner, is a lovable, chaotic father figure to the Gallaghers. Howey’s “comedic” performance shone. Appeared in ~130 episodes. Salary: ~$100,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $2 million
• Height: 6’4″ (1.93 m)
• Family: Born July 12, 1977, in San Antonio, Texas. Parents (acting coach and director) private; three siblings, including Bret Howey
• Relationships: Married Sarah Shahi (actress, 2009–2021); three children: William (born 2009), Violet and Knox (born 2015). Engaged to Natalie Buck since 2023
• Post-Series: Starred in True Lies (2023). Upcoming: Day Shift (2025)

Noel Fisher as Mickey Milkovich

• Role: Mickey, Ian’s tough boyfriend-turned-husband, evolves from criminal to loyal partner. Fisher’s “electric” chemistry with Monaghan was iconic. Appeared in ~80 episodes (recurring seasons 1–5, main 10–11). Salary: ~$50,000–$80,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $3 million
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
• Family: Born March 13, 1984, in Vancouver, Canada. Parents’ names private; no siblings reported
• Relationships: Married Layla Alizada (actress) since 2017; no children
• Post-Series: Starred in The Calling (2022). Upcoming: The Penguin (2025)

Joan Cusack as Sheila Jackson (Seasons 1–5)

• Role: Sheila, an agoraphobic single mother, romances Frank and raises daughter Karen. Cusack’s “quirky” performance earned an Emmy nomination. Appeared in ~40 episodes. Salary: ~$50,000–$80,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $20 million
• Height: 5’3″ (1.60 m)
• Family: Born October 11, 1962, in New York City, to Dick (actor) and Nancy Cusack (teacher). Four siblings, including John Cusack
• Relationships: Married Richard Burke (attorney) since 1993; two sons, Dylan (born 1997) and Miles (born 2000)
• Post-Series: Starred in Homecoming (2020). Limited recent roles

Justin Chatwin as Jimmy/Steve Lishman (Seasons 1–5, guest later)

• Role: Jimmy/Steve, Fiona’s charming but deceptive boyfriend, is a car thief with secrets. Chatwin’s “suave” role was divisive. Appeared in ~40 episodes. Salary: ~$40,000–$60,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $2 million
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
• Family: Born October 31, 1982, in Nanaimo, Canada. Parents: Brian (engineer) and Suzanne Chatwin (artist). Two siblings: Brianna, Cody
• Relationships: Single
• Post-Series: Starred in Another Life (2019–2021), Die in a Gunfight (2021)

Emma Greenwell as Mandy Milkovich (Seasons 2–6, guest)

• Role: Mandy, Mickey’s sister and Lip’s girlfriend, faces abuse and hustles to survive. Greenwell’s “gritty” arc was impactful. Appeared in ~40 episodes. Salary: ~$30,000–$50,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $2.5 million
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m)
• Family: Born January 14, 1989, in New York City; raised in London. Parents’ names private; no siblings reported
• Relationships: In a relationship with Jeremy Allen White (2011–2013, during Shameless); no public updates since. Single, no children as of 2025
• Post-Series: Starred in The Mosquito Coast (2021–2023)

Isidora Goreshter as Svetlana Yevgenivna (Seasons 3–8)

• Role: Svetlana, a Russian sex worker turned Kevin and V’s wife, schemes her way into the family. Goreshter’s “cunning” role was memorable. Appeared in ~40 episodes. Salary: ~$30,000–$50,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $2 million
• Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m)
• Family: Born October 24, 1981, in Long Beach, California. Parents’ names private; no siblings reported. Stella Adler Conservatory graduate
• Relationships: Unknown
• Post-Series: Starred in Clara’s Ghost (2018). Limited recent roles

Additional Notes

Salaries

Macy earned the highest at ~$350,000 per episode in later seasons, followed by Rossum at ~$250,000–$350,000.

White earned ~$200,000, Monaghan ~$150,000, Hampton ~$120,000, Howey ~$100,000, Kenney ~$90,000, and Cutkosky ~$80,000.

Recurring actors (Cusack, Chatwin, Fisher, Greenwell, Goreshter, Isaiah) earned $30,000–$80,000.

The budget ($3–$4 million per episode) covered LA sets, Chicago exteriors, and gritty production design.

Residuals from Netflix and Peacock boost earnings.

Casting Insights

Macy, a veteran (Fargo), anchored the show, with producers building around him.

Rossum was cast after Phantom of the Opera, beating out Allison Janney for Fiona.

White and Monaghan, relatively unknown, grew into stars.

Kenney and Cutkosky, cast as kids, matured on set.

Hampton’s Reba role helped land V.

Fisher’s The Riches experience fit Mickey’s edge.

Impact and Legacy

The 82% Rotten Tomatoes score for season 1 reflects its raw humor and heart, though later seasons dipped (60% for season 11) due to repetitive plots.

Fans on Reddit praise Ian-Mickey’s romance and Frank’s monologues but criticize Fiona’s absence in the finale.

The show’s tackling of poverty, addiction, and queerness was groundbreaking, though some X users note exaggerated South Side depictions.

Its 15 Emmy nominations highlight its acting strength.

Post-Series Careers

Macy and Rossum pursue prestige projects (The Dropout, Angelyne).

White shines in The Bear.

Monaghan mixes TV (Gotham) and film (Tron: Ares).

Kenney and Cutkosky focus on TV (The Conners) and smaller ventures.

Hampton leads Found.

Howey, Fisher, Cusack, Chatwin, Greenwell, and Goreshter take varied roles, with Cusack slowing down.

Cultural Influence

The show’s Chicago setting and “Gallagher” resilience became iconic, with lines like “Shameless!” trending on X.

Its soundtrack (The High Strung’s theme, indie tracks) and gritty aesthetic shaped 2010s TV.

The Ian-Mickey arc was a queer milestone, though some criticized early stereotypes.

The finale’s lack of closure sparked debate, but the show’s legacy endures via streaming.

Conclusion

Shameless’s ensemble, led by Macy’s chaotic Frank and Rossum’s fierce Fiona, crafted a raw, hilarious portrait of survival.

Net worths range from $1 million (Hampton, Cutkosky) to $45 million (Macy), reflecting career spans.

Personal lives, from Macy’s divorce to White’s rising fame, add depth.

Despite finale critiques, its bold themes and unforgettable Gallaghers cement its status as a Showtime classic, available on Netflix and Peacock.