5 Major Career Updates For Steve Howey: From Shameless's Kevin Ball To His New Series Regular Role In 2025

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Steve Howey, the versatile actor best known for his iconic roles as Van Montgomery on Reba and Kevin "Kev" Ball on Shameless, is currently experiencing a significant career resurgence, with multiple high-profile projects dominating his schedule. As of this Wednesday, December 24, 2025, Howey has officially cemented his return to network television with a major new series regular role and has several other anticipated shows in the pipeline, demonstrating his enduring appeal and range as a performer. These fresh updates prove that the beloved actor is far from slowing down, making 2025 a pivotal year for his career trajectory.

Full Biography and Career Milestones

Steven Michael Robert Howey, born on July 12, 1977, in San Antonio, Texas, began his life on the move, living in various places like Los Angeles and Denver before settling in the entertainment world. His early career saw him land roles in films like Dead or Sweaty (1995) and Class (1998), but his big break came in the early 2000s.

The Van Montgomery Era: Reba (2001–2007)

Howey's career took off when he was cast as Van Montgomery, the hilarious, often dim-witted but lovable high school football star who marries his pregnant girlfriend, Cheyenne, in the hit sitcom Reba. The character's journey from jock to stay-at-home dad and then a successful dentist resonated with audiences, establishing Howey as a comedic force. The show's success on The WB and later The CW gave him a strong foundation in television comedy.

The Beloved Kev Ball: Shameless (2011–2021)

A decade later, Howey completely reinvented his image by taking on the role of Kevin "Kev" Ball in the critically acclaimed Showtime dramedy Shameless. As the owner of the Alibi Room and the often-clueless but fiercely loyal neighbor to the Gallagher family, Kev became an instant fan favorite. Howey spent a decade in the role, evolving Kev from a simple bartender into a complex character navigating marriage, parenthood, and the chaotic life on the South Side of Chicago. This role showcased his ability to blend comedy with genuine dramatic depth, earning him widespread praise and a new level of topical authority in the industry.

Other Notable Film and TV Roles

Beyond his two most famous TV roles, Howey has built a robust filmography, including:
  • Supercross (2005) as K.C. Carlyle
  • DOA: Dead or Alive (2006) as Weatherby
  • Bride Wars (2009) as Daniel Williams
  • Something Borrowed (2011) as Marcus
  • Sons of Anarchy (2013) as Hopper
  • SEAL Team (2019) as Danny Cooper
  • Day Shift (2022) as Mike Nazarian

The Next Chapter: Major New TV Roles for 2025

2025 is shaping up to be one of Steve Howey’s busiest and most high-profile years yet, with at least three major television projects announced. These roles signal a significant shift from his long-running cable dramedy role back to various forms of network and streaming television.

1. High Potential (Series Regular)

The most significant update is his casting as a series regular for Season 2 of the ABC procedural drama High Potential, which stars Kaitlin Olson. Howey will be playing the character of Jesse Wagner, the new precinct captain. The character is described as a savvy political animal with effortless charm, a role that will allow Howey to tap into both his dramatic and charismatic strengths. This move secures his position in a major network show, giving him a prominent platform for the foreseeable future. The announcement of him joining the cast was a major piece of news, highlighting his desirability in the industry.

2. Off Campus (Upcoming Amazon Romantic Drama)

Adding to his diverse slate, Howey is also set to appear in Amazon’s upcoming college-set romantic drama, Off Campus. While details about his specific role are currently under wraps, his involvement in a streaming romantic drama demonstrates his willingness to explore different genres and formats. This project is highly anticipated as part of Amazon’s growing roster of original content.

3. Ransom Canyon Season 2 (Recurring Guest Star)

In addition to his series regular and streaming roles, Steve Howey has also joined the cast of Ransom Canyon for its second season in a recurring guest star capacity. This project further diversifies his resume, as Ransom Canyon is a romantic drama that has been compared to a blend of Yellowstone and Virgin River, suggesting a return to a more rugged, Western-influenced setting. His role here will likely be a compelling addition to the ensemble cast.

Life Off-Camera: Family, Fitness, and Nostalgia

While his professional life is booming, Howey's personal life has also been a subject of public interest, particularly his past marriage and his commitment to fitness.

The Reba Reunion Buzz

The enduring popularity of Reba continues to generate reunion buzz, and Howey has been at the center of it. In a heartwarming display of their long-standing bond, his former co-star JoAnna Garcia Swisher (who played Cheyenne) recently expressed her strong desire to reunite with him on screen after more than 20 years. This kind of nostalgia is a powerful driver for new projects and keeps the LSI keywords *Reba* and *Van Montgomery* highly relevant.

Personal Life and Family

Steve Howey was married to actress Sarah Shahi, known for her roles in *Person of Interest* and *Sex/Life*. The couple, who share three children, separated in 2020, and their divorce was finalized approximately six months later. The former couple has navigated co-parenting while maintaining their busy acting careers.

Commitment to Fitness

Throughout his career, Howey has been noted for his impressive physical transformation, particularly during his time on Shameless. He is known to be an avid fitness enthusiast, often sharing his workout routines and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This dedication to fitness has allowed him to convincingly play a wide range of roles, from the physically imposing Kev Ball to the charming, athletic characters in his new projects. His physique and commitment to wellness are often a topic of discussion among fans, adding another layer to his public persona. Steve Howey’s career in 2025 is a masterclass in professional evolution. By securing a major series regular role on High Potential while balancing projects like Off Campus and Ransom Canyon, he has demonstrated his ability to successfully transition between iconic, long-running roles and fresh, contemporary television. His enduring popularity, fueled by both nostalgia for *Reba* and *Shameless* and the excitement for his new characters, ensures he will remain a prominent figure in the entertainment landscape for years to come. Fans are eagerly awaiting the premiere of his new shows, ready to see the next iteration of this talented and charismatic actor.
steve howey actor
steve howey actor

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