The Gallagher Family is known for being extremely chaotic on Shameless. Yet according to reports, things behind the scenes on set could get just as dramatic as the on-screen dynamics between the dysfunctional South Side family.
Emmy Rossum notably left the series several seasons before it officially wrapped up, leaving fans of the Showtime hit questioning her reason for splitting. While it was announced at the time that the leading lady would be making her exit due to a desire to pursue other creative projects, reports suggest that there were several other reasons behind her abrupt departure.
What really happened behind the scenes on the Shameless set to cause such friction amongst the castmates?
Emmy Rossum Left The Show Allegedly Due To Unjust Pay
According to reports, Emmy Rossum took the liberty of quitting her leading role as Fiona Gallagher due to contract issues. While she was billed the same amount as her on-screen father played by William H. Macy, Rossum didn’t receive nearly as much as the seasoned “Fargo” actor, despite having more screen time.
While she initially understood Macy’s higher pay due to him being a bigger name in the industry at the beginning of the series, over time, Emmy Rossum believed she deserved a higher salary. She told Vulture back in 2017, “The leadership started to feel somewhat shared … I loved the show, I loved everyone in it, I wanted to keep doing it, but I just wanted it to feel right.”
Fortunately, Macy supported his co-star’s decision, saying, “It’s unconscionable they would pay a woman less for the same job. It’s show biz’s job to get us for as cheaply as they can – and our job to say ‘no’.”
Shameless Alum Emma Kenney Said The Set Got More ‘Positive’ After Emmy Rossum Left The Series
In a telling interview, Shameless star Emma Kenney revealed during her guest appearance on the Call Her Daddy Podcast that Emmy Rossum could be quite difficult to work with on the Shameless set. According to Kenney, she felt as though there was a weird sense of competition between them, despite their age difference.
Discussing Rossum’s departure from the series, Kenney said, “It was weird at first, for sure, but the set became a little bit more of a positive place. I’m not gonna lie.”
She continued, saying it stressed her out at times to be in scenes with Emmy Rossum. “I remember, pre her leaving I’d go to set some days and I’d be very anxious about having a scene with her…because if she had a bad day, she made it a bad day for everyone.”
Emmy Rossum Reportedly ‘Disappointed’ in Emma Kenney’s Tell-All Interview
According to E! News, inside reports claim Rossum was “disappointed” in Emma Kenney’s accusations on the Call Her Daddy Podcast, since she remembers her time on set more fondly.
The source stated, “This is not how Emmy remembers their work relationship and friendship. She’s really surprised and disappointed about this as it’s not the way she remembers her time spent on set, and especially with Emma.”
What do you think really went down behind the scenes on Shameless? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
