As gay teen Ian Gallagher on the new Showtime series Shameless, 17-year-old Cameron Monaghan says his character is the anti-Kurt Hummel. His character smokes pot, is obsessed with porn, and occasionally screws his married, Muslim boss.
"He's the anti-stereotype," Gallagher says. "He never does anything that's stereotypically perceived as 'gay.' He's tough, he's street smart, and he's pretty much unlike any gay teenager on television right now."
The show, about a lower-income family including William H. Macy as the alcoholic father and Emmy Rossum as the smart, slutty sister, is raising eyebrows before premiering for its provocative content. But Monaghan says as an actor -- even one who's not yet legal -- he had no qualms about taking on such an in-your-face role.
"I'm always happy to support the gay community. Ian's a really fantastic part. A non-stereotypical part. And I think a lot of teens -- and a lot of gay teens, especially -- will really relate to the role."
Shameless premieres January 9 on Showtime.
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