On screen, the Gallagher family of Shameless (US) scraped by on scams and minimum wage. Off screen, the actors who brought them to life have built massive fortunes, proving that playing poor pays incredibly well in Hollywood.

As the show celebrates its legacy in 2026, a look at the cast’s finances reveals a stark contrast to their characters. From William H. Macy’s veteran status to Jeremy Allen White’s meteoric rise, the Shameless alumni are rolling in cash.

The Rich List

William H. Macy (Frank Gallagher) tops the chart. The industry veteran commanded a salary of $350,000 (KES 45.5 million) per episode in later seasons. His net worth now stands at an estimated $45 million, bolstered by a career spanning decades.

• Emmy Rossum (Fiona): Before her departure, Rossum famously fought for—and won—pay parity with Macy. Her net worth is estimated at $12 million, a testament to her savvy negotiation skills.
• Jeremy Allen White (Lip): The breakout star has leveraged his Shameless fame into a massive career boost with The Bear, seeing his value skyrocket in the last two years.
• Cameron Monaghan (Ian): Successfully pivoting to video games (Star Wars Jedi series) and modeling, Monaghan has diversified his income streams beyond TV.

The Lesson

For aspiring Kenyan actors, the Shameless cast offers a blueprint: fight for your worth, use TV fame to launch other ventures, and never let the character you play limit the business you build.