Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Shameless’ Christian Isaiah

Christian Isaiah is a rising young star who’s quickly making a name for himself. Currently, he’s starring as Liam Gallagher on Showtime’s Shameless, a character he’s grown with since 2017. Pop Culturalist caught up with Christian to chat about his breakout role.

Shameless

PC: What can you tell us about Liam’s storyline on this season of Shameless?
Christian: This season, Liam is in search to learn more about his heritage and finds out he has a great
aunt that lives across the street.

PC: How have you and Liam grown since first appearing in the series?
Christian: Since first appearing in the series, we have both matured, and we are both finding our own identities.

PC: This is your first big role on television. What has being a part of the Shameless cast meant to you both personally and professionally? Also, congrats on the Season 11 pickup!
Christian: It has been such an honor working with this cast, and I have truly learned some great life lessons in life and acting that I can carry with me for the rest of my life and career. I have been blessed to work with such a great group of humble people.

PC: If you could write a storyline for Liam, what would it be and why?
Christian: I would have my storyline focus more on Liam and him growing up and how smart and talented he is. Show more of his style, how he cares about his appearance, how he hustles to make money to get haircuts, get clothes and shoes to show his independence. Focus on his talents of basketball and his love of making beats and working with Chance the Rapper, a Chicago rap artist.

21 Bridges

PC: Tell us about 21 Bridges, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Christian: I am playing the younger version of Chadwick Boseman, and I am sitting in my father’s funeral when the scene opens. This role was very challenging because I had to show emotion and expressions without speaking. I naturally cried for hours for the crying scenes and that was tough. I had to go to dark places to get myself to cry when needed. As you may know, there are things people use to create tears, and I made the decision to challenge myself and do it naturally. I am very proud of myself in this role because I challenged myself as an actor.

PC: What is the process like, sharing a character with Chadwick Boseman? Were you able to collaborate with him on Andre?
Christian: It was amazing to share a role with Chadwick Boseman, and there were scenes where he directed me on actions, and we discussed emotions and reactions in the scenes. Unfortunately, some of the scenes were cut. Those were memorable moments I will cherish forever.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Christian: InBESTigators

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Christian: All of the Fast and Furious movies!

PC: Favorite book?
Christian: The Name of this Book Is Secret

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Christian: Hamilton

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Christian: Adele

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Christian: On My Block

PC: Hidden talent?
Christian: I like to make beats.

To keep up with Christian, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Catch the season finale of Shameless tonight.

Photo Credit: Marc Cartwright