History of Gillian Anderson in Timeline
Gillian Anderson is an American actress renowned for her diverse roles across television and film. She gained widespread recognition as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in The X-Files and has since delivered acclaimed performances as Lily Bart in The House of Mirth, DSU Stella Gibson in The Fall, Jean Milburn in Sex Education, and Margaret Thatcher in The Crown. Her talent has earned her numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. Anderson has been a London resident since 2002, marking a significant part of her life and career overseas.
August 9, 1968: Gillian Anderson's Birth
On August 9, 1968, Gillian Leigh Anderson was born. She is an American actress known for her roles in The X-Files, The House of Mirth, The Fall, Sex Education, and The Crown.
1971: Masterpiece Theatre Hosting
In 2008, Gillian Anderson became the first woman to host Masterpiece Theatre since it began in 1971.
1986: Graduation from High School
In 1986, Gillian Anderson graduated from high school.
1990: Bachelor of Fine Arts
In 1990, Gillian Anderson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago.
1990: Start of Theatrical Career
In 1990, Gillian Anderson started her theatrical career in Alan Ayckbourn's play Absent Friends at the Manhattan Theatre Club.
1991: Theatre World Award for Absent Friends
In 1991, Gillian Anderson won a Theatre World Award for Best Newcomer for her stage work in Absent Friends.
1992: Move to Los Angeles and Film Debut
In 1992, Gillian Anderson moved to Los Angeles and appeared in her first feature-length film, The Turning.
1993: Television Debut on Class of '96
In 1993, Gillian Anderson broke into mainstream television with a guest appearance on the collegiate drama, Class of '96, on Fox Network.
September 25, 1994: Birth of daughter, Piper Maru
On September 25, 1994, Gillian Anderson and Clyde Klotz's daughter, Piper Maru, was born. Chris Carter, named an X-Files episode after her.
May 1996: Addressed the United States Congress
In May 1996, Gillian Anderson addressed the United States Congress to advocate for increased education and funding for Neurofibromatosis (NF) research projects.
1996: Spokesperson for Feminist Majority Foundation
In 1996, Gillian Anderson became the spokesperson for the Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF) and participated in the FMF's Million4Roe campaign as a team leader.
1996: Narration of Documentaries
In 1996, Gillian Anderson narrated the television documentaries Spies Above and Why Planes Go Down.
1997: Appearance in Chicago Cab
In 1997, Gillian Anderson appeared in the independent film Chicago Cab.
1997: Collaboration with Hal and Extremis
In 1997, Gillian Anderson collaborated with the electronic duo Hal, provided spoken word vocals, and starred in their music video "Extremis". She also helped assemble the album Future: A Journey Through The Electronic Underground.
1998: The X-Files: Fight the Future
In 1998, Gillian Anderson starred in The X-Files: Fight the Future.
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: Attended FMF event to stop gender apartheid in Afghanistan
In March 1999, Gillian Anderson attended a Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF) event aimed at stopping gender apartheid in Afghanistan.
1999: Princess Mononoke
In 1999, Gillian Anderson voiced the character of Moro in the English-language release of Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke.
2000: The House of Mirth
In 2000, Gillian Anderson played ill-fated socialite Lily Bart in Terence Davies's film The House of Mirth.
2001: Emceed Rock for Choice concert fundraiser
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, supporting reproductive options.
April 2002: Appearance on Hollywood Squares to benefit FMF
In April 2002, Gillian Anderson appeared on Hollywood Squares to support the Feminist Majority Foundation's (FMF) campaign to aid Afghan women and girls.
2002: West End debut
In 2002, Gillian Anderson moved back to London and made her West End debut in Michael Weller's play What The Night Is For at the Comedy Theatre.
2002: Move to London
In 2002, Gillian Anderson moved to London, where she has resided since.
December 29, 2004: Marriage to Julian Ozanne
On December 29, 2004, Gillian Anderson married Julian Ozanne, a documentarian, on Lamu Island, off the coast of Kenya.
2004: The Sweetest Swing in Baseball
In 2004, Gillian Anderson starred in the Royal Court Theatre's production of Rebecca Gilman's play The Sweetest Swing in Baseball.
2005: 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, for which she won an IFTA award.
2005: The Mighty Celt and Bleak House
In 2005, Gillian Anderson appeared in The Mighty Celt and as Lady Dedlock in Bleak House.
2005: Started a crowdfunding venture for Alinyiikira Junior School
In 2005, while filming The Last King of Scotland, Gillian Anderson initiated a crowdfunding venture to benefit the Alinyiikira Junior School in Kampala, Uganda.
April 21, 2006: Announcement of separation from Julian Ozanne
Gillian Anderson announced her separation from Julian Ozanne on April 21, 2006.
2006: The Last King of Scotland
During 2006, Gillian Anderson appeared in the British film The Last King of Scotland.
2006: Broadcasting Press Guild Award
In 2006, Gillian Anderson won the Broadcasting Press Guild Television and Radio Award for Best Actress for her role in Bleak House.
2007: Straightheads
During 2007, Gillian Anderson appeared in the British film Straightheads.
2008: Co-founded SAYes
In 2008, Gillian Anderson co-founded South African Youth Education for Sustainability (SAYes), a non-profit organization focused on youth mentoring to empower marginalized young people in South Africa.
2008: Masterpiece Theatre and X-Files Film
In 2008, Gillian Anderson hosted Masterpiece Theatre during the Jane Austen series, becoming the first woman to host since 1971. She also starred in The X-Files: I Want to Believe and appeared in How to Lose Friends & Alienate People.
2008: The X-Files: I Want to Believe
In 2008, Gillian Anderson starred in The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
2008: Aaron's Diagnosis
In 2008, Gillian Anderson's brother Aaron was diagnosed with glioblastoma.
2008: Second X-Files Film Release
In 2008, the second X-Files film was released with Gillian Anderson starring.
May 14, 2009: A Doll's House Performance Start
On May 14, 2009, Gillian Anderson began her performance as Nora in Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House at the Donmar Warehouse in London's West End.
July 18, 2009: A Doll's House Performance End
On July 18, 2009, Gillian Anderson's limited engagement performance as Nora in Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House at the Donmar Warehouse in London's West End came to an end.
2009: 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 the 20 most powerful women in British theatre and was dubbed "The Honorary Brit" by Harper's Bazaar and Tiffany & Co.'s list.
2009: Laurence Olivier Award nomination for A Doll's House
In 2009, Gillian Anderson was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in A Doll's House.
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. This performance led to a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress on Television.
2010: Named Honorary Associate of The London Film School
In 2010, Gillian Anderson was named Honorary Associate of The London Film School (LFS).
2010: Joined campaign to boycott Botswana diamonds
In late 2010, Gillian Anderson and other artists joined a campaign to boycott Botswana diamonds due to the government's treatment of the Kalahari San people.
February 2011: Narrated a short film about an uncontacted tribe
In February 2011, Gillian Anderson narrated a short film about recent footage of an uncontacted tribe spotted from the air 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, earning her a 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 in Great Expectations
In late December 2011, Gillian Anderson starred as Miss Havisham in a 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.
2011: End of Alinyiikira Junior School Philanthropic Project
In 2011, Gillian Anderson concluded her philanthropic project that benefited the Alinyiikira Junior School in Kampala, Uganda, which she had started in 2005.
2011: Great Expectations
In 2011, Gillian Anderson played Miss Havisham in Great Expectations.
2011: Death of brother Aaron
In 2011, Gillian Anderson's brother Aaron, who had neurofibromatosis, passed away from a brain tumor at the age of 30.
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 based on a novel about the Irish republican movement.
2012: Shadow Dancer
In 2012, Gillian Anderson appeared in the film Shadow Dancer.
2012: Joined Greenpeace for zero-deforestation law
In 2012, Gillian Anderson joined Greenpeace in standing with the people of Brazil for a zero-deforestation law to protect the Amazon rainforest.
March 2013: Voice Acting 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 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 received praise and award nominations for her portrayal and later became an executive producer for the show's second series.
May 2013: Identity Discussion
In May 2013, Gillian Anderson discussed her national identity in an interview with BlogTalkRadio, stating that she feels London is home but is still baffled about her identity.
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 for 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 and played a crucial role in securing funding for the UK's first Dickens statue, located in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
2013: Hannibal
In 2013, Gillian Anderson began her role as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier on Hannibal, which continued until 2015.
July 2014: 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: Launched the Taught Not Trafficked campaign
In July 2014, Gillian Anderson supported Childreach International's Taught Not Trafficked campaign, which addresses child trafficking.
August 2014: Interview with Glamour magazine
In an August 2014 interview with Glamour magazine, Gillian Anderson expressed her strong feminist views.
September 16, 2014: Broadcast of A Streetcar Named Desire
On September 16, 2014, the production of "A Streetcar Named Desire", featuring Gillian Anderson, was broadcast live to over 1100 venues in 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 in The Earthend Saga trilogy.
2014: Signed Amnesty International's letter for International Women's Day
For International Women's Day in 2014, Gillian Anderson was among the artist signatories of Amnesty International's letter to UK Prime Minister David Cameron, advocating for women's rights in Afghanistan.
2014: A Streetcar Named Desire
In 2014, Gillian Anderson portrayed Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire.
2014: Promotion to Series Regular in Hannibal and Role in Robot Overlords
In 2014, Gillian Anderson was promoted to a series regular for the third season of the NBC series "Hannibal," where she played Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier. Also in 2014, Anderson starred in the British independent science fiction film "Robot Overlords."
February 2015: Direction of The Departure
In February 2015, Gillian Anderson directed and starred in "The Departure", a short film prequel to "A Streetcar Named Desire".
March 2015: Backed the 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 receives financial support from Comic Relief.
September 2015: Signed letter for new approach to conservation
In September 2015, Gillian Anderson was among the artists who signed a letter calling for a new approach to conservation that respects tribal peoples' rights.
November 2015: Named a 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 "A Dream of Ice," the second novel of The EarthEnd Saga trilogy.
2015: Role as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier in Hannibal
Gillian Anderson played Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier, Hannibal Lecter's psychiatrist, on the NBC series Hannibal between 2013 and 2015.
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.
2015: Hannibal
In 2015, Gillian Anderson concluded her role as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier on Hannibal, which began in 2013.
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 and Return to The X-Files
In January 2016, Gillian Anderson portrayed Anna Pavlovna Scherer in BBC One's television adaptation of "War & Peace." Also in January 2016, she reprised her role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the tenth season of "The X-Files."
March 2016: Sponsoring a refugee minor in the "Jungle" camp in Calais
In March 2016, it was reported that Gillian Anderson is among the artists sponsoring an unaccompanied refugee minor in the "Jungle" camp in Calais.
April 23, 2016: Reprising role of Blanche DuBois
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 4, 2016: End of A Streetcar Named Desire run
Through June 4, 2016, 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: Support for remaining in the European Union and patron of the Temple Legal Centre
In June 2016, Gillian Anderson voiced her support for the United Kingdom to remain a member of the European Union during the referendum. Also in June 2016, she became a patron of the Temple Legal Centre, a London-based organization that offers free family law advice and support to people navigating the legal process.
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 prominent women who signed Burma Campaign UK's pledge, committing 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 contributions to drama.
2016: A Streetcar Named Desire Awards
In 2016, Gillian Anderson won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress and received a second Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire.
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: Portrayal of 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: Role as 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: Awarded a UCL Honorary Fellowship
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: Viceroy's House and American Gods
In 2017, Gillian Anderson appeared in the film Viceroy's House and in American Gods as Media.
January 2018: City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award
In January 2018, Gillian Anderson received the City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award from the adult education college, City Literary Institute.
January 2018: Return to The X-Files and Confirmation of Departure
In January 2018, Gillian Anderson returned to play FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the eleventh season of "The X-Files". In January 2018, she confirmed that she would be leaving "The X-Files" after the end of the season.
2018: Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2018, Gillian Anderson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
January 2019: Role in Sex Education
In January 2019, Gillian Anderson began playing Jean Milburn in the Netflix dramedy "Sex Education".
February 2, 2019: Portrayal of 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.
May 11, 2019: End date of All About Eve run
Through May 11, 2019, Anderson portrayed Margo Channing in All About Eve on stage at the Noël Coward Theatre, for which she received her third Laurence Olivier Award nomination.
September 7, 2019: Casting 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: All About Eve nomination
In 2019, Gillian Anderson portrayed Margo Channing in the stage production of All About Eve, for which she received her third Laurence Olivier Award nomination.
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: Role in The Great
In December 2021, Gillian Anderson played Joanna, mother to Catherine the Great in season two of Hulu's "The Great".
February 2022: Launch of What Do I Know?!
In February 2022, Gillian Anderson launched her first audio show titled "What Do I Know?!" on Curio.
March 2022: First look deal with Netflix
In March 2022, it was announced that Gillian Anderson had signed a first look deal with Netflix through her company, Fiddlehead Productions.
December 2022: The Pale Blue Eye Release
In December 2022, Gillian Anderson starred in director Scott Cooper's "The Pale Blue Eye" alongside Christian Bale, which was released in theaters.
February 7, 2023: Casting 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: Announcement of 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: Launch of G Spot Beverages
In April 2023, Gillian Anderson launched G Spot Beverages, soft drinks with "life-enhancing adaptogens and nootropics".
2023: Release of The Pale Blue Eye on Netflix
In 2023, Gillian Anderson starred in director Scott Cooper's "The Pale Blue Eye" alongside Christian Bale, which was released on Netflix.
January 2024: Joining the cast of Disney's Tron: Ares
In January 2024, Gillian Anderson joined the cast of Disney's Tron: Ares.
April 2024: Release of Scoop
Netflix film, Scoop was released in April 2024, in which Anderson plays Emily Maitlis in.
August 2024: Signing on to Trespasses adaptation
In August 2024, Gillian Anderson signed on to the adaptation of Louise Kennedy’s Trespasses.
September 2024: Release of Want
The book, "Want" was released in September 2024.
October 2024: Co-producing The Coast Road adaptation
In October 2024, Gillian Anderson announced she would be co-producing the adaptation of The Coast Road by Alan Murrin, in an interview with Bustle.
2025: Release of The Abandons
In June of 2023, Gillian Anderson signed on to Netflix's ‘The Abandons’. Filming was due to take place in late 2023 but was pushed back till 2024 due to the sag writers strike and is set for release in 2025.
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