8 Shameless Actors Who Left The Show (And 7 We Want Gone)

Posted by Enda Jantzen on Tuesday, June 11, 2024

It doesn't take long for viewers to realize that the Gallagher family got the short end of the stick. They're poor and neglected and they have Frank as a father. So yeah, life is rough for the six children who make up the Gallagher clan. Still, as viewers, we hope to see the family rise above their circumstance and let the good times roll. Sadly, that is not what Shameless is about. Instead, we see the Gallagher kids lean on their oldest sibling, Fiona, as she tries to juggle a job, a household, a deadbeat dad, and a slew of dubious relationships.

Life doesn't get easier for the Gallaghers, it just gets more shameless. The show is slated to return for an eleventh and final season in the summer of 2020. Although we are sad to say goodbye to some of our favorite characters, we are also happy to see some of them go.

15 Left: Justin Chatwin's Run As A Series Regular Came To An End

Fiona Gallagher has had some slimy boyfriends, but none of them were as conniving as Steve, or Jimmy, or Jack, or whatever his name is. Actor Justin Chatwin portrayed this character -- who was first introduced as Steve -- up until season five. In 2013, producer John Wells announced that they would soon be retiring the character.

14 Should Leave: William H. Macy's Character Is Too Redundant

We get it, Frank, you're a real piece of work and you're never going to change. But have you ever given much thought to skipping town and giving your family a well-deserved break? We're honestly surprised that your body hasn't deteriorated from all the substance abuse. It's been fun, but perhaps it's time to go?

13 Left: Emmy Rossum Left To Pursue New Endeavors

Actor Emmy Rossum has been the leading lady of Shameless ever since the series premiered. Emmy, who portrayed Fiona Gallagher on the show, concluded her run after the ninth season. In her opinion, it was time to move on and spread her wings. Emmy feels privileged to have played Fiona for so long.

12 Should Leave: Emma Kenney's Character Is Annoying

You used to be sweet and innocent, Debbie Gallagher. But now, you give Fiona a run for her money. You're one of the youngest Gallagher siblings and you also happen to be a mom. You've brought a lot of excitement and drama to the series, but you can be a little much.

11 Left And Came Back: Cameron Monaghan Left Because His Contract Was Up But Came Back 4 Months Later

Cameron Monaghan, who plays Ian Gallagher, announced that he would also be leaving the cast of Shameless shortly after Emmy Rossum did. Instead of renewing his contract, as he had done many times before, Cameron chose to pursue new endeavors. However, in the span of four months, Cameron agreed to come back as a series regular.

10 Left: Joan Cusack's Character Was Written Out Of The Show

Actor Joan Cusack's on-screen counterpart, Sheila Jackson, had one of the biggest character arcs in the entire show. Saying goodbye to Sheila was not an easy thing to do. However, the character's journey was complete and she was ready to move on with her life after finally conquering her agoraphobia.

9 Should Leave: Steve Howey's Character Should Move On With His Life

Anyone who watches Shameless knows that Kevin Ball is a stand-up guy. He's hilarious in his own right and he's someone his friends can depend on. It would be nice to see Kevin's life improve for a change. Kevin should move on with his life and relocate his family to a safer area.

8 Left: Jane Levy's Role Was Recast

Mandy Milkovich isn't the easiest character to portray. She's highly-dysfunctional, erratic, and completely unreliable. At first, Mandy was played by actor Jane Levy. Problem was, Jane threw in her Shameless towel to headline on the sitcom Suburgatory. Her role had to be recast, and it subsequently went to Emma Greenwell.

7 Left: Isidora Goreshter's Contract Didn't Get Renewed

Isidora Goreshter first joined the cast of Shameless in season three and would go on to star as a series regular up until the end of season eight. Isidora played the rambunctious yet level-headed Svetlana, who quickly scammed her way into our hearts. Unfortunately, Isadora's time on the show came to an end.

6 Should Leave: Jeremy Allen White's Character Should Focus On His Family

Lip Gallagher has been through a lot. He's a super-intelligent person, despite sharing some unpleasant tendencies with his father. We don't want Lip to go, but he should leave to start a better life with Tammy and their son. It looks like Lip could be leavingShameless, and that's a good thing.

5 Left: Laura Slade Wiggins' Character Was No Longer Vital To The Plot

Actor Laura Slade Wiggins is the woman behind the unlikable Karen Jackson. Karen served as Lip's tumultuous love interest and helped develop his character. However, she was cold and calculated and literally up to no good. Karen's storyline fizzled out by season three which is when the actor gracefully left the cast of Shameless.

4 Left And Came Back: Ethan Cutkosky Asked To Be Written Off To Focus On School, But Couldn't Stay Away

Ethan Cutkosky was just a young boy when he took on the role of Carl Gallagher. By the end of season seven, Ethan began toying with the idea of becoming a regular kid and attending high school like other people his age. So, he asked to be written off the show — only to realize that he couldn't stay away.

Related: Frank Gallagher: 20 Most Shameless Things He's Ever Done

3 Should Leave: Ethan Cutkosky Keeps Getting In Trouble With The Law

You're only twenty years old, Ethan Cutkosky, and you've been a series regular on the show since you were eight years old. So we're not surprised that you grew up to be as shameless as your on-screen counterpart, Carl Gallagher. Arrested for DUI at just seventeen years old? Maybe Shameless is a bad influence on you.

Related: 20 Pics Of What The Shameless Cast Look Like (Season One Vs. Now)

2 Should Leave: Cameron Monaghan's Character Is All Played Out

Ian Gallagher has come a long way from being the timid and closeted teenager we first met in season one. But even then, some aspects of Ian's storyline have been overplayed. Fans of the show are happy to see him and Mickey together at last. It's the happily ever after they both deserve.

Related: Shameless: 15 Things We Hope Won't Happen In The Last Season (But Probably Will)

1 Should Leave: Shanola Hampton's Character Should Leave To Focus On Her Family

Shameless just wouldn't be the same without Veronica. However, viewers want what's best for her and her family. Although running a bar is great and all, Veronica could do so much more — she's a skilled person, after all. Kevin and Veronica should leave to offer their family a better life.

Next: Here Are All The Shameless Actors Ranked From Poorest To Richest

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