Gillian Anderson is a household name, largely thanks to her iconic roles in “The X-Files” and “The Fall.” Yet, her impact goes far beyond mere acting prowess. Renowned for her striking beauty and unparalleled talent, Anderson has become a symbol of strength and empowerment for women everywhere. Despite the sci-fi genre often garnering her a dedicated male fan base, she’s also emerged as a feminist role model, with her portrayal of Dana Scully in “The X-Files” celebrated as one of TV’s greatest feminist characters.
But Anderson’s influence extends beyond the screen. A dedicated philanthropist, she’s actively involved in various charitable causes. Despite her status as a TV, stage, and movie star, Anderson remains refreshingly candid about her personal struggles, balancing the demands of stardom with the joys and challenges of motherhood – a fact highlighted by The Guardian. In embracing her imperfections alongside her beauty, Anderson has endeared herself to legions of fans, solidifying her status not just as a talented actress, but as a beacon of authenticity and resilience in an often glamourized industry.
#1 Gillian Anderson was born in Chicago but raised in Britain
Source: Bruno Vincent/Getty Images
Gillian Anderson was born in 1968 in a Chicago hospital to a computer analyst mother and a father who owned a production company. Despite her Illinois roots, Anderson’s family relocated to London shortly after her birth, where her father pursued studies at the London School of Film Technique.
Returning to the United States at the age of 11, Anderson attended an American high school. She then embarked on a career in acting, appearing in various projects across the United States and Canada.
Despite her upbringing in different countries, Anderson is known for seamlessly switching accents. After spending several years in the UK, she considers herself both British and American. Reflecting on her connection to London, Anderson expressed that the city felt like home and remained an integral part of her life as an adult.
#2 Gillian Anderson has dated both men and women
Source: Jesse Grant/Getty Images
At the age of 11, Gillian Anderson relocated from the UK to Michigan with the expectation of sunshine and happiness, only to find her school years to be quite different from what she had imagined. In a candid 2012 interview with Out magazine, the actress revealed that she was voted “Most Bizarre” in high school due to her unconventional appearance and behavior. Anderson also disclosed that her relationships during this time were unconventional, which caused a stir among her peers.
When questioned about her relationships, particularly a past relationship with another girl, Anderson confirmed it, asserting her willingness to discuss it openly given her age and experience. She further elaborated that while she has had multiple relationships with women over the years, the majority of her romantic involvements have been with men. Despite this, Anderson emphasized that she never felt compelled to sensationalize her same-sex relationships, attributing her attitude towards them to her ongoing attraction to men.
Reflecting on her experiences, Anderson suggested that her nonchalant approach to discussing her same-sex romances stemmed from her continued interest in men, implying that it was not a defining aspect of her identity.
#3 Gillian Anderson was a teenage punk
Source: Brenda Chase/Getty Images
In 2013, Gillian Anderson explained to NPR why she was voted “most likely to be arrested” in high school and how that prediction came true. She described how her rebellious style, including a nose piercing, shaved head, and preference for black clothing, led to this perception. Anderson also mentioned her role as the class clown, often engaging in mischievous behavior that reinforced this image.
She recounted an incident on graduation night when she and her older boyfriend attempted to glue the school locks shut as a prank. However, their plans were thwarted by a security guard, resulting in her actual arrest. Despite the humorous aspect, this highlights Anderson’s rebellious side during her teenage years.
This varied and imperfect past may have contributed to Anderson’s ability to portray complex characters convincingly. Despite not being seen as America’s sweetheart in her youth, her capacity to embody nuanced roles with depth and authenticity demonstrates her growth as an actress.
#4 Gillian Anderson never meant to be a TV star
Source: Getty Images/Getty Images
Initially hesitant to pursue television roles, Gillian Anderson’s career took an unexpected turn. With a background in stage acting, she found success in theater, notably with her role in Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends.
After a move to Los Angeles and facing professional challenges in film, Anderson reluctantly began auditioning for TV roles. Despite initial resistance, she landed the iconic role of Dana Scully in The X-Files. Show creator Chris Carter fought to cast her, defying expectations and cementing her place in television history.
#5 Gillian Anderson is incredibly selective with the roles she takes
Source: Jesse Grant/Getty Images
Gillian Anderson’s journey to stardom reads like a classic Hollywood tale. In the early 1990s, she moved to Los Angeles aspiring to become a film actress. After facing rejections, she landed a one-episode guest role on the Fox show Class of ’96, which eventually paved the way for her iconic role as Dana Scully in The X-Files.
Following the conclusion of The X-Files in 2002, Anderson aimed to showcase her versatility. She appeared in acclaimed productions like Bleak House, American Gods, and The Last King of Scotland, as well as a stage adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire in 2016.
Anderson is selective about her roles, prioritizing those that challenge her creatively and offer something different from her previous work. This commitment to quality ensures that each project she undertakes resonates with her passion and dedication to her craft.
#6 Gillian Anderson and co-star David Duchovny had instant chemistry
Source: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
X-Files fans are well aware of the fervent desire for a romantic connection between Mulder and Scully, both on and off-screen. However, despite the hopes of many, Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, who portrayed the iconic duo, never became romantically involved in real life. Duchovny himself dismissed the rumors, affirming that they have always remained friends and that a romantic relationship was never in the cards.
During the show’s original run from 1996 to 2002, Duchovny and Anderson’s relationship wasn’t always smooth sailing. Anderson once likened their dynamic to a “forced marriage,” acknowledging that, like any close coworkers, they had their moments of tension. However, despite any disagreements, they maintained a professional rapport.
Ultimately, while fans may have yearned for a Mulder-Scully romance, they can take comfort in knowing that Duchovny and Anderson share a lasting friendship both on and off the screen.
#7 Gillian Anderson hid her pregnancy while filming Season 2 of The X-Files
Source: Fox Media
When Gillian Anderson unexpectedly became pregnant during the first season of The X-Files, producers faced a dilemma: recast her role or work her pregnancy into the script. They chose the latter, employing camera tricks and oversized clothing to conceal her pregnancy on-screen. However, the effectiveness of this tactic remains debatable among fans. Anderson took an abbreviated maternity leave, with her absence noticeable in only one episode titled “3.”
#8 Gillian Anderson’s pregnancy inspired this X-Files storyline
Source: Brenda Chase/Getty Images
Inspired by Gillian Anderson’s brief maternity leave, The X-Files producers and writers ingeniously incorporated Scully’s abduction by aliens into the storyline. This decision not only provided a plausible reason for Anderson’s absence but also sparked a major narrative arc that drove the show’s plot for the remainder of its run, as noted by Express.
In a particularly unique twist, Season 2’s sixth episode, “Ascension,” utilized footage of Anderson’s real pregnant belly to depict the aliens conducting bizarre tests on Scully during her abduction. Anderson herself highlighted this moment as one of her most memorable X-Files experiences in a fan Q&A originally posted on her official webpage in 2002.
“Shooting the scene where Scully’s stomach is pumped with air in an abduction sequence and trying not to reveal that it was actually a pregnant belly being shot. I’ll have to show that scene to [daughter] Piper one of these years.
#9 Gillian Anderson helped The X-Files become an institution
Source: Getty Images
Even after nine seasons, two movies, and a revival season, fans still marvel at Gillian Anderson’s elegant and captivating portrayal of medical doctor and FBI Agent Dana Scully on The X-Files. Many attribute the enduring popularity of the show to the compelling dynamic between Mulder and Scully.
In fact, The Washington Post published an article in 2016 suggesting that one of the biggest mysteries among X-Files fans was whether Anderson and David Duchovny were dating in real life, highlighting the powerful chemistry between their characters as a major draw for viewers.
Anderson’s stellar performance as Scully earned her numerous award nominations, including a Golden Globe win for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Drama in 1997, as well as a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Her accolades further solidified her status as a television icon.
#10 It wasn’t always easy for Gillian Anderson to get into character on The X-Files
Source: Getty Images/Getty Images
Portraying Dana Scully, one of the most beloved television characters in pop culture history, wasn’t as easy as it may have seemed, according to Gillian Anderson, the actress behind the iconic role. In a candid interview with Esquire in January 2018 alongside co-star David Duchovny, Anderson opened up about the challenges of playing the skeptical secret agent for The X-Files’ nine-season run.
Anderson revealed that there were moments when she found it difficult to inhabit the character of Scully, confessing to instances where she felt she had exhausted all avenues of skepticism. “In the thick of it there were times when I’d call up [creator Chris Carter] and I’d say, ‘I don’t know how many more ways to be skeptical. I really I can’t say this again. I just don’t have it in me,'” Anderson recalled.
The actress admitted that her struggle to connect with the character at times hindered her appreciation for Scully’s significance as an iconic television figure. “There were definitely times where I was struggling with Scully, and I was not appreciative of the very essence of who she was because of that fact,” Anderson revealed to Esquire.
#11 Gillian Anderson kicked butt in The Fall
Source: Eamonn M. Mccormack/Getty Images
If you haven’t seen Gillian Anderson’s stunning performance as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson in The Fall, it’s a must-watch. The role was tailor-made for Anderson, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a powerful female character. The series has been hailed as one of the most feminist shows on television, with Anderson’s portrayal earning particular praise for defying gender stereotypes.
As Gibson, Anderson exudes confidence and sophistication, commanding attention with her cool demeanor and impeccable style. Her performance in The Fall is a testament to her exceptional talent and continues to be celebrated for its groundbreaking representation of female strength and authority.
#12 Gillian Anderson is a badass activist
Source: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Gillian Anderson has been a vocal advocate for organizations supporting women, children, and vulnerable populations. Through her Twitter account, she regularly promotes activist groups like Taught Not Trafficked, which aims to end human trafficking and provide education to young women and children worldwide. Her commitment to women’s rights and empowerment recently led her to co-author a feminist guidebook titled “WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere” with journalist Jennifer Nadel, published by Simon and Schuster.
The book offers practical advice and uplifting principles to help women navigate life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, cooperation, and compassion over competition and criticism. Anderson and Nadel encourage readers to envision a world where women support each other and work together to create positive change. “WE” serves as a timely and inspiring resource for women seeking to live meaningful and fulfilling lives while advocating for gender equality and social justice.
#13 Gillian Anderson has a tumultuous relationship with the paparazzi
Source: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Gillian Anderson, renowned for her fame, inevitably faces encounters with paparazzi. However, she refuses to normalize their invasive presence in her life. In a candid interview with The Guardian in September 2019, Anderson shared her frustration with being relentlessly followed by photographers during her time on The X-Files, especially as she tried to navigate motherhood.
Recalling instances where she couldn’t even take her daughter to the park without being hounded by long-lensed cameras, Anderson expressed her disdain for such intrusions, stating she wouldn’t tolerate it if she lived in the UK. Reflecting on her formative years, Anderson noted that her private life was already quite public, making her appreciate the privacy she now enjoys in the UK. She admitted that dealing with paparazzi has at times made her resent the entertainment industry.
#14 Gillian Anderson considers herself a woman’s woman
Source: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Gillian Anderson, renowned for her portrayal of Dana Scully in The X-Files, is celebrated not only for her iconic character but also for her advocacy for women’s rights. In a revealing interview with The Guardian in September 2019, Anderson expressed her pride in being a champion for women. She emphasized her commitment to supporting and uplifting women, admitting her surprise and dismay when encountering women who don’t share the same sentiment.
Anderson’s dedication to empowering women is further demonstrated through her collaboration with journalist Jennifer Nadel on the book We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere. Described as an inspiring guide for women to create positive change in their lives, the book encourages self-acceptance and embraces diversity. In a 2017 interview with Grazia Daily, Anderson expressed her hope that young women would learn to embrace their authentic selves and recognize their inherent worth, regardless of societal expectations or standards.
#15 Getting older is something Gillian Anderson has tried to embrace
Source: John Phillips/Getty Images
While being a celebrated public figure may seem glamorous, Gillian Anderson reveals that fame comes with its own complexities. In a candid interview with Vogue in February 2019, Anderson opened up about the emotional journey of seeing herself onscreen, especially as she ages.
Anderson shared that witnessing herself change on film has been a challenging experience, describing it as “arresting” and sometimes traumatic. She recalled spending an entire day in the late 2000s crying over the perceived “cruelty” of aging. However, she acknowledged that this process can lead to a shift in consciousness, prompting reflection on what truly matters in life. Anderson emphasized the importance of allowing oneself to mourn the changes before finding acceptance.
Despite the initial struggle, Anderson has come to terms with the inevitability of aging. She offered sage advice on combating insecurities about growing older, encouraging others to celebrate the present moment. Reflecting on the passage of time, Anderson reminded readers that each day is an opportunity to embrace one’s youthfulness and appreciate the journey of life.
#16 Gillian Anderson’s come a long way
Source: Getty Images
From her rebellious teenage years to her current status as an award-winning actress, philanthropist, and activist, Gillian Anderson’s journey is a testament to her resilience and compassion. Embracing her imperfections, she has captivated audiences with her talent and versatility, notably as Dana Scully in “The X-Files.”
Beyond her acting career, Anderson uses her platform to advocate for important causes, empower women, and raise awareness about issues like human trafficking. As a devoted mother and role model, she inspires others to strive for positive change. Anderson’s transformation serves as a reminder that authenticity and empathy can drive remarkable personal growth.