Ethan Cutkosky, born Ethan Francis Cutkosky on August 19, 1999, is an American actor and musician who first captured widespread attention for his portrayal of Carl Gallagher on the long-running Showtime comedy-drama series Shameless. As one of the few actors to appear in all eleven seasons of the acclaimed show, Cutkosky became a recognizable face in television, transforming from a child actor into a versatile performer over the course of a decade. His career began in childhood with an uncredited role in the holiday comedy Fred Claus (2007), where he made his film debut alongside Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti. He soon earned his first credited part in the supernatural horror film The Unborn (2009), starring Odette Annable and Gary Oldman, which helped establish his early footing in the industry.

Cutkosky’s breakthrough came in 2011 when he was cast as Carl Gallagher, the mischievous and often unpredictable middle child of the Gallagher family, on Shameless, the American adaptation of the British series of the same name. The show, which ran until 2021, became a cultural touchstone for its raw, darkly comic portrayal of a working-class family in Chicago. Over the course of the series, Cutkosky’s character evolved from a troubled youth into a more mature and complex figure, earning him critical praise and a dedicated fanbase. His performance alongside William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, and Jeremy Allen White was a key component of the ensemble’s success, and he grew up on screen, navigating storylines that ranged from comedic antics to serious dramatic arcs.

Following the conclusion of Shameless, Cutkosky continued to expand his acting résumé. In 2022, he starred in the independent drama Alex/October, a film that explored themes of connection and loss, and he took on a supporting role in the highly anticipated comedy sequel Happy Gilmore 2 (2025), starring Adam Sandler. Beyond acting, Cutkosky has also pursued a career in music, releasing original songs and performing as a musician, showcasing a creative versatility that extends beyond the screen. With his formative years spent on one of television’s most beloved series, Ethan Cutkosky has established himself as a talented and enduring figure in entertainment, and his continued work in both film and music suggests a promising future ahead.