Do you ever ask yourself who portrayed Mandy Milkovich in Season 1 of Shameless? Well then, this article will answer your question and also explain why she left the show.
Actress Jane Levy portrayed the original Mandy Milkovich in Season 1 of the comedy-drama series Shameless. In the show, Mandy’s clan, the Milkovich, was seen as the worst clan compared to the Gallaghers and was the most feared in the South Side. Jane played the role of Mandy as the love interest of Ian Gallagher despite being interested in her brother Mickey Milkovich.
Why the Original Mandy Milkovich Left Shameless
Jane Levy left the show after appearing in just five episodes of season one. It was a tough decision to make, but she had to find greener pastures elsewhere. Jane Levy wanted a lead role in a television show but didn’t have that in Shameless. The original Mandy Milkovich had heard that there was an opportunity to have a lead role in a show, and she could not afford to miss it.
After leaving the show, Jane Levy landed the lead role of Tessa Altman in the television sitcom Suburgatory.
Did Jane Levy Achieve Success After Shameless?
Jane Levy sure did find success after leaving her role as Mandy Milkovich in Shameless. She was featured in several shows, some of which she had leading roles in. Levy portrayed Mia Allen in the film Evil Dead; she also appeared in several other short films. However, Jane Levy received critical acclaim for her performance as Zoey Clarke in Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
Jane’s other television and film projects include What/If, Castle Rock, Kroll Show, Swedish Dicks and Don’t Breathe, Office Uprising, and I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore.
Most people measure success in the number of accolades one has received. Jane Levy has received at least two accolades in her acting career. In 2021, she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her role in Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist; she also won a Hollywood Critics Association TV Award.
Who Replaced Jane Levy After Leaving Shameless?
After leaving the show, the role of Mandy Milkovich was given to actress Emma Greenwell. She appeared from season two to six, though she was a regular in season two of the show. She perfectly fitted the Mandy Milkovich role that Jane Levy had left. In season two, after finding out that Ian Galagher was gay, Mandy started a relationship with his older brother Lip.
The Mandy Milkovich role ended when Emma Greenwell left the show after a brief appearance in season six.
Who Played Mandy Milkovich Better Between Jane Levy and Emma
As the original Mandy Milkovich, Jane Levy had a small part on the show compared to Emma, who appeared for five seasons. Given their timelines, it will be unfair to compare their performances on the show. Furthermore, Emma continued with what Jane Levy was portraying; hence not much difference.
Emma played the role of Mandy Milkovich according to the script and how Jane would have played it.
