History of Gillian Anderson in Timeline
Gillian Anderson is a celebrated American actress, writer, and activist. She gained widespread recognition for her iconic role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in The X-Files. Her versatile acting career includes notable performances as Lily Bart in The House of Mirth, DSI Stella Gibson in The Fall, Jean Milburn in Sex Education, and Margaret Thatcher in The Crown. Anderson's contributions to television and film have been recognized with numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
1986: Graduated High School
In 1986, Gillian Anderson graduated from high school and returned to Chicago to attend The Theatre School at DePaul University.
1990: Earned Bachelor of Fine Arts
In 1990, Gillian Anderson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Theatre School at DePaul University.
1990: Started Career in Alan Ayckbourn's Play
In 1990, Gillian Anderson moved to New York and began her acting career in Alan Ayckbourn's play Absent Friends at the Manhattan Theatre Club.
1991: Won Theatre World Award for Absent Friends
In 1991, Gillian Anderson won a Theatre World Award for Best Newcomer for her performance in Absent Friends.
1992: Moved to Los Angeles and appeared in The Turning
In 1992, Gillian Anderson moved to Los Angeles and appeared in her first feature-length film, The Turning.
1993: Starred in The X-Files
In 1993, Gillian Anderson began her role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the sci-fi series The X-Files.
1993: Guest Appearance on Class of '96
In 1993, Gillian Anderson made a guest appearance on the television show Class of '96 on Fox Network, marking her break into mainstream television.
January 1, 1994: Marriage to Clyde Klotz
On January 1, 1994, Gillian Anderson married Canadian art director Clyde Klotz in a Buddhist ceremony in Hawaii after they worked together on The X-Files.
September 25, 1994: Birth of Daughter
On September 25, 1994, Gillian Anderson and Clyde Klotz's daughter was born. The X-Files episode 'Piper Maru' was named after her.
May 1996: Addressed United States Congress
In May 1996, Gillian Anderson addressed the United States Congress, advocating for increased education and funding for neurofibromatosis research projects.
1996: FHM Sexiest Woman in the World
In 1996, FHM Magazine voted Gillian Anderson the sexiest woman in the world.
1996: Feminist Majority Foundation Spokesperson
In 1996, Gillian Anderson became the Feminist Majority Foundation's spokesperson and participated as a team leader in the Feminist Majority Foundation's Million4Roe campaign.
1996: Narrated Spies Above and Why Planes Go Down
In 1996, Gillian Anderson narrated the television documentaries Spies Above and Why Planes Go Down.
1997: Appeared in Chicago Cab
In 1997, Gillian Anderson appeared in the independent film Chicago Cab.
1997: Provided spoken word vocals for Extremis
In 1997, Gillian Anderson provided spoken word vocals and starred in the music video for the single "Extremis" by Hal.
1998: Co-starred in The X-Files: Fight the Future
In 1998, Gillian Anderson co-starred in The X-Files: Fight the Future.
1998: Released The X-Files film Fight the Future
In 1998, The X-Files: Fight the Future, a film continuing The X-Files storyline, was released starring Gillian Anderson.
February 14, 1999: Performance in Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues
On February 14, 1999, Gillian Anderson participated in a stage performance of Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues.
March 1999: Attendance at Feminist Majority Foundation Event
In March 1999, Gillian Anderson attended a Feminist Majority Foundation event focused on stopping gender apartheid in Afghanistan.
1999: Voiced Moro in Princess Mononoke
In 1999, Gillian Anderson voiced the character of Moro in the English-language release of Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke.
2000: Starred in The House of Mirth
In 2000, Gillian Anderson starred as Lily Bart in the drama film The House of Mirth.
2001: Emceeing Rock for Choice Concert
In 2001, Gillian Anderson emceed the Rock for Choice concert fundraiser, which featured musicians Sarah McLachlan, Paula Cole, and Melissa Etheridge, as well as actresses Helen Hunt, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, and Kathy Najimy, and supported reproductive options for unplanned pregnancies, including the morning-after pill.
April 2002: Appearance on Hollywood Squares for Feminist Majority Foundation
In April 2002, Gillian Anderson appeared on Hollywood Squares to raise funds for the Feminist Majority Foundation's campaign to aid Afghan women and girls.
2002: Moved back to London
In 2002, Gillian Anderson moved back to London, having always intended to return.
2002: Moved back to London and made West End debut
In 2002, after The X-Files ended, Gillian Anderson moved back to London and made her West End debut in What The Night Is For.
December 29, 2004: Marriage to Julian Ozanne
On December 29, 2004, Gillian Anderson married Kenyan-born documentary filmmaker Julian Ozanne on Lamu Island.
2004: Starred in The Sweetest Swing in Baseball
In 2004, Gillian Anderson starred in The Sweetest Swing in Baseball at the Royal Court Theatre.
2005: Ownership of Sri Lanka Estate
In 2005, Gillian Anderson acquired an estate in Sri Lanka that previously belonged to painter Justin Deraniyagala.
2005: Appeared in Bleak House and The Mighty Celt
In 2005, Gillian Anderson appeared as Lady Dedlock in the BBC adaptation of Bleak House and had a starring role in the Irish film The Mighty Celt.
2005: Starred in The Mighty Celt and Bleak House
In 2005, Gillian Anderson starred in the film The Mighty Celt and appeared as Lady Dedlock in Bleak House.
2005: Crowdfunding for Alinyiikira Junior School
In 2005, while filming The Last King of Scotland, Gillian Anderson initiated a crowdfunding project to support the Alinyiikira Junior School in Kampala, Uganda.
2006: Appeared in The Last King of Scotland
During 2006, Gillian Anderson appeared in The Last King of Scotland.
2006: Won Broadcasting Press Guild Television and Radio Award
In 2006, Gillian Anderson won the Broadcasting Press Guild Television and Radio Award for Best Actress for her role in Bleak House.
2008: Co-founded SAYes
In 2008, Gillian Anderson co-founded South African Youth Education for Sustainability (SAYes), an organization dedicated to empowering marginalized young people in South Africa through youth mentoring.
2008: Hosted Masterpiece Theatre and starred in The X-Files film
In 2008, Gillian Anderson hosted Masterpiece Theatre and starred in the second The X-Files film, The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
2008: Starred in The X-Files: I Want to Believe
In 2008, Gillian Anderson starred in the second The X-Files film, The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
2008: Brother Diagnosed with Glioblastoma
In 2008, Gillian Anderson's brother Aaron was diagnosed with glioblastoma.
May 14, 2009: Portrayed Nora in A Doll's House
On May 14, 2009, Gillian Anderson began portraying Nora in Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House at the Donmar Warehouse in London's West End.
July 18, 2009: Finished run of A Doll's House
On July 18, 2009, Gillian Anderson finished her run of A Doll's House at the Donmar Warehouse in London's West End.
2009: Starred in Boogie Woogie
In 2009, Gillian Anderson starred in the British comedy film Boogie Woogie.
2009: Named one of 20 most powerful women in British theatre
In 2009, Gillian Anderson was named as one of 20 most powerful women in British theatre and was dubbed "The Honorary Brit" by Harper's Bazaar and Tiffany & Co.'s list.
November 2010: Portrayal of Wallis, Duchess of Windsor in Any Human Heart
In November 2010, Gillian Anderson portrayed Wallis, Duchess of Windsor in 'Any Human Heart', a television adaptation of William Boyd's novel. For this role, she was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress on Television.
2010: Honorary Associate of The London Film School
In 2010, Gillian Anderson was named Honorary Associate of The London Film School (LFS).
2010: Boycott of Botswana Diamonds
In late 2010, Gillian Anderson and other artists joined a campaign to boycott Botswana diamonds in response to the government's treatment of the Kalahari San people.
February 2011: Narration of Short Film about Uncontacted Tribe
In February 2011, Gillian Anderson narrated a short film showcasing recent footage of an uncontacted tribe spotted in the Amazon on the Brazil-Peru border.
April 2011: Starring in The Crimson Petal and the White
In April 2011, Gillian Anderson starred in the BBC adaptation 'The Crimson Petal and the White' as Mrs. Castaway, which led to her nomination for the Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Actress.
June 2011: Ambassador for Survival International
In June 2011, Gillian Anderson became an ambassador for Survival International, an organization that champions tribal peoples around the world.
August 2011: Appearance in Moby Dick
In August 2011, Gillian Anderson appeared in the television miniseries 'Moby Dick', based on Herman Melville's novel, as Elisabeth, Ahab's wife.
December 2011: Starring as Miss Havisham in Great Expectations
In late December 2011, Gillian Anderson starred as Miss Havisham in a three-part BBC adaptation of 'Great Expectations'. Her portrayal led to the Artistic Excellence Award and nominations for the Critics' Choice Television Award and Broadcasting Press Guild Award.
2011: End of Philanthropic Project for Alinyiikira Junior School
In 2011, Gillian Anderson concluded her philanthropic project benefiting the Alinyiikira Junior School in Kampala, Uganda, which she had started in 2005.
2011: Brother Aaron's Death
In 2011, Gillian Anderson's brother Aaron, who had neurofibromatosis, died of a brain tumor at the age of 30.
2011: Brother's Death from Neurofibromatosis
In 2011, Gillian Anderson's brother, Aaron, passed away from Neurofibromatosis type I.
2012: Appearances in Sister and Shadow Dancer
In 2012, Gillian Anderson appeared in the Swiss drama film 'Sister' and in 'Shadow Dancer', a British-Irish drama film about the Irish republican movement.
2012: End of Estate Ownership in Sri Lanka
In 2012, Gillian Anderson ended her ownership of the estate in Sri Lanka that formerly belonged to Justin Deraniyagala.
2012: Joined Greenpeace for Amazon Protection
In 2012, Gillian Anderson joined Greenpeace in standing with the people of Brazil for a zero-deforestation law to save the Amazon.
March 2013: Voicing Dr. Miki Hokuto in From Up on Poppy Hill
In March 2013, Gillian Anderson voiced the character of Dr. Miki Hokuto in the English-language version of Studio Ghibli's 'From Up on Poppy Hill'.
May 2013: Starring as DSI Stella Gibson in The Fall
In May 2013, Gillian Anderson began starring as DSI Stella Gibson in 'The Fall', a critically acclaimed crime drama series for BBC Two and RTÉ One. She also became an executive producer for the program from its second series.
May 2013: National identity interview on BlogTalkRadio
In May 2013, during an interview with BlogTalkRadio, Gillian Anderson discussed her national identity and expressed her bafflement about whether she felt more British than American, noting that London felt like home.
2013: Backed the Cheetah Conservation Fund
In 2013, Gillian Anderson backed the Cheetah Conservation Fund by creating a short film together with the fund, advocating CCF's action to prevent the extinction of the cheetah.
2013: Patron of the Charles Dickens Statue Fund
In 2013, Gillian Anderson became a patron of the Charles Dickens Statue Fund, playing a key role in securing funding for the UK's first Dickens statue located in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
2013: City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award
In 2013, Gillian Anderson received a City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award as recognition for the support and inspiration she provided to adult education provider City Lit and its students.
July 2014: Stage Performance in A Streetcar Named Desire
In July 2014, Gillian Anderson gained critical acclaim for her stage performance as Blanche DuBois in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams at the Young Vic Theatre in London.
July 2014: Support for Taught Not Trafficked Campaign
In July 2014, Gillian Anderson supported Childreach International's Taught Not Trafficked campaign, launched to address child trafficking.
August 2014: Glamour Magazine Interview on Feminism
In August 2014, Gillian Anderson told Glamour magazine that she has feminist bones and little tolerance for how people react to women.
September 16, 2014: Broadcast of A Streetcar Named Desire
On September 16, 2014, the production of 'A Streetcar Named Desire', in which Gillian Anderson starred, was broadcast live to over 1100 venues as the first collaboration between the Young Vic Theatre and National Theatre Live.
October 2014: Publication of A Vision of Fire
In October 2014, Gillian Anderson published her first book, 'A Vision of Fire', co-authored with Jeff Rovin, which is the first novel of 'The Earthend Saga' trilogy.
2014: Signatory of Amnesty International Letter
For International Women's Day 2014, Gillian Anderson was one of the artist signatories of Amnesty International's letter to UK Prime Minister David Cameron, campaigning for women's rights in Afghanistan.
2014: Role in Robot Overlords and Sold
In 2014, Gillian Anderson starred in the British independent science fiction film 'Robot Overlords' and appeared in Jeffrey D. Brown's drama 'Sold', portraying Sophia, a character based on photographer Lisa Kristine.
2014: Won Evening Standard Theatre Award for A Streetcar Named Desire
In 2014, Gillian Anderson won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress for her performance as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire.
February 2015: Directing and Starring in The Departure
In February 2015, Gillian Anderson directed and starred in 'The Departure', a short film prequel to A Streetcar Named Desire, written by novelist Andrew O'Hagan.
March 2015: Backing Women at the Well Drop-in Centre
In March 2015, Gillian Anderson supported the Women at the Well drop-in centre for vulnerable women in London, which is financially supported by Comic Relief.
September 2015: Letter for New Conservation Approach
In September 2015, Gillian Anderson was among the artists who signed a letter advocating for a new approach to conservation that respects the rights of tribal peoples.
November 2015: Friend and Supporter of Positive Luxury
In November 2015, Gillian Anderson was named a friend and supporter of Positive Luxury, a company that informs consumers on brands' commitment to quality, craftsmanship, service and sustainability.
December 2015: Publication of A Dream of Ice
In December 2015, Gillian Anderson and Jeff Rovin published their second novel of 'The Earthend Saga' trilogy, 'A Dream of Ice'.
2015: Acting as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier in Hannibal
Between 2013 and 2015, Gillian Anderson played Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier, Hannibal Lecter's psychiatrist, on the NBC series Hannibal. In 2014, Anderson was promoted from a recurring character during the first two seasons, to a series regular for the third season.
2015: Patron of the International Literacy Centre
In 2015, Gillian Anderson became a patron of the International Literacy Centre (ILC) – European home of Reading Recovery.
January 2016: Launch of ILC's Reading Recovery Read Aloud Campaign
In January 2016, Gillian Anderson helped launch the International Literacy Centre's (ILC) Reading Recovery Read Aloud campaign.
January 2016: Portrayal of Anna Pavlovna Scherer in War & Peace and return to The X-Files
In January 2016, Gillian Anderson portrayed Anna Pavlovna Scherer in BBC One's television adaptation of 'War & Peace'. The same month, she returned to portray FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the six-episode tenth season of 'The X-Files'.
March 2016: Internet Charity Auction for Great Ormond Street Hospital
During February and March 2016, Gillian Anderson held an internet charity auction benefiting Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) children's hospital in London.
April 23, 2016: Reprising Role in A Streetcar Named Desire
From April 23, 2016, Gillian Anderson reprised her role of Blanche DuBois in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' on stage at the new St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York City.
June 2016: Patron of the Temple Legal Centre
In June 2016, Gillian Anderson became a patron of the Temple Legal Centre, a London-based organization that provides free family law advice and support to people navigating the legal process.
June 2016: Opposition to Brexit
In June 2016, Gillian Anderson publicly expressed her opposition to Brexit leading up to the referendum on the issue.
September 13, 2016: Publication of The Sound of Seas
On September 13, 2016, Gillian Anderson and Jeff Rovin published 'The Sound of Seas', the third and final novel of The EarthEnd Saga trilogy.
2016: Signed Burma Campaign UK's Pledge
For International Women's Day 2016, Gillian Anderson was among the high-profile women who signed Burma Campaign UK's pledge to end and investigate crimes of sexual violence against girls and women in Myanmar.
2016: Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire
In 2016, Gillian Anderson was appointed an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to drama.
2016: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
In 2016, Gillian Anderson was appointed an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to drama.
January 2017: Narrating Ronja the Robber's Daughter
In January 2017, Gillian Anderson narrated the English dub of 'Ronja the Robber's Daughter', Studio Ghibli's anime, which began streaming on Amazon Prime.
February 2017: Portraying Edwina Mountbatten in Viceroy's House
In February 2017, Gillian Anderson portrayed Edwina Mountbatten in Gurinder Chadha's Partition drama film 'Viceroy's House'.
March 7, 2017: Publication of WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere
On March 7, 2017, Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel published their self-help guide book for women, titled 'WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere'.
April 2017: Playing Media in American Gods
In April 2017, Gillian Anderson played goddess Media in the first season of 'American Gods', a television series adaptation of Neil Gaiman's science fiction novel.
July 2017: UCL Honorary Fellowship Award
In July 2017, Gillian Anderson was awarded a UCL Honorary Fellowship for her support of the International Literacy Centre's Reading Recovery program.
October 2017: Appearance in Crooked House
In October 2017, Gillian Anderson appeared alongside Glenn Close and Christina Hendricks in 'Crooked House', a film adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel.
2017: Starred in Viceroy's House and American Gods
In 2017, Gillian Anderson appeared in Viceroy's House and American Gods.
January 2018: City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award
In January 2018, Gillian Anderson received a City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award from the adult education college City Literary Institute.
January 2018: Returning to The X-Files and confirming departure
In January 2018, Gillian Anderson returned as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the eleventh season of 'The X-Files'. She also confirmed that she would be leaving The X-Files after the end of the season.
2018: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2018, Gillian Anderson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
January 2019: Playing Jean Milburn in Sex Education
In January 2019, Gillian Anderson began playing Jean Milburn in the Netflix dramedy 'Sex Education'.
February 2, 2019: Portraying Margo Channing in All About Eve
From February 2, 2019, Gillian Anderson portrayed Margo Channing in a stage production of 'All About Eve' at the Noël Coward Theatre, for which she received her third Laurence Olivier Award nomination.
September 7, 2019: Cast as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown
On September 7, 2019, it was announced that Gillian Anderson would portray former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of the Netflix historical drama series 'The Crown'.
2019: Nominated for Laurence Olivier Award for All About Eve
In 2019, Gillian Anderson received a third Laurence Olivier Award nomination for her role in All About Eve.
2020: Marks & Spencer Christmas Commercial Narration
In 2020, Gillian Anderson narrated a Marks & Spencer Christmas commercial in the UK, which served as a charity initiative, offering donations to charities chosen by Anderson and other acting talents. The charities she chose were The Felix Project, Southall Black Sisters, and Blueprint for All.
2020: Starred in The Crown
In 2020, Gillian Anderson starred as Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of the Netflix drama series The Crown.
February 2021: Filming White Bird
In February 2021, Gillian Anderson started filming 'White Bird'.
November 2021: Voice Acting in Robin Robin
In November 2021, Gillian Anderson voiced the cat in 'Robin Robin', a stop-motion short Christmas film.
December 2021: Acting in The Great
In December 2021, Gillian Anderson played Joanna, mother to Catherine the Great in season two of Hulu's 'The Great'.
2021: Emmy Award for The Crown
In 2021, Gillian Anderson won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown.
February 2022: Launching What Do I Know?!
In February 2022, Gillian Anderson launched her first audio show titled 'What Do I Know?!' on Curio, a fortnightly podcast.
March 2022: Signing First Look Deal with Netflix
In March 2022, it was announced that Gillian Anderson had signed a first look deal with Netflix for two years with her company, Fiddlehead Productions.
December 2022: Starring in The Pale Blue Eye
Released in theatres in December 2022, Gillian Anderson starred in director Scott Cooper's 'The Pale Blue Eye' alongside Christian Bale.
February 7, 2023: Cast as Emily Maitlis in Scoop
On February 7, 2023, Netflix announced that Gillian Anderson had been cast as Emily Maitlis in 'Scoop', a film about Prince Andrew's 2019 Newsnight interview.
February 2023: Announcing "Dear Gillian" Project
In February 2023, Gillian Anderson announced her "Dear Gillian" project with Bloomsbury, where she asked for women to write letters to her personally about sexual fantasies and stories that she will turn into a book.
April 2023: Launching G Spot Beverages
In April 2023, Gillian Anderson launched G Spot Beverages, soft drinks with life-enhancing adaptogens and nootropics.
2023: Launch of G-Spot Soft Drink Company
In 2023, Gillian Anderson launched the soft drink company G-Spot.
January 2024: Joining the cast of Tron: Ares
In January 2024, Gillian Anderson joined the cast of Disney's 'Tron: Ares'.
August 2024: Signing on to Trespasses adaptation
In August 2024, Gillian Anderson signed on to the adaptation of Louise Kennedy’s 'Trespasses'.
September 2024: BBC Interview Elaboration on National Identity
In a September 2024 interview with the BBC, Gillian Anderson elaborated further on her national identity, stating, "My cells are American, but my soul is British".
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