Gillian Anderson

ABOUT

Gillian Anderson, born on August 9, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois, is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatile roles in television, film, and theater. She first captured international attention as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully on the groundbreaking series "The X-Files," which aired from 1993 to 2002 and was revived in 2016. Anderson's portrayal of Scully, which combined skepticism with scientific rigor, earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following.

In addition to her iconic role on "The X-Files," Anderson has achieved success in both British and American entertainment industries. She has demonstrated her range with roles in period dramas like "Bleak House" and "The Fall," where she portrayed DSI Stella Gibson. Her performance as Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of "The Crown" further solidified her status as one of the finest actresses of her generation, earning her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

BEFORE FAME

Gillian Anderson grew up in a family that was involved in both the arts and mental health. Her father, Edward Anderson, was the owner of a film post-production company, and her mother, Rosemary Anderson, was a computer analyst and later an executive at a London-based charity. Anderson spent her early years in both the United States and the United Kingdom, providing her with a unique transatlantic perspective.

She attended the Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1990. Her early acting career included various stage productions in New York City before she transitioned to television and film.

TRIVIA

• She was just 24 years old when she auditioned for and landed the role of Dana Scully on "The X-Files."
• Anderson has dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom, reflecting her bi-continental upbringing.
• She is an advocate for numerous social and environmental causes, including acting as a spokesperson for the Neurofibromatosis Network and supporting various women's rights organizations.
• Despite initially struggling with the fame that came from her role on "The X-Files," Anderson has embraced her status and connected deeply with her fan base.

FAMILY LIFE

Gillian Anderson's personal life has been marked by her relationships and family. She has been married twice; first to Clyde Klotz, "The X-Files" assistant art director, with whom she has a daughter named Piper Maru. She later married Julian Ozanne, a documentary filmmaker, although the marriage ended in divorce. Anderson also has two sons, Oscar and Felix, from her relationship with businessman Mark Griffiths.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout her career, Gillian Anderson has worked alongside a variety of notable actors, directors, and producers. Her most famous collaboration has undoubtedly been with David Duchovny, her co-star on "The X-Files," with whom she shared a compelling on-screen chemistry that captivated audiences for years.

In her work on "The Crown," she collaborated with performers like Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, and Josh O’Connor. Anderson has also worked with numerous other esteemed actors, including Jamie Dornan in "The Fall," and has been directed by acclaimed figures like Mike Leigh in "All About Eve" on the London stage.

Gillian Anderson's career continues to evolve, showcasing her remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing industry.