Jeremy Allen White (born February 18, 1991) is an American film and television actor. He is best known for playing Phillip "Lip" Gallagher on the Showtime dramedy series Shameless. White has appeared in several films including Beautiful Ohio, The Speed of Life, Afterschool, Twelve, and Movie 43. Prior to meeting each other, White's parents had both moved to New York City to pursue careers in acting. After meeting, performing on stage together for several years, and marrying, the couple ended their acting careers and obtained jobs that would help them support their new family. Throughout elementary school White was a dancer, specifically ballet, jazz, and tap. At the age of 13 upon entering a new middle school dance program he had a change of heart and decided to give acting a try.