William H Macy says he stands by Emmy Rossum decision to quit Shameless

Veteran actor William H Macy says he stands by Emmy Rossum's decision to quit "Shameless" after its upcoming season nine.

The 68-year-old actor said the team had been expecting Rossum to exit the show for some time now.

"We've been expecting it. I tell you when you get to season nine and you think of (whether) to keep going, it's daunting. It's hard not to think of: 'What would my life be post-Shameless?' And part of it is very frightening and part of it is very exciting," Macy told EW.

"She's young and I think she's made the right choice. She's got another show that she's an executive producer on, so she's going right into something and she wants to branch out. Plus, she just got married," the actor said in reference to Rossum's husband, Sam Esmail.

Macy said he wishes her well and "can't wait to see what she's going to do next".

In December 2016, it was reported that Rossum had successfully lobbied for a higher salary per episode than Macy.

She contended that she had more screen time and thus longer hours on set, and was even supported by Macy in her campaign.

Rossum, 31, who plays Fiona Gallagher in the show, announced her exit Friday in an emotional Facebook post.

"I know you will continue on without me, for now. There is much more Gallagher story to be told. I will always be rooting for my family. Try not to think of me as gone, just think of me as moving down the block," she wrote.

The ninth season of "Shameless" will premiere on Showtime in September next year.

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