7 Unbelievable Ways Steve Howey Is Redefining His Career In 2025: From 'Shameless' To 'High Potential'

Steve Howey, the beloved actor known for his decade-long run as the charismatic, dim-witted Kevin "Kev" Ball on Showtime's hit dramedy Shameless, is making a massive, career-defining splash in 2025. After transitioning from the South Side of Chicago to the world of espionage, the 48-year-old star is now taking on a powerful new role in a major network series, signaling a significant shift in his television footprint. This year has proven to be a period of explosive professional growth and striking personal transformation for the American actor, proving he’s far more versatile than his iconic roles as Kev Ball or Van Montgomery on Reba might suggest.

As of late 2025, Howey is not only embracing new dramatic challenges but is also openly discussing the personal journey that has led to a remarkable physical change, all while continuing to build on a filmography that spans over two decades. His latest projects, from a high-stakes CBS reboot to a new ABC procedural, cement his status as one of television's most reliable and engaging leading men, captivating fans who have followed his career since his early days.

Steven Michael Robert Howey: Complete Biography and Profile

Steven Michael Robert Howey is an American actor best known for his long-running roles in popular television series. His career trajectory showcases a transition from sitcom darling to dramatic powerhouse, culminating in his current status as a versatile TV veteran.

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• Full Name: Steven Michael Robert Howey
• Date of Birth: July 12, 1977
• Age (as of 2025): 48
• Place of Birth: San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Height: Approximately 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm)
• Education: Attended Northeastern Junior College on a basketball scholarship before pursuing acting.
• Spouse/Partner: Formerly married to actress Sara Shahi (m. 2009; div. 2020).
• Children: Three children (a son and twins).
• Major TV Roles:
  • Van Montgomery in Reba (2001–2007)
  • Kevin "Kev" Ball in Shameless (2011–2021)
  • Harry Tasker in True Lies (2023)
  • Captain Jesse Wagner in High Potential (2025–Present)
• Notable Film Roles: Supercross (2005), DOA: Dead or Alive (2006), Bride Wars (2009), Something Borrowed (2011), Day Shift (2022).

1. The Explosive New Role: Captain Jesse Wagner in 'High Potential'

The most significant and current news surrounding Steve Howey in 2025 is his casting as a series regular in Season 2 of the ABC procedural drama, High Potential. This announcement, confirmed in mid-2025, places Howey in a key leadership position, a major shift from the chaotic, often comedic roles he's famous for.

He is set to play Captain Jesse Wagner, the new head honcho at the LAPD precinct, stepping into the role for the new season. This new character is described as a sharp, no-nonsense leader, offering Howey a chance to showcase a more serious, authoritative side of his acting range. The move to a major network procedural like *High Potential* is a strategic one, demonstrating his versatility after the cancellation of his previous action series. Fans are eagerly anticipating his dynamic with the show's lead, further solidifying his transition into a prime-time network star.

2. The Post-'Shameless' Era: Taking on the 'True Lies' Legacy

Before landing the role in *High Potential*, Howey had already proven his ability to anchor a high-profile series by starring as Harry Tasker in the CBS television reboot of the iconic 1994 film *True Lies*. Taking on a role originally played by action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger was a monumental task, but Howey successfully made the character his own. The series, which co-starred Ginger Gonzaga as his on-screen wife, Helen Tasker, focused on a bored married couple whose lives are upended when one is revealed to be a secret spy.

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Howey’s portrayal of Tasker blended the necessary action chops with his signature comedic timing, a mix he perfected during his 11 seasons as Kevin Ball. The show aired in 2023 and, despite its cancellation, allowed Howey to establish himself as a credible action-comedy lead, a valuable entity in the television landscape.

3. The 50-Pound Transformation: A Focus on Health and Wellness

In a candid interview in 2025, Steve Howey discussed a significant personal achievement: a strategic weight loss of approximately 50 pounds. This transformation was not merely for aesthetic reasons or to look better on camera, but was rooted in a deeper commitment to his overall well-being.

Howey stated that the motivation was primarily "about feeling good and having the energy to keep up with the demands of his career and family." This dedication to fitness and health is a major talking point for fans and industry observers, as it showcases the actor's disciplined approach to his craft and life. The physical change has undoubtedly prepared him for the rigorous demands of his new roles, which often require a high level of on-screen physical activity, from the action sequences in *True Lies* to his authoritative presence in the LAPD precinct on *High Potential*.

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4. The Enduring Legacy of Kevin Ball on 'Shameless'

It is impossible to discuss Steve Howey without acknowledging his most iconic role: Kevin Ball. For 11 seasons, from 2011 to 2021, Howey was the heart and comic relief of the Gallagher family's neighborhood, alongside his on-screen wife, Veronica Fisher. Kev Ball’s evolution from a simple bartender to a devoted husband and father was one of the show's most endearing story arcs, making him a fan favorite.

The role allowed Howey to explore a wide range of acting, blending high-energy physical comedy with moments of genuine pathos. The show's success on Showtime made Howey a household name and defined his adult career, providing him with the platform to pivot to the leading roles he is securing today. The *Shameless* entity remains a core part of his topical authority, constantly referenced by fans who first discovered him through the dramedy.

5. The 'Reba' Reunion Hopes and Long-Standing Friendships

Howey's career launched with the popular sitcom Reba, where he played the dim-witted but lovable football player Van Montgomery from 2001 to 2007. The show, which starred country music icon Reba McEntire, holds a special place in the hearts of early 2000s television fans.

In 2025, his former co-star JoAnna Garcia Swisher, who played his on-screen wife Cheyenne Hart-Montgomery, expressed her strong desire for a television reunion with Howey. This public expression of a strong, decades-long bond between the actors keeps the "Reba reunion" entity alive in the news cycle, a testament to the chemistry and enduring popularity of the original series. While no official reboot is confirmed, the continuous discussion highlights Howey’s ability to form lasting, positive professional relationships.

6. Navigating the Public Eye Post-Divorce

Steve Howey's personal life saw a major change when his marriage to actress Sara Shahi officially ended in 2020. The couple, who share three children, were married for over a decade. Despite the highly publicized split, both actors have maintained a respectful and private stance regarding their co-parenting relationship, issuing a joint statement that expressed gratitude for their time together.

In 2025, Shahi has occasionally spoken about the marriage and her subsequent relationship with Adam Demos, keeping Howey's name in the celebrity news circuit in a focused, mature context. Howey's ability to navigate this personal transition while maintaining an upward professional trajectory speaks volumes about his focus and commitment to his career.

7. The Unexpected Filmography: From 'Bride Wars' to 'Day Shift'

Beyond his major TV roles, Howey has quietly built a diverse filmography that provides crucial topical authority and LSI keywords for his career profile. His movie roles often showcase a lighter, more comedic side, but he has also dabbled in action and horror:

• Bride Wars (2009): He played Daniel Williams, the fiancé of Anne Hathaway's character, Emma.
• Something Borrowed (2011): He was cast as Marcus, the best friend of the male lead, another romantic comedy role.
• Stan Helsing: A Parody (2009): He starred in the title role of this horror-comedy spoof.
• Day Shift (2022): He appeared in this Netflix action-comedy alongside Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg, demonstrating his continued presence in major streaming projects.

This wide range of film work, from major studio comedies to action films, highlights his long-term viability in Hollywood and his commitment to tackling different genres, ensuring that his career is never pigeonholed by a single TV character.