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Who is Emmy Rossum?
Emmy Rossum, born on September 12, 1986, is a versatile American actress and singer renowned for her work in film and television. She began her artistic journey at a young age, performing with the Children’s Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. By the age of 11, Rossum had made her television debut, and she transitioned into film during her teenage years. Her breakthrough role came at 18 when she starred in the film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Following this success, she gained further recognition for her portrayal of Fiona Gallagher in the acclaimed television series Shameless.
Early Years
Born Emmanuelle “Emmy” Grey Rossum in New York City, Rossum was raised by her mother, Cheryl Rossum, a corporate photographer, as her father, a banker, was absent from her life. Despite being an only child, she found a sense of community through her involvement with the Children’s Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera, joining at the age of 7. This opportunity allowed her to perform alongside esteemed artists like Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. However, her burgeoning career required sacrifices in her education; she left the prestigious Spence School in Manhattan to complete her high school education online through a program funded by Stanford University.
Early TV and Film Career
Rossum’s early career in television began with a role on the soap opera As the World Turns at age 11. This was followed by guest appearances on various dramas, culminating in her portrayal of a teenage Audrey Hepburn in the ABC Original Movie The Audrey Hepburn Story in 2000. That same year, she made her film debut in the independent feature Songcatcher, earning a Spirit Award nomination for her performance as an Appalachian orphan. In 2003, she gained further prominence with a role in Clint Eastwood’s critically acclaimed film Mystic River, alongside Kevin Bacon and Sean Penn. Rossum’s subsequent film, the disaster thriller The Day After Tomorrow (2004), solidified her status as a rising star.
‘The Phantom of the Opera’
Rossum’s career reached new heights with her role in the 2004 film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera, where she portrayed the opera-singing ingénue Christine Daaé. Andrew Lloyd Webber personally selected her for the role, a decision that proved to be a turning point in her career. The film earned her a Golden Globe nomination, as well as accolades from the National Board of Review and the Broadcast Film Critics Association for her breakthrough performance. This success paved the way for her musical career, leading to the release of two albums: Inside Out (2006), featuring original songs, and Sentimental Journey (2013), which included classic standards.
‘Shameless’ on TV
In 2011, Rossum returned to television with a role that marked a stark departure from her earlier work. In the Showtime series Shameless, she played Fiona Gallagher, the responsible eldest sibling in a dysfunctional family led by a neglectful father, portrayed by William H. Macy. This gritty role showcased her versatility and included mature themes and content, which Rossum defended as essential to the show’s realism.
Recent Films
In recent years, Rossum has continued to expand her filmography. In 2013, she starred as Ridley Duchannes in the supernatural romance Beautiful Creatures. The following year, she appeared in the drama Before I Disappear, the indie romantic comedy Comet, and the emotional drama You’re Not You, alongside Hilary Swank. Through her diverse roles and artistic endeavors, Emmy Rossum has established herself as a prominent figure in both the film and television industries.