Shanola Hampton – Shameless

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) My main project has been becoming a mother.  We just wrapped Season 4 of “Shameless” and I’m hoping to get a movie during our short hiatus

Q) What is new on “Shameless” and with your character Veronica?

A) Well, Veronica is pregnant with multiples.  So, it’s a very different season for she and Kev (Steve Howey). They have to make money to support this growing new family.

Q) What originally made you want to be a part of the show?

A) I was very excited to see a script unlike anything I’ve ever seen on television before.  It was so raw and real and wasn’t glamorous.  It’s truly an ensemble. That’s the reason I felt like I HAD to be on this show!

Q) What continues to challenge you about the role?

A) I feel very comfortable with Veronica, but I am always challenged when she is dealing with heavy emotions.

Q) Was there anything you added to the character that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) The writers on our show are amazing. They did a wonderful job from the beginning of getting to know what we bring to the character and writing scripts that really cater to our strengths.  There is not one particular thing that I can think of that wasn’t intended, but I’m sure the life I bring to V is different in many ways from what they originally thought it would be.

Q) Veronica has such a close relationship with Fiona. What is your relationship like off screen with Emmy Rossum?

A) Our cast is like a family!  We love and support one another.  We hang out off screen and have a synergy that is just effortless.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming Season 4?

A) Season 4 is probably the darkest of all of our seasons so far. One of the most memorable moments is when we found Liam on the floor after he got his hands on the cocaine.

Q) What do you think it is about Shameless that has made it a fan favorite program?

A) I think the fact that Shameless is so raw, so crazy, so funny, yet so dramatic has made fans love it!

Q) You’re a part of the social networking site Twitter. Do you enjoy the instant feedback you get from fans after episodes? Also, why is it so important for you to interact with your fans?

Q) I love the instant feedback from social media.  It’s like doing theater and receiving applause right away.  Even when fans aren’t happy, we get to know that and not have to guess.  For me, it’s important to stay connected to fans because they are the reason we have a show, the reason our show has been on for four seasons.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) To every fan, to every supporter I would like to say THANK YOU!! I have been humbled by so many of your kind words.  My heart is full of gratitude.

PHOTO BY LESLEY BRYCE PHOTOGRAPHY