Key Takeaways:
– Emmy Rossum played the lead role of Fiona Gallagher in Shameless for nine seasons.
– The character’s exit saw her leaving her struggling South Side life behind to start fresh.
– Rossum cited her need to move onto different roles and career opportunities as the reason for leaving.
– Despite her exit, Rossum affirms that the character of Fiona will always be part of her.
– After leaving Shameless, Rossum starred and produced in the 2022 Angelyne series and appeared in The Crowded Room.
Emmy Rossum: The Multifaceted Actress
You might recognize Emmy Rossum from her iconic role as Fiona Gallagher in ‘Shameless.’ Rossum, who is also a producer, singer, and songwriter, launched her career at a young age with performances in the Metropolitan Opera. Although she was part of several acclaimed projects, it was her role in ‘Shameless,’ started in 2011, that catapulted her to stardom.
Leaving Behind ‘Shameless’
As Fiona Gallagher, Emmy Rossum was the heart and soul of the Gallagher household in Shameless. Her character, a feisty young woman who cared deeply for her family while grappling with her own personal struggles, resonated with viewers. However, after nine seasons, her character’s arc saw Fiona leaving her tumultuous South Side life for a fresh start.
This decision came after a series of fortunate financial events for Fiona. When she received $100,000 from an investment in a retirement home, she used a chunk of this money to secure her family’s future, a true testament to her love for them. Following a heartfelt farewell to her family, Fiona boarded a plane to an undisclosed location, marking Rossum’s last appearance on the show in an episode fittingly titled ‘Found.’
Unraveling Reasons Behind Emmy Rossum’s Departure
Filling the same character shoes for almost a decade is no easy task, but Rossum breathed life into Fiona with such realism that her exit left fans longing. Moving onto varied roles and opportunities was a significant reason for Rossum’s departure. She didn’t wish to be confined to a single character and expressively shared her sentiments in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
At the same period, she also got involved with the Peacock miniseries ‘Angelyne,’ both as an actor and an executive producer. This simultaneous involvement caused schedule conflicts, ultimately leading to her decision to leave ‘Shameless.’
Emmy Rossum didn’t leave without a fight, though. In 2016, she publicly pushed for a pay increase to counteract years of pay inequality. Although she agreed that when the show began, co-star William H. Macy was a much bigger actor, she firmly believed that her expanded role warranted fair compensation. Her persistence led to a gratifying agreement with Warner Bros.
Life Post-Shameless
Leaving ‘Shameless’ didn’t slow down Rossum’s career in the least. Her next venture was ‘Angelyne,’ released in 2022, in which she both starred and produced. The series was well received, earning three Emmy nominations. We also saw her in 2023’s ‘The Crowded Room,’ an Apple TV+ series featuring Tom Holland and Amanda Seyfried, where she plays a troubled mother.
Rossum’s character Fiona left an enduring legacy, proving more impactful than her UK series counterpart, as actress Anne-Marie Duff portrayed in just two seasons. Despite Fiona’s departure, fans can continue to watch ‘Shameless’ on Netflix, knowing her spirit still permeates the series.
