Cameron Monaghan's debut as gay
teenager Ian Gallagher premieres on Showtime's Shameless on
Sunday. Monaghan describes his role as non-stereotypical and the
opposite of Chris Colfer's Kurt Hummel on the Fox musical-comedy hit
Glee.
The series is based on the
award-winning British series of the same name broadcast on Channel
4 and stars Emmy-winning William H. Macy as the single father of six
children living in Chicago. Macy's Frank Gallagher spends his days
drunk, leaving his kids to fend for themselves.
In
an interview with Vanity Fair, Monaghan's role is
described as the “anti-Kurt Hummel”
“He's the anti-stereotype,”
Monaghan said. “He never does anything that's stereotypically
perceived as 'gay.' He's tough, he's street smart, and he's pretty
much unlike any teenager on television right now.”
The 17-year-old added that he had no
reservations about playing gay.
“You know, I'm not gay myself, but
it's a role I'm very happy to play,” he said. “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 related to the role.”