Shameless' Emma Kenney Was Relieved When Main Star Left The Show
Their real-life relationship was too similar to their onscreen toxicity.
On April 11 2021, Showtime aired the final episode of Shameless.
In 2011, it was just another American remake of a British show, but over time, the new version has far surpassed the original, both in terms of longevity and popularity, as well as in terms of cultural influence.
Many modern viewers no longer remember that the Gallagher family, led by the brilliant alcoholic Frank, was not originally invented in the US.
Shameless debuted on Showtime almost simultaneously with Homeland, but if few people now remember the spy drama starring Claire Danes, Shameless has continued to draw high ratings all these years – so high, in fact, that in 2016 the network managed to release two full seasons in one year, in the spring and fall.
But the show was crippled by the sudden departure of Emmy Rossum, who played Fiona Gallagher, after which it became clear that it was time to wrap up the story.
On the podcast Call Her Daddy, one of the main cast members Emma Kenney, who played Debbie, commented on one of the key moments of the last season – the departure of her on-screen older sister Emmy Rossum in 2019.
It turns out that Kenney was among those who were not very sad to see the actress who played Fiona say goodbye:
"It was weird at first, but the set became a more positive place. I'm not going to lie. I remember pre-her leaving, I'd go to set some days and I'd be very anxious having a scene with her because if she had a bad day, she made it a bad day for everybody."
In general, the 13-year acquaintance with Rossum reminded Kenney of their on-screen dynamic, as there were ins and outs in their communication, but she still considers the actress her friend and does not take offense at her, and wishes her all the best.
One of the main reasons for Shameless fans' love, Emmy Rossum, left the show after the ninth season.
The initiative came from the actress, who, presumably, was not satisfied with the new salary, which was much lower than that of William H. Macy, who played Frank.
Despite this, the hope that Fiona would return at least for the finale did not leave the fans until the very end – but this did not happen.
However, according to Showtime president Gary Levine, there was no dispute and Rossum's participation in the final season was seriously discussed – unfortunately, the actress' busy work schedule did not allow it.
Source: Entertainment Weekly