What Happened to Sheila in Shameless? Does Sheila Come Back in Shameless?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Jul 06, 2023
Who Played Sheila in Shameless?
Joan Cusack, known for her remarkable talent, delivered an outstanding performance as Sheila in the first five seasons of Shameless, making her a beloved fan favorite. Her on-screen presence is always a delight, as she consistently excels in her roles. The series itself reached its milestone 10th season in 2019, and just before its finale, Showtime officially announced that Shameless would return for an 11th and final season.
Although Sheila's character left the series at the end of Season 5, there was a poignant guest appearance by Greenwell in Season 6, leaving her fate uncertain and leaving fans yearning for more. While Sheila is undoubtedly cherished by Shameless fans, it's worth noting that Fiona Gallagher, played by Emmy Rossum, wasn't part of the mentioned poll. Nevertheless, any devoted Shameless viewer would undoubtedly appreciate seeing Fiona return, if only for the series finale.
As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, they prepare themselves for another wild journey through the South Side of Chicago, led by the mischievous Frank Gallagher, played by William H. Macy, and his cunning brood of children.
What Happened to Sheila in Shameless?
Sheila Jackson, portrayed by Joan Cusack, left Shameless in Season 5 after her house was accidentally destroyed, and her character embarked on a journey in an RV. In Shameless, Sheila Jackson, portrayed by Joan Cusack, played a significant role as the caring and somewhat absent-minded mother of Karen.
Cusack took over the role from Allison Janney, who initially played Sheila in the pilot but left the series due to other commitments. Cusack's performance received critical acclaim, earning her five consecutive Emmy nominations and ultimately winning the award in 2015.
However, in Season 5 of Shameless, Sheila's character was written off the show. The storyline saw Sheila leaving Chicago and embarking on a journey through the countryside in an RV. This departure was prompted by an incident where Frank accidentally caused her house to explode. The decision to write off Sheila may have been a natural progression in the story, allowing the focus to shift back to the Gallagher family.
Although the exact reason for Joan Cusack's departure from the show is not reported, there have been rumors suggesting that she may have joined Shameless with the understanding that her involvement would be limited. It is speculated that as her character, Sheila, gained more prominence and storylines, Cusack may have opted to step back. However, these rumors should be taken with caution.
Since her time on Shameless, Joan Cusack has continued to showcase her talent in various movies and TV shows. She has appeared in Instant Family, Toy Story 4, Let It Snow, The Stinky & Dan Show, Klaus, and Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Despite her departure from the show, Cusack has hinted at the possibility of returning to Shameless in the past, although no official reprisal has been announced at this time.
Does Sheila Come Back In Shameless?
Sheila Jackson, portrayed by Joan Cusack, does not come back to Shameless after her departure in Season 5. While there have been hints and speculation about a possible return, as Joan Cusack's character was beloved by fans and her reprisal would be appreciated, no official announcement or appearance has been made in the subsequent seasons of the show.
As the series approached its 11th and final season, there were hopes among fans that Sheila might make a comeback for the grand finale. However, without concrete confirmation, it remains uncertain whether Sheila will make a return to the show.
What does Sheila reveal about Eddie?
During Sheila's journey in Shameless, she unintentionally reveals intimate details of her Personal life with Eddie, which greatly amuses Kev and Veronica. However, tensions arise when Sheila and Peg get into an argument, with Sheila expressing her disapproval of Peg due to her status as a convicted felon.
As the party nears its end, Debbie has a conversation with Sheila, advising her to make friends within her own age group. Sheila may perceive Debbie as a surrogate daughter while Karen is away. Additionally, Sheila starts facilitating group sessions for women interested in purchasing personal products. Amidst arguments over selling certain items, Sheila's anger towards Sammi, Frank's needy oldest daughter, intensifies. Frank repeatedly tries to convince Sheila to stay, even proposing that she keep her house so they can make it "their nest".
In "Frank the Plumber," Sheila is devastated by her daughter's manipulative actions, which prevent her from seeing her grandson. Consequently, Sheila cuts off communication with her daughter Karen, leaving Karen heartbroken as she loses another person she thought she could rely on.
Later, Peggy approaches Sheila, requesting that Sheila end her suffering by hastening her death. Although initially hesitant, Sheila is persuaded by Peggy's consent. Eventually, Sheila suffocates Peggy with a pillow. When Frank unexpectedly walks in on Sheila in the act, he is left confused by the situation.
In Season 4, Sheila delves into online dating and meets a Native American individual with whom she envisions adopting their five younger cousins. However, in order to adopt them, she needs to be married. Sheila tricks Frank into marrying her while he is in the hospital, leading her to adopt the name Sheila Gallagher instead of Jackson.
During this time, Sheila questions Frank about the presence of his mother, to which he explains that she wouldn't miss out on the free food and alcohol. Sheila expresses her dislike for Peggy's presence, but Frank counters by saying that his mother would react strongly if asked to leave.
What Happened to Sheila in Shameless:FAQs
Sheila Jackson, portrayed by Joan Cusack, left Shameless in Season 5 after her house was accidentally destroyed, and her character embarked on a journey in an RV. In Shameless, Sheila Jackson, portrayed by Joan Cusack, played a significant role as the caring and somewhat absent-minded mother of Karen.
Sheila unintentionally reveals some unusual details of her sex life with Eddie, which greatly amuses Kev and Veronica.
Sheila's anger towards Sammi, Frank's oldest daughter, grows during an argument over whether or not to sell something.
Sheila is distraught by her daughter's continued manipulative actions, leading her to cut off communication with her daughter Karen.
Sheila tricks Frank into marrying her while he is in the hospital, leading her to adopt the name Sheila Gallagher instead of Jackson.
Sheila doesn't want Peggy there, but Frank counters that his mother, Peggy, would react strongly if asked to leave.