William H. Macy's 'Shameless' self-promotion

The acting trifecta - equal success in film, television and stage - is the impossible dream for most actors. But William H. Macy has made it look easy.

Born in Miami, Macy was a shy kid who originally planned to become a veterinarian. After one semester of vet school, he transferred to Goddard College in Vermont, where he met David Mamet. Upon graduation, both men relocated to Chicago and within a year they founded the St. Nicholas Theater Company - Macy had roles in early Mamet plays such as American Buffalo and The Water Engine.

Next came New York, where Macy solidified his stage reputation in more than 50 plays, on and off-Broadway. Through the 1980s and 1990s, his impish mug began turning up in films, both those written and/or directed by Mamet ( Things Change, House of Games) and mainstream features ( Benny & Joon, Mr. Holland's Opus).

Macy's profile peaked in 1996 with his portrayal of a conniving car salesman in the Coen brothers-directed Fargo, which earned him an Oscar nomination.

On TV, Macy earned two Emmys - as co-writer and star of the 2002 cable movie Door to Door - and multiple Emmy nods for his guest turns on series such as ER and Sports Night. He married his long-time girlfriend, actress Felicity Huffman of Desperate Housewives renown, in 1997, and the couple are parents of two young daughters.

Now 60 and still peaking, Macy is pouring all his energy into the U.S. cable remake of the British drama Shameless (The Movie Network, Movie Central, Jan. 10), in which he plays the alcoholic single dad of six feral kids. He spoke via telephone from Los Angeles.

Did you watch the original version of Shameless before shooting the remake?

Not entirely. Before we shot our pilot, I watched their pilot, and before we started on our season, I watched their first season. I thought it was outrageously good. The British series is so good I'm loathe to watch much more of it, because it imprints on you and I find myself doing all my lines with an accent. Our version is intended to be singular.

Any feedback from the original cast or creators?

Well, I'm told that Paul Abbott, who created the original series, is over the moon. And if you can please the writer, you've really done something.

The original Shameless was set in working-class Manchester. Your version takes place in blue-collar Chicago. Does that feel right to you?

Oh, perfect. It's geographically, politically, socially and emotionally right smack in the middle of the country, which feels exactly right. Chicago's a town that works, especially in the far west side. I started my career in Chicago and lived there for 10 years, so the location felt like an inspired choice to me.

What's the difference between shooting this series and a feature?

It goes so fast while we're making it. It's more like surfing than swimming. We do a 55-minute story in seven days, and that's fast. And [executive producer]John Wells should run the universe. I've never seen anything like it. The cast shows up ready to rock. They are completely and solidly off-book; everyone has their lines down pat. There's no warm-ups. We could film our rehearsals. It's become quite daunting for our guest stars, because when they come in, they have to have their A-game ready.

Does it feel like you're doing drama or black comedy?

Our task is to tell rollicking good stories that are grounded and truthful. It feels bizarre because I've never seen anything like this in the current TV series world. Most shows have an A plot, a bit of a B plot and maybe a small C plot. We've got three plots fully realized and running at the same time. I find myself exhausted after watching one of our episodes.

Does your character Frank care the least bit about what people think of him?

Through a combination of his narcissism and inebriation, I think he doesn't have that clear a view of how he's being perceived in the world. I think he thinks people do like him and respect him.

How much do we learn more about Frank's personal history as the first season progresses?

We learn he's a smart guy. He's just so in the grips of his addiction. In the writers' minds, Frank has done a couple of years at the University of Chicago. In one later episode, where he's sober for a while, he sits down at the piano and plays some Beethoven. I don't know exactly how Frank got to be Frank, but I know there are people like him in this world.

Is the dialogue or scenario on Shameless comparable to your work with David Mamet?

Not really. This is a new beast. I've never played this type of character, certainly. It's new territory for me, but it's new territory for all of us.

Are you imparting any acting lessons to the young cast?

In my older age, I've come to the conclusion that step one in acting is 'Learn the f---ing lines.' And as mundane as that sounds, that's where the first mistake is usually made, especially on television. This cast is really stellar.

Does the show's shooting schedule allow you to continue stage work and films?

For that, this is the best job in the world. We shoot 13 episodes, and that leaves half the year. So, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I've got time to do a big feature, or I can direct something, or do a play.

Are you at a point in your career where you pick and choose roles?

I wish I could say I could pick and choose, but no, I'm a workaday actor. I've kind of been a lucky guy. I like what I do, I have fun all the time. I can hardly remember the bad sets I've been on. The vast majority have been just fantastic.

Was it a conscious decision for you to take on regular series work?

I decided to throw my hat in the ring and try to get a series about two years ago. I've got two youngish children, and going out of town has become problematical, especially with the wife working. Secondly, my bread and butter was independent films, and they are troubled. That whole independent market has fallen apart. But also, in my opinion, the best acting anywhere right now happens on television.

Examples?

The dramas on Showtime - Californication, Dexter, The United States of Tara - seem to be way out in front. Magnificent acting and bold writing. They're truthful and sometimes shocking but genuinely funny. I'm a huge fan of 30 Rock and The Office. And Friday Night Lights. Oh, I was addicted to that show.

Is it your hope Shameless will run two or more seasons?

I was thinking more seven or eight seasons. I would love this story to have time to grow and I could do this for a long time. But as my friend David Mamet says, "Never enumerate pre-natal fowl."