Gillian Leigh Anderson is a highly acclaimed American actress known for her versatile roles. She gained international recognition for her portrayal of FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the long-running series "The X-Files." Anderson has showcased her talent in various projects, including period dramas like "The House of Mirth" and contemporary series like "The Fall" and "Sex Education." Her performance as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Crown" earned her critical acclaim. Anderson's exceptional work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Gillian Leigh Anderson was born on August 9, 1968.
Breaking new ground, Gillian Anderson became the first female host of the renowned series "Masterpiece Theatre" since its inception in 1971. She hosted the series during the Jane Austen series.
Gillian Anderson graduated from high school in 1986.
At 22, Gillian Anderson moved to New York City in 1990, supporting herself as a waitress while performing in stage productions. She earned recognition for her role in "Absent Friends."
Gillian Anderson graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago in 1990.
Gillian Anderson made her stage debut in "Absent Friends" in 1991 and won a Theatre World Award for Best Newcomer for her performance.
Gillian Anderson made her feature film debut in "The Turning," released in 1992.
Gillian Anderson made a guest appearance on the television series "Class of '96" in 1993.
Gillian Anderson's breakout role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in "The X-Files" premiered in 1993.
On September 25, 1994, Anderson's first daughter, Piper Maru Klotz, was born.
In May 1996, Anderson addressed the United States Congress, advocating for increased funding and education for neurofibromatosis research.
Gillian Anderson lent her voice to the world of documentaries in 1996, narrating "Spies Above" and "Why Planes Go Down."
In 1996, Anderson took on the role of spokesperson for the Feminist Majority Foundation.
Anderson and Clyde Klotz got divorced in 1997.
Gillian Anderson marked her presence in independent cinema with the film "Chicago Cab" in 1997.
Inspired by the music of electronic duo Hal, Anderson collaborated with them in 1997. She provided spoken word vocals for their single "Extremis" and even starred in its music video, a frequent feature on MTV. Her passion for electronic music led her to curate an album for Virgin Records titled "Future: A Journey Through The Electronic Underground."
The first "X-Files" film, "The X-Files: Fight the Future," starring Gillian Anderson, hit theaters in 1998.
Expanding her acting repertoire, Gillian Anderson took on roles in two films in 1998: "Playing by Heart" and "The Mighty."
In 1998, Gillian Anderson achieved a milestone by becoming the first woman to write and direct an episode of "The X-Files" titled "all things." The same year, she co-starred in the film "The X-Files: Fight the Future," which continued the TV series storyline. Adding a touch of humor, she also lent her voice to a parody of her iconic character, Dana Scully, in "The Springfield Files," an episode of the animated series "The Simpsons."
"The X-Files: Fight the Future," the first film adaptation of "The X-Files," was released in 1998.
On February 14, 1999, Anderson participated in a stage performance of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues."
Anderson attended a Feminist Majority Foundation event in March 1999 to protest gender apartheid in Afghanistan.
In 1999, Gillian Anderson showcased her versatility by voicing the character Moro in the English version of Hayao Miyazaki's "Princess Mononoke." A fan of Studio Ghibli, she embraced the opportunity to be part of their work. The same year, she graced the stage in Eve Ensler's impactful play "The Vagina Monologues."
Gillian Anderson starred as Lily Bart in the film "The House of Mirth," which was released in 2000.
Gillian Anderson's performance in the 2000 film "The House of Mirth," adapted from Edith Wharton's novel, garnered critical acclaim. Her portrayal earned her accolades, including the British Independent Film Award for Best Actress and a nomination for the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress.
Anderson emceed the Rock for Choice concert, a fundraiser featuring notable musicians and actresses, in 2001.
In April 2002, Anderson appeared on the game show "Hollywood Squares" to support the Feminist Majority Foundation's campaign for Afghan women and girls.
Gillian Anderson established her residence in London in 2002.
Gillian Anderson moved to London in 2002.
In 2002, Gillian Anderson returned to London, seeking a change of pace and a return to the stage. She made her West End debut in Michael Weller's play "What The Night Is For" at the Comedy Theatre.
The initial run of "The X-Files," starring Gillian Anderson, concluded in 2002.
On December 29, 2004, Anderson married her second husband, Julian Ozanne.
Continuing her stage journey, Anderson starred as artist Dana Fielding in Rebecca Gilman's play "The Sweetest Swing in Baseball" at the Royal Court Theatre in 2004. Her performance earned rave reviews.
Gillian Anderson graced the screen as Lady Dedlock in the BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Bleak House" and starred in the Irish film "The Mighty Celt" in 2005. She also appeared in "A Cock and Bull Story." Her performance in "The Mighty Celt" won her an IFTA award for Best International Actress.
Gillian Anderson purchased a home in Sri Lanka that once belonged to painter Justin Deraniyagala in 2005.
Gillian Anderson appeared in the film "The Mighty Celt" and the television series "Bleak House" in 2005.
Anderson initiated a crowdfunding project in 2005 to benefit the Alinyiikira Junior School in Kampala, Uganda.
On April 21, 2006, Anderson announced her separation from her second husband, Julian Ozanne.
Gillian Anderson starred in the film "The Last King of Scotland," released in 2006.
In 2006, Gillian Anderson appeared in the British film "The Last King of Scotland."
Gillian Anderson's portrayal of Lady Dedlock in "Bleak House" earned her widespread recognition in 2006. She received the Broadcasting Press Guild Television and Radio Award for Best Actress, a British Academy Television Award (BAFTA) nomination for Best Actress, an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie, and a Golden Globe nomination.
Gillian Anderson continued to explore independent cinema in 2007 with a role in the British film "Straightheads."
Gillian Anderson reprised her role as Dana Scully in "The X-Files: I Want to Believe," the second film in the franchise, in 2008. She also embraced comedy alongside Simon Pegg in "How to Lose Friends & Alienate People."
Gillian Anderson's brother, Aaron, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor, in 2008.
In 2008, Anderson co-founded SAYes (South African Youth Education for Sustainability), a non-profit organization that empowers and supports marginalized youth in South Africa through mentoring and guidance programs.
The second "X-Files" film, "The X-Files: I Want to Believe," featuring Gillian Anderson, was released in 2008.
The second "X-Files" film, "The X-Files: I Want to Believe," premiered in 2008.
From May 14, 2009, to July 18, 2009, Gillian Anderson graced the stage as Nora in Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" at the Donmar Warehouse in London's West End. Her performance earned her a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress.
July 18, 2009, marked the end of Gillian Anderson's run as Nora in "A Doll's House" at the Donmar Warehouse.
Gillian Anderson joined the cast of the British comedy film "Boogie Woogie" in 2009, sharing the screen with Alan Cumming, Danny Huston, and Stellan Skarsgård.
Gillian Anderson was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for her role in "A Doll's House" in 2009.
In 2009, Anderson was recognized for her influence in British theatre, being named one of the 20 most powerful women in the industry and dubbed "The Honorary Brit" by Harper's Bazaar and Tiffany & Co.
Gillian Anderson portrayed Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, in "Any Human Heart," a television adaptation of William Boyd's novel, in November 2010. Her performance garnered a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress on Television.
Gillian Anderson portrayed Wallis Simpson in the television series "Any Human Heart" in 2010.
Anderson was named an Honorary Associate of The London Film School (LFS) in 2010.
In late 2010, Anderson joined a campaign to boycott Botswana diamonds due to the government's treatment of the Kalahari San. She also began supporting Survival International, advocating for tribal rights.
In February 2011, Anderson narrated a short film about an uncontacted tribe in the Amazon, raising awareness about their existence and the importance of protecting their land.
Continuing her foray into television, Gillian Anderson starred in "The Crimson Petal and the White," a BBC adaptation, in April 2011. She was nominated for the Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Actress for her role as Mrs. Castaway.
Gillian Anderson became an ambassador for Survival International in June 2011, further solidifying her commitment to advocating for tribal peoples' rights.
August 2011 saw Gillian Anderson take on two diverse roles. She appeared as Elisabeth, Ahab's wife, in the television miniseries "Moby Dick," based on Herman Melville's classic novel. She also brought her talent to the British comedy "Johnny English Reborn," portraying MI7 head Pamela Thornton.
In December 2011, Gillian Anderson delivered a captivating performance as Miss Havisham in the three-part BBC adaptation of "Great Expectations." Her portrayal earned her the Artistic Excellence Award, a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries, and a Broadcasting Press Guild Award nomination for Best Actress.
Gillian Anderson's brother, Aaron, passed away in 2011 at the age of 30 after battling a brain tumor.
Gillian Anderson played the role of Miss Havisham in the television series "Great Expectations" in 2011.
Anderson's brother, Aaron, passed away in 2011 due to complications from Neurofibromatosis type I.
Anderson ended her crowdfunding project for the Alinyiikira Junior School in 2011.
In March 2012, Anderson openly discussed her past relationships with women in an interview with Out magazine, stating that she had a long-term relationship with a girl during high school and has dated women throughout her life.
Gillian Anderson sold her estate home in Sri Lanka in 2012.
Gillian Anderson was featured in the film "Shadow Dancer," released in 2012.
Gillian Anderson's talent transcended borders in 2012 as she appeared in the Swiss drama film "Sister" and the British-Irish drama "Shadow Dancer." Set against the backdrop of the Irish republican movement, "Shadow Dancer" further showcased her versatility.
In 2012, Anderson joined Greenpeace in advocating for a zero-deforestation law in Brazil to protect the Amazon rainforest.
Gillian Anderson returned to voice acting in March 2013, lending her voice to the character of Dr. Miki Hokuto in the English version of Studio Ghibli's "From Up on Poppy Hill." The same year, she starred in the Canadian techno-thriller "I'll Follow You Down" and shared the screen with Michael Caine in "Mr. Morgan's Last Love."
In May 2013, Gillian Anderson discussed her feelings about her national identity, expressing a strong connection to London as her home while still feeling uncertain about her broader sense of belonging.
Gillian Anderson's portrayal of the brilliant and enigmatic DSI Stella Gibson in the critically acclaimed crime drama series "The Fall," which premiered in May 2013, captivated audiences and critics alike. She received numerous award nominations for her performance, including a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress. She also took on the role of executive producer from the show's second season.
In 2013, Anderson was named a patron for the Charles Dickens Statue Fund, playing a crucial role in securing funding for the UK's first statue of Charles Dickens.
Anderson supported the Cheetah Conservation Fund in 2013 by creating a short film to raise awareness about cheetah extinction and the organization's work.
Gillian Anderson took on the role of DSU Stella Gibson in the crime drama series "The Fall," which premiered in 2013.
Gillian Anderson received the City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award in 2013, recognizing her support for adult education and her inspiration to students.
Gillian Anderson received critical acclaim for her performance as Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the Young Vic Theatre in London in July 2014.
In July 2014, Gillian Anderson supported the launch of Childreach International's "Taught Not Trafficked" campaign, aiming to combat child trafficking.
In August 2014, Anderson gave an interview to Glamour magazine, where she expressed her strong feminist beliefs, stating that she "has feminist bones" and little tolerance for mistreatment or prejudice against women.
On September 16, 2014, Gillian Anderson's performance as Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the Young Vic Theatre was broadcast live to over 1100 venues.
Gillian Anderson co-authored and published "A Vision of Fire," the first book in The Earthend Saga trilogy, in October 2014.
In December 2014, Anderson clarified her sexual orientation, identifying as a "heterosexual woman who celebrates however people want to express their sexuality" in an interview with the London Evening Standard.
Gillian Anderson's career in 2014 was marked by diverse roles in film and television. She starred alongside Sir Ben Kingsley in the British science fiction film "Robot Overlords" and portrayed Sophia, a character inspired by humanitarian photographer Lisa Kristine, in Jeffrey D. Brown's drama "Sold." "Sold" sheds light on the pressing issues of child trafficking and sexual slavery in India, based on Patricia McCormick's novel of the same name. That year, Anderson was also promoted to a series regular for the third season of "Hannibal" after recurring in the first two seasons.
Gillian Anderson's performance as Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire" in 2014 earned her the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress.
As part of International Women's Day in 2014, Anderson was one of the artists who signed an Amnesty International letter addressed to UK Prime Minister David Cameron, advocating for women's rights in Afghanistan.
Anderson reiterated her identification as heterosexual in a January 2015 interview.
In February 2015, Gillian Anderson directed and starred in "The Departure," a short film prequel to "A Streetcar Named Desire."
In March 2015, Anderson said she was open to the possibility of having a same-sex relationship in the future.
Anderson gave her support to the Women at the Well drop-in center, which provides assistance to vulnerable women in London, in March 2015.
In September 2015, Anderson joined other artists in signing a letter advocating for conservation efforts that respect the rights of tribal peoples.
In November 2015, Anderson was named a friend and supporter of Positive Luxury, promoting ethical and sustainable brands.
In December 2015, Gillian Anderson and Jeff Rovin published "A Dream of Ice," the second novel in The Earthend Saga trilogy.
In 2015, Gillian Anderson concluded her role as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier, Hannibal Lecter's psychiatrist, in the NBC series "Hannibal."
Gillian Anderson became a patron of the International Literacy Centre (ILC) in 2015, supporting their mission to improve literacy rates.
Gillian Anderson's role as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier on the television series "Hannibal" concluded in 2015.
Anderson helped launch the International Literacy Centre's "Reading Recovery Read Aloud" campaign in January 2016, promoting literacy through reading aloud.
Gillian Anderson portrayed Anna Pavlovna Scherer in "War & Peace" and returned as Dana Scully in the tenth season of "The X-Files" in January 2016.
In March 2016, it was reported that Anderson was sponsoring an unaccompanied refugee minor in the "Jungle" camp in Calais, demonstrating her commitment to humanitarian causes.
Gillian Anderson reprised her role as Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn starting April 23, 2016.
Gillian Anderson gave her final performance as Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn on June 4, 2016.
In June 2016, Anderson publicly supported the UK remaining in the European Union and became a patron of the Temple Legal Centre in London.
Gillian Anderson and Jeff Rovin published "The Sound of Seas," the final novel in The EarthEnd Saga trilogy, on September 13, 2016.
Anderson began dating screenwriter and dramatist Peter Morgan in 2016.
Anderson was appointed an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for her contributions to drama.
For International Women's Day in 2016, Anderson added her name to Burma Campaign UK's pledge to combat and investigate sexual violence against women and girls in Myanmar.
Gillian Anderson reprised her role as Dana Scully in the revival of "The X-Files" in 2016.
Gillian Anderson was appointed an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for her contributions to drama.
Gillian Anderson reprised her role in "A Streetcar Named Desire" in 2016 and received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination.
Gillian Anderson provided narration for the English dub of Studio Ghibli's "Ronja the Robber's Daughter," which premiered on Amazon Prime in January 2017.
Gillian Anderson portrayed Edwina Mountbatten in the film "Viceroy's House" in February 2017.
Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel published their self-help book for women, "WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere," on March 7, 2017.
Gillian Anderson played the role of Media in the first season of the television series "American Gods," which premiered in April 2017.
Gillian Anderson received a UCL Honorary Fellowship in July 2017 for her support of the International Literacy Centre's Reading Recovery program, recognizing her contributions to literacy education.
Gillian Anderson appeared alongside Glenn Close and Christina Hendricks in the film adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Crooked House" in October 2017.
In 2017, Gillian Anderson appeared in the film "Viceroy's House" and the first season of the television series "American Gods."
In January 2018, Anderson was honored with the City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award from the City Literary Institute.
Gillian Anderson returned as Dana Scully for the eleventh season of "The X-Files" in January 2018 but confirmed her departure from the series after the season.
The revival of "The X-Files," featuring Gillian Anderson, concluded in 2018.
In 2018, Anderson again emphasized her openness to dating women, stating that she "could be with a woman next year."
Gillian Anderson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018, cementing her legacy in the entertainment industry.
Gillian Anderson began playing the role of Jean Milburn in the Netflix dramedy series "Sex Education" in January 2019.
Gillian Anderson began her performance as Margo Channing in a stage production of "All About Eve" at the Noël Coward Theatre on February 2, 2019.
Gillian Anderson gave her final performance as Margo Channing in "All About Eve" at the Noël Coward Theatre on May 11, 2019.
On September 7, 2019, it was announced that Gillian Anderson would portray Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of "The Crown."
Gillian Anderson was nominated for her third Laurence Olivier Award for her portrayal of Margo Channing in "All About Eve" in 2019.
Prince Andrew participated in a Newsnight interview in 2019, which would later become the subject of the film "Scoop" starring Gillian Anderson as Emily Maitlis.
The Netflix comedy-drama "Sex Education," featuring Gillian Anderson as Jean Milburn, premiered in 2019.
Anderson's relationship with screenwriter Peter Morgan ended in December 2020.
Gillian Anderson portrayed British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of "The Crown" in 2020.
In 2020, Anderson provided narration for a Marks and Spencer Christmas advertisement that also functioned as a charity initiative, supporting organizations like The Felix Project, Southall Black Sisters, and Blueprint for All.
Gillian Anderson started filming the movie "White Bird" in February 2021.
Gillian Anderson provided the voice for the cat in the animated short film "Robin Robin" which was released in November 2021.
Gillian Anderson played the role of Joanna in the second season of Hulu's "The Great" starting December 2021.
In 2021, Anderson won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the Netflix series "The Crown".
Gillian Anderson launched her first audio show, the "What Do I Know?!" podcast, in February 2022.
Gillian Anderson signed a two-year first look deal with Netflix for her company, Fiddlehead Productions, in March 2022.
Lionsgate removed "White Bird" from its release schedule in September 2022.
"White Bird" was initially scheduled to be released on September 16, 2022.
The release of "White Bird" was delayed to October 14, 2022.
Gillian Anderson starred in the film "The Pale Blue Eye," directed by Scott Cooper, released in theaters in December 2022 and on Netflix in 2023.
Gillian Anderson portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt in the television series "The First Lady" in 2022.
The release of "White Bird" was rescheduled for August 2023 in January 2023.
Netflix announced Gillian Anderson was cast as Emily Maitlis in the film "Scoop" about Prince Andrew's 2019 Newsnight interview on February 7, 2023.
Gillian Anderson announced her project "The 'Dear Gillian'" where she requested women to send letters about their fantasies for a book. She also launched her soft drink business, G Spot Beverages in February 2023.
Gillian Anderson launched her line of soft drinks called G Spot Beverages in April 2023.
"White Bird" is scheduled for release in August 2023.
"Sex Education," the Netflix series starring Gillian Anderson, came to an end in 2023.
"The Pale Blue Eye," starring Gillian Anderson, was released on Netflix in 2023.
In 2023, the Financial Times reported on Gillian Anderson's art collection and her new soft drinks business, G-Spot.