Actress Emma Kenney rose to fame for her portrayal of Debbie Gallagher in the hit Showtime series Shameless, working alongside Emmy Rossum and William H. Macy. However, Kenney noticed a changed atmosphere after season 9 wrapped, which was Rossum’s final season.
During an interview on an episode of Call Her Daddy, Kenney brought up her time on Shameless and how Rossum’s departure made an impact. Several longtime fans even confirmed to have stopped watching the show due to her leaving the show. However, Kenney’s opinions were the exact opposite. In fact, she was not sad for Rossum to be leaving the show at all.
While Kenney and Rossum had always gotten along on set, the changes that occurred afterward bettered her and the remaining cast and crew on the show. Following her leaving, the Angelyne actress did not return to the show.
After a brief mention of her in season 10, her character Fiona would be brought up from time to time, before fizzling out following the return of the old and the introduction of new cast members. Since her leaving, there have been no hard feelings among any of the stars.
Everything Improved On Set Once Emmy Rossum Left The Series
Even though some audience viewers believe that her leaving led to the show’s downfall, Kenney stated that things got much after her departure. After saying it was “was weird at first for sure,” she claimed that it became a more positive environment.
Kenney continued by bringing up the anxiety she had before going to set on occasion, and that when Rossum had a bad day, she would make it a bad day for everyone. It is unclear when these difficulties began, and as of this publication, no other co-stars have voiced their opinions of Rossum on set.
After Rossum left the series, more storylines featuring Kenney’s character Debbie were explored, including but not limited to motherhood and exploring sexuality. However, one of the biggest changes was in the show’s opening titles, in which Kenney’s character can be seen doing the things that Rossum used to. The child actress who plays Debbie’s daughter Franny was also added to the opening as well, with her screen time increased during the final two seasons of the show.
Other Issues With Rossum On ‘Shameless’ Overshadowed Possible Set Drama
The actress made headlines two years before leaving the show after she demanded more money. She then claimed that she had made significantly less money than Macy throughout her time on the show, and that the money would be to make up for those seasons.
According to previous reports, the show had yet to be renewed for another season during that time due to writers being unsure of how the show could go on without her. Eventually, a deal was made to which Rossum and Macy received the same salary offer, but it is unclear if her leaving the season afterward was part of the deal.
Her fight for higher pay occurred during the years discussions of equal pay amongst men and women in the entertainment industry grew prominent.
Factors brought up that decide salaries in television include episode count and prominence of one’s character. However, award wins also play a significant factor. Macy was nominated for three Emmys, a Golden Globe, and won a SAG Award for his portrayal of Frank Gallagher.
Although Rossum was nominated for two Critics Choice Awards, she did not receive the same award recognition as Macy. As of this publication, it is unknown if Rossum's not being in the series finale was partially because of these disputes.
There Is No Bad Blood Between The Former Shameless Co-Stars
Kenney admitted that she still has love for her after their time together on Shameless but has not spoken to the actress in years. She continued to say that she hoped Rossum found her happiness, and that she is sure that she would make a lovely mother to her baby daughter. The actresses have never ruled out acting together again, so there could be a chance that these two can reunite one day. As of this publication, Rossum has not commented on Kenney’s statements.
While Rossum is getting ready to star in the Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room, Kenney is currently starring as Harris Conner-Healy on The Conners. One can stream all eleven seasons of Shameless now on Netflix and Showtime.
