Ethan Cutkosky – Age, Family, Career and Life Behind the Scenes

Early Life and Background

Ethan Cutkosky was born on August 19, 1999, in St. Charles, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago. Raised in a small-town setting, he grew up with a love for the outdoors and a curiosity for creative expression from a young age.

His father, David Cutkosky, works as a computer software engineer, and his mother, Yvonne Cabrera Cutkosky, is a teacher with Mexican heritage. Ethan is an only child, which helped him develop a close-knit bond with his parents. It was his mother who first introduced him to the entertainment industry—not with fame in mind, but as a fun bonding activity.

At the age of four, Ethan began doing print ads and commercials. It was a way to spend time with his mom while learning how to perform in front of a camera. That casual start would eventually lead to a breakout career.

Quick Bio

Full Name	Ethan Francis Cutkosky
Date of Birth	August 19, 1999
Age	25 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace	St. Charles, Illinois, USA
Nationality	American
Height	5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Weight	Around 130 lbs (58 kg)
Eye Color	Blue
Hair Color	Brown
Net Worth	$1 million – $1.5 million (est.)
Known For	Carl Gallagher in Shameless
Other Roles	The Unborn, Alex/October
Music Name	ekat19

Physical Appearance and Style

Ethan stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall (approximately 165 cm) and weighs around 130 pounds. He has a slim, athletic build, blue eyes, and naturally brown hair—a look that became instantly recognizable through his work on Shameless.

His personal style leans toward skater culture, with a mix of streetwear and alternative fashion. That influence later inspired his own clothing brand. Ethan’s overall appearance often gives off an artistic, slightly rebellious vibe that mirrors many of the characters he portrays.

Acting Career Beginnings

Ethan’s on-camera career started with commercials for brands like McDonald’s and Walgreens. But it wasn’t long before he moved from TV spots to feature films.

In 2007, he had a small uncredited part in the holiday film Fred Claus. Just two years later, he landed his first major movie role in the horror film The Unborn (2009), where he played a terrifying supernatural child named Barto. Working alongside Gary Oldman and Odette Annable, Ethan impressed the crew with his focus and professionalism—earning him the nickname “One-Take Barto.”

Breakout Role in Shameless

In 2011, Ethan became a household name when he was cast as Carl Gallagher in the U.S. version of Shameless. The show quickly became one of Showtime’s most-watched and longest-running scripted series, running for 11 seasons.

Carl began as a wild, unpredictable troublemaker, and Ethan’s portrayal gave the character both humor and heart. As the series progressed, Carl matured into a more grounded and complex young man. Ethan stayed with the show from beginning to end, growing up alongside his on-screen family.

Though his character wasn’t always central in later seasons, Carl’s transformation into a police officer offered fans a meaningful full-circle moment.

Music and Creative Projects

After Shameless wrapped in 2021, Ethan started focusing more on music. Under the artist name ekat19, he released songs like “Erase Me,” “Falling Deep,” and “0ut 0f !t.” His music blends alternative, lo-fi, and indie styles, often diving into themes like self-discovery, anxiety, and emotional healing.

Ethan has said in interviews that music is his personal outlet—a way to express what acting sometimes can’t. He writes, records, and even designs visuals for his tracks, making the creative process fully his own.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Khaotic Collective

In addition to acting and music, Ethan founded a clothing brand called Khaotic Collective. Launched in 2018, the brand features edgy streetwear with bold typography, minimalist graphics, and a gritty aesthetic.

He started the label to showcase his love for skating, design, and youth culture. The clothes often carry messages about chaos, freedom, and individuality—echoing Ethan’s outlook on life. While not mainstream yet, the brand has gained a loyal fanbase and reflects his DIY, independent approach to creativity.

Hobbies and Interests

Outside of work, Ethan is passionate about martial arts. He holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, which he began studying in his early teens. The discipline has helped him with balance, focus, and stress management.

He also enjoys skateboarding, cycling, photography, and being outdoors. A lover of nature, Ethan often shares serene moments—sunsets, forests, and quiet corners of the world—on social media.

He has a low-key lifestyle compared to many actors his age. Instead of high-profile parties, he prefers spending time with close friends, working on music, or designing new apparel.

Social Media Presence

Ethan connects with fans primarily through Instagram (@ekat19), where he has more than 3 million followers. He uses the platform to share updates on music, personal life, and fashion. His posts feel authentic and artistic, often blending moody visuals with reflective captions.

On TikTok, Ethan shares behind-the-scenes content and musical snippets, while his Twitter is less active but still followed by loyal fans.

He’s also used his platforms to speak up for causes like mental health awareness, reproductive rights, and social justice—showing that he’s not afraid to engage with deeper issues.

Relationships and Personal Life

Ethan has been in a long-term relationship with actress Brielle Barbusca, known for her work in Royal Pains and other TV shows. The couple reportedly began dating around 2015, though they mostly keep their relationship private.

In 2017, Ethan made headlines for a DUI arrest in Los Angeles. He later accepted a plea deal, and the charge was dismissed. Since then, he has kept a clean record and appears to have learned from the experience.

Despite the incident, his public image remains positive. Fans appreciate his growth, vulnerability, and honest communication

Net Worth and Career Outlook

As of 2025, Ethan Cutkosky’s estimated net worth is around $1 million to $1.5 million. Most of this comes from his time on Shameless, but he also earns through music streaming, clothing sales, and possible sponsorships or future film roles.

Though he’s never chased traditional Hollywood fame, Ethan is carving out a path as a creative hybrid—blending acting, music, design, and storytelling into a multi-faceted career.

He has a few new film projects in development, and his music continues to gain traction, especially with Gen Z audiences looking for something raw and honest.

Final Thoughts

Ethan Cutkosky is far more than just Carl from Shameless. He’s a driven, thoughtful artist with a passion for self-expression. Whether he’s on screen, on a skateboard, behind a camera, or recording music in a home studio, he brings authenticity to everything he does.

At just 25 years old, his future is wide open. With strong roots, a unique voice, and a clear sense of direction, Ethan is proving that it’s possible to grow up in the spotlight and still find your own way.