Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"I remember asking people on set I was like, what is this? And I was like, how do they make it? And they were like, they grow it. And I was like, what do you mean they grow it?" — Emma Kenney (Discussing her initial unfamiliarity with marijuana on the "Shameless" set.)
"I also was reminding myself that kids go through this stuff and I did want to be strong enough and brave enough. Okay, this isn't a script. I'm gonna run myself. This isn't a script. Like, people go through this. Let me shine a light on it and maybe somebody can relate." — Emma Kenney (Reflecting on filming difficult scenes as a child actor.)
"I honestly want to take the power away from the possibility of other people saying it and kind of control the narrative." — Emma Kenney (Discussing her decision to speak publicly about her rehab experience.)
Emma Kenney shares her experience as a child actress, beginning at age nine on the critically acclaimed show "Shameless." She recounts the unique challenges of growing up on a set that often portrayed mature themes, including drug and alcohol use, and how this environment impacted her understanding of the world. Kenney emphasizes her commitment to maintaining a connection to normalcy by attending public high school for as long as possible, despite facing difficulties with peers who sometimes teased her about her acting career. She details the rigorous demands of acting from a young age, including navigating scenes involving complex emotional content and unfamiliar adult themes, often relying on her parents and on-set mentors for guidance and support.
The conversation delves into Kenney's personal struggles with substance abuse, including her decision to seek treatment and her gratitude for the experience. She candidly discusses how the pressures of her career and her upbringing may have contributed to her inclination to experiment, but ultimately highlights her proactive approach to controlling her narrative and prioritizing her well-being. Kenney reflects on the supportive relationships she has cultivated, particularly with her close friends and family, and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance.
Kenney also touches upon her relationships with her "Shameless" castmates, describing the feeling of a true family dynamic and the bittersweet departure of Emmy Rossum from the show. She discusses the impact of playing Debbie Gallagher for over a decade, how the character's traits sometimes influenced her real-life thinking, and the challenges of navigating the industry as a young woman. The episode concludes with Kenney discussing her current relationship with alcohol and drugs, her views on love and heartbreak, and the most unusual internet rumor she's encountered.