Emmy Rossum Is Officially Leaving 'Shameless'

Emmy Rossum is officially leaving Showtime's Shameless.

"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," the actress wrote Thursday morning in a lengthy and emotional post on her Facebook page.

Rossum has been the female lead on the Warner Bros. Television-produced dramedy since the pilot. The series, which is set to return for its ninth season Sept. 9, is currently in production. Season nine recently received an increased order for 14 episodes as Showtime will split its run in two, with the second returning in January. 

Shameless is a hugely important show for Showtime. The dramedy, from creator and showrunner Wells, is the premium cable network's highest-rated scripted original, with Rossum playing Fiona, the eldest child and mother figure of the dysfunctional Gallagher family. Rossum exiting Shameless deals the series a huge blow at a time when it is increasingly valuable to Showtime, which next year will bid farewell to the signature drama Homeland as well as The Affair.

Rossum in 2016 delayed the season eight renewal as she fought for — and received — pay equality with male lead William H. Macy (who plays everyone's father, Frank). The actress had sought salary parity — and more — to compensate for the years of being paid less than Macy. She received parity but not more, sources said at the time.

Rossum is currently attached to star as Angelyne in a limited series based on The Hollywood Reporter's article about the Hollywood icon. The mini is being produced by Rossum's husband, Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail, and hails from Universal Cable Productions. The timing of Rossum's announcement came a day after THR exclusively reported that Esmail would be ending USA Network's Mr. Robot with its upcoming fourth season.

Rossum's full Facebook post is below.