Cameron Monaghan is leaving Shameless, effective immediately. The 25-year-old actor made the shocking announcement on Instagram on Monday (Oct. 8), revealing the hit show's next episode would be his last. Not only will Monaghan be leaving the show, but he's also known about the departure for the past year. Alongside three photos from the set of Shameless, Monaghan wrote an emotional statement about his decision:
I have been a series regular on this show for roughly ten years. I was the tender age of fifteen when we shot the pilot, and I came of age in so many ways, both legally and personally. I was very lucky to mature and grow with this show. Experiencing so many firsts, maturing as an actor, a professional, and a human. In the process gaining friends, family, and the best coworkers a very lucky actor could ask for, and for this I can be nothing but gracious. All good things come to an end. An old cliche, but one that rings true with a sincerity and clarity especially in moments like these. Everything ends. The next episode will be my last. I have known since last year, but I didn’t want to give it away too early as I wanted this season to be a surprise for the audience, allowing them to experience Ian’s unsure journey with his character. This role has been a joy to inhabit, a wild and special ride, and I’d like to thank #Shameless as well as you, the viewers, for being there with him. Goodbye, Ian Clayton Gallagher. We’ll meet again?
Monaghan isn't the only member of the original cast leaving Shameless. Emmy Rossum recently revealed that the current season of the show would be her last. While Rossum will finish out season nine, Monaghan appears to be departing in the middle of the season. Following Rossum's announcement, executive producer and showrunner John Wells said he's looking "forward to continuing the stories of this wildly unpredictable family and all of us on Shameless will miss Emmy and her wonderful Fiona."
For fans of the show, it will certainly be an adjustment after main characters Fiona and Ian are no longer a part of the show. What do you think about Monaghan's announcement?
Photo: Getty