Say goodbye to Fiona. Although Emmy Rossum has played the eldest Gallagher sibling—one of Shamelesss main characters, if not the main character—since the Showtime series began, it looks like shes getting ready to make her exit. In a Facebook post, the actress described what a privilege her time on the show has been—and told fans, “I know you will continue on without me.”
In a lengthy farewell letter on Facebook, Rossum wrote that as an actress, she didnt know just how much she had craved the consistency that a serialized television role can provide until her time on Shameless began. “Season after season Im amazed that our same crew comes back,” the actress wrote. “And its not just because its a wonderfully written, wonderfully layered show. There are these real connections, real friendships that bring us back season after season after season.” She described her close relationships with much of the longtime cast, as well as show-runner John Wells and Showtime president and C.E.O. David Nevins.
In a statement, Wells wrote, “Emmy Rossum will forever be part of the Shameless family. She has been integral to the shows success, from her wonderful portrayal of Fiona to her leadership role on set, as well as directing multiple episodes of the series. We are hard at work now creating a season nine finale for Shameless which we hope will provide a Gallagher-worthy sendoff for Fiona that honors the great work Emmy has done. It is always bittersweet when an ensemble member decides to move out of the proverbial house, but our door will always remain open for Fiona to return home for a visit, or to move back in. I look forward to continuing the stories of this wildly unpredictable family and all of us on Shameless will miss Emmy and her wonderful Fiona.”
The expanded ninth season of Shameless will premiere on September 9. Throughout the show, Rossums character, Fiona, has been the glue holding the Gallagher family together despite economic struggles and her fathers alcoholism. In 2016, production on Season 8 stalled as Rossum fought for equal pay—and then, for a higher salary than star William H. Macy. Macy plays her father on the show, but has less screen time on the series. (Rossum said Macy was supportive of her efforts.) In the end, Rossum won, and production began. If the series continues without her after Season 9, though, its alchemy will certainly feel completely different.
“The opportunity to play Fiona has been a gift,” Rossum wrote on Facebook. “There are few characters—female or otherwise —as layered and dynamic. She is a mother lion, fierce, flawed, and sexually liberated. She is injured, vulnerable, but will never give up. She is living in an economic depression, but refuses to be depressed. She is resourceful. She is loyal. She is brave. I knew it the second I read the pilot script, this was different, this was special.”
“I can say for certain that this cast and crew, who Ive been have truly honored to work alongside, are world class,” Rossum added. “I am proud and Im filled with gratitude. 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.”
A representative for Rossum did not immediately respond to V.F.s request for comment.
Get Vanity Fairs HWD NewsletterSign up for essential industry and award news from Hollywood.Laura BradleyLaura Bradley is a Hollywood writer for VanityFair.com.
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