While we all sit and wait for the 11th and final season of Shameless to come back to our television screens in November, we must take a moment to reflect on the incredible Cameron Monaghan. He is most well known for his role as the lovable and chaotic Ian Gallagher on Shameless. The character of Ian is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and groundbreaking characters on television right now. Any fan of Shameless knows that Cameron Monaghan is an extremely talented actor, but where else do you know him from? In this article, I am going to dive head first into some of Monaghan’s other projects and hopefully make you love him like I do.
Malcolm in the Middle (2004-2005)
One of Monaghan’s first acting gigs was a small role in the show Malcolm in the Middle. Monaghan’s role was Chad, a deeply disturbed kid in Dewey’s special needs class that constantly wore a sign on the front and back of his shirt. Though this role was quite short lived, it was undoubtedly the breakthrough role for Monaghan. Many of his films that follow almost reflect this small character he played.
While I wouldn’t say it was my favorite role of Monaghan’s, it definitely was the one I remembered quite fondly from my childhood. I mean who didn’t watch Malcolm in the Middle?
Click (2006)
Another role Monaghan is well known for is Kevin O’Doyle in the Adam Sandler movie Click. Kevin was Michael’s (played by Adam Sandler) kid neighbor who’s a bit stuck up. Throughout the movie we see a variety of scenes that feature Kevin antagonizing Michael and his kids. This role is definitely one of the funniest roles of Monaghan’s. He plays the role absolutely perfect, and every line and action he has is extremely authentic and exactly what you would expect out of a bratty young bully.
Gotham (2015-2019)
We cannot talk about Cameron Monaghan without talking about one of his most impressive roles, Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska. If you don’t know Monaghan from Shameless, you definitely know him from the FOX television series Gotham. If you don’t know what Gotham is, it is the story behind Detective James Gordon’s rise to prominence in Gotham City, years before Batman’s arrival. In this show, Monaghan plays one of my personal favorite versions of the iconic Joker.
The chaos and madness that Cameron Monaghan brings to this character is absolutely phenomenal. Monaghan nails absolutely every part of this role from the laugh to the jaw dropping final transformation into the Joker. Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska may just be my one of my favorite roles of Monaghan’s.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019)
One of the most recent projects of Monaghan’s is his role as Cal Kestis in the video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. In the game, you play as Cal Kestis, a young Jedi looking to complete his Jedi training and restore the Jedi Order while be hunted down by the Empire. Not only does the character of Cal Kestis look identical to Monaghan, but his personality plays through Cal as well. Out of all of Cameron Monaghan’s work, his role as Cal Kestis was the most genuine and down to earth, unlike many of his other roles. Monaghan may be well known for playing very chaotic characters, but this game showcases that he has many other talents outside of those roles. As a massive Star Wars fan, the role of Cal Kestis holds a very special place in my heart.
To see a full list of Cameron Monaghan’s filmography head over to IMDb.