Emmy Rossum, the talented actress known for her celebrated role in “Shameless,” is eagerly anticipating her upcoming 40th birthday while also embracing the challenges and opportunities of her evolving career. Rossum, who shares two young children—a five-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son—with her husband, Sam Esmail, has chosen to raise her family in New York City, a decision rooted in her and Esmail’s deep ties to the East Coast.
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In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Rossum revealed her contentment in forging a life for their children in New York. The couple originally met on the set of their 2014 film, “Comet,” and both harbour a clear affinity for the East Coast, despite their connection to Los Angeles during filming. “When I first asked him if he preferred living in L.A., the answer was a firm no,” Rossum recalled. This shared sentiment firmly established their intention to settle in a city that feels like home for both of them.
Rossum expressed her delight in how they are navigating parenthood amid their busy careers. She fondly noted that while their children understand they work in the entertainment industry, they view film sets as a whimsical place filled with lollipops and comfortable chairs rather than the complex environment it truly is. “They think of it as a special place that’s fun,” she said, speaking with warmth about her experiences as a mother.
Since embracing motherhood, Rossum acknowledges her ambitions have remained undiminished but have become more selective. “I’m no less ambitious but slightly pickier than I might have been,” she said, emphasising how her priorities have shifted alongside her growing family. Her latest project is the Hulu crime drama, “Furious,” in which she portrays Alice, an FBI agent with a harrowing past. This role, she asserts, aligns with her long-standing preference for characters who found themselves in morally complex scenarios.
The actress, who first stole the spotlight at the age of 17 in credits such as “The Day After Tomorrow” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” is acutely interested in narratives that evoke discomfort and reflection on societal issues. Her character in “Furious” allows her to explore these themes further. “I’m drawn to narratives that force me to think deeply about myself and society,” Rossum remarked.
After leaving “Shameless” in 2019, following a successful campaign for equal pay alongside her co-star William H. Macy, Rossum redirected her focus towards her own production company, Composition 8. “It has been important to take control of my own narrative and career path,” she shared. Rossum chooses not to fixate on speculation around her departure from the long-running series, underscoring the importance of remaining dedicated and focused on her personal and professional goals.
Routine has become a stabilising force for Rossum in the whirlwind of stardom and parenthood. She frequently rides public transport and visits the same restaurants from her youth, maintaining a sense of normalcy amidst her Hollywood life. “I appreciate being there for my children and finding joy in the little everyday tasks while also working towards my goals,” Rossum explained.
As her milestone birthday approaches on 12th September, Rossum is excited about her celebrations, which will feature a murder-mystery scavenger hunt. Professionally, she intends to continue writing and creating while welcoming new surprises. “The beauty of growing older is stepping away from being the ingénue,” she added. “Roles become more layered and captivating, and that is where I truly excel.”
“Furious,” the crime drama set to premiere on Hulu on 27th July, marks another significant step in Rossum’s career as she navigates motherhood and her professional ambitions. With her talent and drive, Emmy Rossum is undoubtedly entering a new chapter filled with opportunity and promise, all while remaining firmly grounded in her beloved New York City.