The Unfiltered Life Of Kevin From Shameless: What Steve Howey Is Doing Now In 2025
Kevin Ball, the big-hearted, often clueless, but always loyal neighbor and bar owner from the iconic series Shameless, became one of television's most beloved comedic characters. As of late December 2025, fans are still looking back on his decade-long journey on the South Side, which concluded in 2021, and wondering what the actor who brought him to life has been up to. The good news is that actor Steve Howey is busier than ever, with a packed slate of new television projects that are set to redefine his career beyond the beloved role of 'Kev.'
The character of Kevin, often paired with his sharp-witted partner Veronica Fisher (Shanola Hampton), provided much of the show's necessary comic relief and emotional grounding, acting as a functional, if unconventional, family unit next to the chaos of the Gallagher family. His post-Shameless career has seen Howey take on a variety of new roles, including a major series regular spot on a highly anticipated new network drama and a nostalgic reunion with his former sitcom co-stars.
Steve Howey: Full Biography and Profile
Steven Michael Robert Howey, the man behind the lovable South Side bartender, has a rich career spanning decades, from his early days as a teen heartthrob to his current status as a seasoned television veteran. Here is a complete profile of the actor.
- Full Name: Steven Michael Robert Howey
- Born: July 12, 1977
- Age (in 2025): 48 years old
- Place of Birth: San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
- Known For: Kevin Ball on Shameless (2011–2021) and Van Montgomery on Reba (2001–2007)
- Spouse: Sarah Shahi (m. 2007; div. 2021)
- Net Worth: Estimated at $4 million (as of 2025)
- Notable Film Roles: DOA: Dead or Alive (2006), Bride Wars (2009), Something Borrowed (2011)
- Current Projects (2025): High Potential (Series Regular), Happy's Place (Guest Star), Off Campus (Upcoming Romantic Drama), Ransom Canyon (Recurring Guest Star)
Howey's career trajectory is unique, moving from the network sitcom world of Reba to the gritty, cable drama of Shameless, showcasing his range from broad comedy to more nuanced, dramatic-comedic performances. His recent castings confirm his continued high demand in the industry, proving his ability to anchor major ensemble casts.
From The Alibi Room to Prime Time: Steve Howey's Current Projects for 2025
The end of Shameless in 2021 was not a conclusion for Steve Howey, but a springboard into a series of exciting and high-profile new roles. His latest projects are a mix of network comedy, romantic drama, and procedural television, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
1. Joining Kaitlin Olson in 'High Potential'
Perhaps Howey's biggest new role is as a series regular in the upcoming ABC procedural drama, High Potential. The show, which is an adaptation of a popular French series, stars Kaitlin Olson (of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia fame) as a single mother who uses her high IQ to help solve crimes. Howey's casting as a prominent member of the main cast marks a significant move back to network television and a different genre from his previous work, showcasing his ability to handle a more dramatic role while still likely incorporating his signature charm.
2. The Highly Anticipated 'Reba' Reunion on 'Happy's Place'
One of the most exciting pieces of news for long-time fans is Steve Howey's reunion with his former co-stars Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman. Howey, who played Van Montgomery on the sitcom Reba for six seasons, is set to appear in McEntire's new NBC comedy, Happy's Place. This reunion is a major nostalgic event for fans of the early 2000s sitcom and highlights the enduring chemistry between the actors. His role as Danny on Happy's Place is a welcome return to the multi-camera comedy format.
3. Amazon's Romantic Drama 'Off Campus' and 'Ransom Canyon'
In addition to his network commitments, Howey is also expanding his presence on streaming platforms. He is slated to appear in Amazon's college-set romantic drama, Off Campus. Furthermore, he has secured a recurring guest star role in the second season of the romantic drama Ransom Canyon. These roles allow Howey to explore more mature and diverse dramatic territory, moving beyond the comedic persona of Kevin Ball and Van Montgomery.
The Enduring Legacy of Kevin Ball: Character Arc and Fan Love
Kevin 'Kev' Ball's journey on Shameless was one of the show's most consistently positive and heartwarming elements. He began as the owner of The Alibi Room, the neighborhood bar that served as a central hub for the South Side's inhabitants, and the devoted partner of Veronica Fisher.
His character development over the 11 seasons was subtle but profound. In the early seasons, Kev was often portrayed as simple-minded but good-natured, frequently involved in bizarre, semi-legal schemes with V. However, his heart was always in the right place. He was a constant source of support for the Gallagher kids, particularly Fiona and Lip, offering them jobs, advice, and a safe haven at the bar.
A Family Man and Gallagher Ally
Kev's greatest arc revolved around his relationship with Veronica and his eventual role as a father. Their committed, unconventional relationship was a stable anchor in the show's chaotic world. The storyline where they struggle to conceive, eventually leading to Veronica carrying a surrogate baby and the couple having twins (Amy and Jemma) themselves, was a major focus in the later seasons.
Unlike many other characters, Kev largely retained his lovable, goofy nature throughout the series, which is why he remained a fan favorite. His moral compass, though sometimes skewed by the South Side's realities, was fundamentally strong. He was the friendly giant who genuinely cared for the Gallagher family, often thinking of them as his own extended relatives.
The Final Chapter and Post-South Side Life
In the series finale, Kevin and Veronica make the decision to leave the South Side, selling The Alibi Room and moving their family to Louisville, Kentucky. This ending provided a satisfying, hopeful conclusion for the couple, who deserved a fresh start away from the constant drama of Chicago's South Side. The sale of the bar symbolized the end of an era for the neighborhood and for the character's primary setting.
The chemistry between Steve Howey and Shanola Hampton was undeniable, making the Kev and V dynamic one of the most memorable pairings in modern television. Howey himself has commented on the possibility of a Shameless reunion, noting that he and Hampton, who also starred in the show Found, remain a unit, suggesting that the door is always open for a return to the South Side.
The Versatility of Steve Howey: From Van Montgomery to Kevin Ball
What makes Steve Howey's career so fascinating is the stark contrast between his two most famous roles: Van Montgomery on Reba and Kevin Ball on Shameless. Van was a stereotypical, slightly dim, but sweet high school football player who married his coach's daughter. It was a classic sitcom role that required physical comedy and lighthearted delivery.
Kevin Ball, on the other hand, was a much more complex character. While equally comedic, Kev was grounded in the harsh reality of the South Side, dealing with issues like poverty, parenthood, and crime, all while maintaining his innocent demeanor. Howey's ability to seamlessly transition from the clean-cut comedy of Reba to the gritty, dark humor of Shameless speaks volumes about his acting talent and range.
With his new roles in High Potential, Happy's Place, and the romantic dramas, Steve Howey is proving that his career is far from over. He is actively shaping his legacy as an actor capable of crossing genres, ensuring that while Kevin Ball will always hold a special place in television history, the best of Steve Howey's work may still be yet to come.
Detail Author:
- Name : Ms. Trycia Goldner
- Username : keira.bradtke
- Email : pkoepp@hickle.com
- Birthdate : 1974-11-05
- Address : 37167 Swaniawski Locks North Noreneberg, MS 76074
- Phone : +1 (843) 412-1408
- Company : Runolfsdottir-Wehner
- Job : Trainer
- Bio : Minus quas dolores et. Magnam est facilis ea repudiandae aut. Ea eaque doloribus qui molestias. Id placeat sed ad officia.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/llewellyn3419
- username : llewellyn3419
- bio : Rem aut rerum dignissimos asperiores.
- followers : 6634
- following : 2310
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/lcrona
- username : lcrona
- bio : Et et qui ut. Maiores dolorem maxime dolorum in vero velit. Et ut sunt quam quas nihil ad.
- followers : 5222
- following : 1195
