William H Macy described his role as Frank Gallagher in the US version of *Shameless* as “the role of the century”, saying it changed the course of his career. The long-running comedy-drama gave him an unusually sustained opportunity to explore a deeply flawed but charismatic character, helping cement his profile with a new generation of viewers.

Macy began playing the alcoholic, neglectful patriarch of the Gallagher family when *Shameless* premiered in 2011, and continued for all 11 series until 2021. The programme was adapted from the British series of the same name and became one of Showtime’s longest-running scripted dramas, with Macy receiving multiple award nominations for his performance.