Emmy Rossum Shocks Everyone With ‘Shameless’ Exit Announcement
Published on August 30, 2018.EPA/GEORGE FREY
No one saw this coming! Fans are shocked after longtime Shameless star Emmy Rossum has announced she is leaving the show.
The actress took to social media to share an emotional post in which she confirmed that she is leaving the show after starring as Fiona Gallagher for nine seasons.
“ It’s hard thing to put into words, feelings. But I’m going to try. This business is always an adventure, full of travel and opportunities to tell stories. Usually as an actor, every few months, you travel to a new place, start a new project, build a new character, learn new rhythms, new inside jokes with your crew, make new friends,” the 31-year-old wrote. “Until Shameless came into my life 8 years ago, I led that kind of transient wonderful life of an actor. And I never realized how much I actually craved the kind of continuity that this show has given me. And given all of us in the crew. Season after season I’m amazed that our same crew comes back. And it’s not just because it’s a wonderfully written, wonderfully layered show. There are these real connections, real friendships that bring us back season after season after season.”
She continued, See, in real life, unlike Fiona, I’m an only child. I never had a big family. Being ensconced in that messy Gallagher family love is something I’d always dreamed of. But even off set, it feels real. We’ve watched the kids grow up into the strong, talented, independent human beings that they are. I taught Emma to shave her legs. I was there when Ethan learned to drive. Shanola and Jeremy and Joan and Bill danced at my wedding in New York last year. Our fearless leader John Wells thankfully held Sam and me up on those rickety chairs during the hora. I’ve spent the Jewish holy days in temple with David Nevins and his wonderful wife and kids. It really feels like a family.”
The actress went on to state that playing Fiona “has been a gift” and “quite simply, the last eight years have been the best of my life.”
Rossum concluded her statement with: “I know you will continue on without me, for now. There is much more Gallagher story to be told. I will always be rooting for my family. Try not to think of me as gone, just think of me as moving down the block.”
Season 9 of Shameless premieres on Showtime Sunday, September 9, at 9 p.m. ET.
Read her full statement below: