20 TV Acting Performances That Are Totally Flawless
10. Emmy Rossum - Shameless
When picturing the US version of Shameless, you're most likely left with the image of a dishevelled and messy William H. Macy, the critically applauded star of the show. Macy is undeniably fantastic as alcoholic deadbeat Frank, but Emmy Rossum's turn as Frank's eldest daughter Fiona Gallagher is perhaps more deserving of praise.
Though Macy is the show's most iconic player, Rossum is the one that made it all work. As Fiona, Rossum was the family matriarch, keeping her dysfunctional siblings together and doing everything in her power - including giving up her own ambitions and happiness - to keep her family safe.
The full extent of Rossum's often tragic and endearing role on the show can best be seen in the last two seasons, both of which fail to capture the series' early successes simply because Rossum was no longer around.
Like Fiona herself, Emmy Rossum carried the responsibilities of keeping everything afloat around her, and the results were simply divine.