As the longest-running scripted drama series Showtime ever produced, Shameless just wrapped its emotionally fraught series finale after 11 seasons on the air. Despite the disturbing dysfunctionality of the Gallagher family, Frank (William H. Macy), Fiona (Emmy Rossum), Lip (Jeremy Allen White), Ian (Cameron Monaghan), Debs (Emma Kenney), Carl (Ethan Cutkosky), and Liam (Christian Isaiah) are among the most lovingly complicated and nuanced characters in television history.
After spending a decade in their respective roles, the principal cast members are ready to move on to a whole new chapter in their creative careers. Here's what the Shameless cast is up to now that the show is over.
Noel Fisher
As Ian's tough-loving, on-again/off-again boyfriend Mickey Milkovich, Noel Fisher gave one of the best performances on Shameless. As such, it's no surprise that he's joined fellow cast member Emma Kenney on ABC's The Conners. He's guest-starred in three episodes so far with potential reprisals in the future.
While Fisher appeared opposite Tom Hardy in Capone in 2020, his next film project has yet to be announced. According to ET Canada, Fisher isn't sure what's next and is "taking a little bit of time to breathe" while looks for his next juicy role.
Steve Howey
As the big lug with a heart of gold next door, bar owner Kevin Ball (Steve Howey) was one of the funniest Shameless characters. It's good to know he'll be lending his comedic chops for the horror-comedy Day Shift next.
Currently filming, Day Shift stars Jamie Foxx as a man who puts on a front as a pool cleaner by day but really earns a living as a vicious vampire hunter by night. Snoop Dog, Dave Franco, Meagan Good, Scott Adkins, and Karla Souza are also set to star in the film.
Shanola Hampton
After scoring her breakout role as Veronica "V" Fisher in Shameless, Shanola Hampton has already set up a pair of projects for 2021 and beyond. The first includes Deadly Illusions, a dramatic thriller about a novelist hiring a shady nanny after developing writer's block.
Hampton also recently wrapped Night School, a TV movie adaptation of the 2018 Kevin Hart film. She is poised to costar in the film with Collette Wolfe, Josh Segarra, Ian Gomez, James Earl, and Jade Bender.
Christian Isaiah
One of the interesting tidbits about Shameless is how the character of Liam Gallagher was portrayed by two different actors. For the five seasons, Braden Sims played the role. In the last five, Liam was played by Christian Isaiah.
While Sims left the acting profession in 2016, Isaiah is set to appear as himself in the upcoming documentary Surviving Sunset An Actor's Hollywood Journey, which explores the underbelly of the entertainment industry.
Ethan Cutkosky
As Carl Gallagher, Ethan Cutkosky arguably had the biggest character transformation on Shameless. Given his acting chops demonstrated on the show, it's no surprise he's booked two upcoming gigs.
After making a guest appearance on CSI: Miami in 2013, Cutkosky will appear in Post-Graduate Psychopath, the 14th episode of Season 22 of the show on May 20, 2021. Cutkosky also recently completed the dramatic film Alex/October from writer/director Josh Hope, which still awaits a release date.
Emma Kenney
As one of the breakout stars of the series playing Debbie, Emma Kenney was rewarded with a recurring role on ABC's The Conners where she continues to play the role of Harris Conner-Healy. Moving forward, she'll juggle that role with at least two others.
Kenney is also currently filming the animated film My Love Affair with Marriage, in which she'll voice the character of Sarma opposite her Shameless costar Cameron Monaghan. Kenney is also slated to star in the upcoming dramedy Growing Up Gorman, in which she'll play the romantic interest of the title character.
Cameron Monaghan
In one of the more difficult roles to play, Cameron Monaghan took the part of Ian Gallagher and ran with it to great acclaim. As such, he's lined up a trio of post-Shameless projects to look forward to.
In addition to voicing the role of Segei in the animated film My Love Affair With Marriage, Monaghan recently wrapped The White Devil, a horror/thriller about a haunted London boarding school. Monaghan has also been announced to star in the possession-thriller Deliberation alongside Annalise Basso.
Jeremy Allen White
All things considered, Jeremy Allen White may have given the best overall performance on Shameless as the brilliant but troubled Lip. Therefore, it's no surprise that he's already wrapped a pair of upcoming film projects.
Up first for White is The Birthday Cake, a mob drama co-starring Ewan McGregor, Val Kilmer, and Aldis Hodge. The film follows a man who must deliver a cake to his uncle on the 10th anniversary of his father's death. Also in post-production is a film called You Can't Win, a period piece about an explorer and a young prostitute in the 1920s.
Emmy Rossum
While star Emmy Rossum left the show as Fiona Gallagher after Season 9, she remains the heart and soul of the series. As such, she's poised to exec-produce and headline the title role of the upcoming new limited series Angelyne.
The series is an unauthorized adaptation of The Hollywood Reporter's dogged investigation about Angelyne, the cryptic centerpiece of a series of L.A. billboards. Created by Nancy Oliver, the show will also star Jefferson Hall, Lukas Cage, Charlie Rowe, and Scott Connors.
William H. Macy
As the elderly statesman of the Gallagher clan with nearly 140 credits to his name, William H. Macy appears to be in no rush to find a follow-up project. He appeared in all 134 episodes of Shameless from 2011-2021.
Instead, Macy may be focused on pursuing a musical career as his newly minted alter ego, Willie Creeks. In early 2021, Macy released his first single as Creeks entitled "Whiskey Dell." Beyond that, where Macy's acting career goes from here is anyone's guess.