William H. Macy Tried To Talk Cameron Monagham Out Of Leaving 'Shameless'

Shameless star William H. Macy, who plays Frank Gallagher, was shocked when he heard co-star Cameron Monagham, who plays Ian, had decided to leave the series, so shocked he tried to talk Monagham out of it. Macy spoke about Monagham's decision to leave around the same time as Emmy Rossum, who plays Fiona, in an interview with Parade.

"When I found out that Cam was leaving, I was really upset," he said. "I didn't like it. In a very gentle way, I tried to talk him out of it just actor to actor. Both Emmy and Cam are magnificent actors and they've got big careers ahead of them. I totally get that they want to get to it."

For himself, Macy explained he's at a different part of his acting life. "I'm in a different situation. I'm in my third act on this career," he said. "I like the steadiness of it, so I'm good for another year or two at least, especially since the writers continue to evolve and continue to write really challenging, wonderful scripts."

Monagham announced his decision to leave the show in October, just days before his final episode aired. "The next episode will be my last," Monaghan shared on Instagram. "I have known since last year, but I didn't want to give it away too early as I wanted this season to be a surprise for the audience, allowing them to experience Ian's unsure journey with his character. This role has been a joy to inhabit, a wild and special ride, and I'd like to thank #Shameless as well as you, the viewers, for being there with him. Goodbye, Ian Clayton Gallagher. We'll meet again?"

The last episode he was in featured Ian being sent to prison, but reuniting with a surprise cellmate, Micky, his first love.

Macy will continue on as the majorly dysfunctional father despite two of his TV children leaving the series in Season 9. "I take great pride in being the worst father on television," he said of his love for Frank. "At the end of the day, Frank is an optimist. He's a serendipitous and an optimist. He thinks things are going to get better. He's got a wicked sense of humor. He sees the irony in life. He's an instant party wherever he goes. He's smart, he's knowledgeable and he's a rascal."

Season 9 of Shameless will return Sunday.