History of Gillian Anderson in Timeline
Gillian Anderson is an American actress, writer, and activist renowned for her versatile 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 in productions like The House of Mirth, The Fall, Sex Education, and The Crown, where she portrayed Margaret Thatcher. Anderson's work has garnered numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
1971: Masterpiece Theatre
Gillian Anderson starred in Masterpiece Theatre since it began in 1971
1986: High School Graduation
In 1986, Gillian Anderson graduated from high school and returned to Chicago to attend The Theatre School at DePaul University.
1990: Bachelor of Fine Arts
In 1990, Gillian Anderson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Theatre School at DePaul University.
1990: Moved to New York City
In 1990, Gillian Anderson moved to New York City and began her acting career, winning a Theatre World Award for her role in Absent Friends.
1991: Theatre World Award
In 1991, Gillian Anderson won a Theatre World Award for Best Newcomer for her performance 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: The X-Files Debut
In 1993, Gillian Anderson began her role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the sci-fi series The X-Files.
1993: Guest Appearance
In 1993, Gillian Anderson made a guest appearance on Class of '96.
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.
September 25, 1994: Birth of daughter
On September 25, 1994, Gillian Anderson and Clyde Klotz's daughter was born.
May 1996: Addressed United States Congress
In May 1996, Gillian Anderson addressed the United States Congress urging for more education and funding for neurofibromatosis research projects.
1996: Sexiest Woman in the World
In 1996, FHM Magazine voted Gillian Anderson sexiest woman in the world.
1996: Spokesperson for Feminist Majority Foundation
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 Documentaries
In 1996, Gillian Anderson narrated the television documentaries Spies Above and Why Planes Go Down.
1997: Divorce from Clyde Klotz
Gillian Anderson and Clyde Klotz divorced in 1997.
1997: Starred in Chicago Cab
In 1997, Gillian Anderson appeared in the independent film Chicago Cab.
1997: Collaboration with Hal
In 1997, Gillian Anderson provided spoken word vocals and starred in the music video for Hal's single "Extremis".
1998: Starred in Playing by Heart
In 1998, Gillian Anderson starred in the film Playing by Heart.
1998: The X-Files Film
In 1998, during her time on The X-Files, Gillian Anderson co-starred in The X-Files: Fight the Future, a film that continued The X-Files storyline.
1998: X-Files film Fight the Future
In 1998, she starred in the X-Files film Fight the Future.
February 14, 1999: Vagina Monologues Stage Performance
On February 14, 1999, Gillian Anderson participated in Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues, including a stage performance.
March 1999: Feminist Majority Foundation Event Attendance
In March 1999, Gillian Anderson attended a Feminist Majority Foundation event to stop gender apartheid in Afghanistan.
1999: Princess Mononoke
In 1999, Gillian Anderson had a supporting role in the English-language release of Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke, where she voiced the character of Moro.
2000: Starred in The House of Mirth
In 2000, Gillian Anderson starred as Lily Bart in the drama film The House of Mirth, receiving critical acclaim and awards.
2001: Emceed Rock for Choice Concert Fundraiser
In 2001, Gillian Anderson emceed the Rock for Choice concert fundraiser, featuring musicians Sarah McLachlan, Paula Cole, and Melissa Etheridge as well as actresses Helen Hunt, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, and Kathy Najimy.
April 2002: Hollywood Squares Appearance
In April 2002, Gillian Anderson appeared on Hollywood Squares to benefit the Feminist Majority Foundation's campaign to aid Afghan women and girls.
2002: West End Debut
In 2002, Gillian Anderson 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 lived since.
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 Royal Court Theatre's production of The Sweetest Swing in Baseball.
2005: Starred in Bleak House and The Mighty Celt
In 2005, Gillian Anderson appeared as Lady Dedlock in the BBC adaptation of Bleak House and starred in the Irish film The Mighty Celt, for which she won an IFTA award.
2005: Estate Ownership in Sri Lanka
In 2005, Gillian Anderson owned an estate in Sri Lanka that formerly belonged to painter Justin Deraniyagala.
2005: Starred in The Mighty Celt and Bleak House
In 2005, Gillian Anderson starred in The Mighty Celt and the BBC adaptation of Bleak House as Lady Dedlock.
2005: Start of Alinyiikira Junior School Crowdfunding Venture
In 2005, while filming The Last King of Scotland, Gillian Anderson started a crowdfunding venture that benefited the Alinyiikira Junior School in Kampala, Uganda.
2006: Starred in The Last King of Scotland
In 2006, Gillian Anderson appeared in the British film The Last King of Scotland.
2006: Relationship with Mark Griffiths and Separation from Julian Ozanne
In 2006, Gillian Anderson began dating British businessman Mark Griffiths and separated from Julian Ozanne.
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: Divorce from Julian Ozanne
Gillian Anderson and Julian Ozanne divorced in 2007.
2007: Starred in Straightheads
In 2007, Gillian Anderson appeared in the British film Straightheads.
2008: Birth of second son with Mark Griffiths
In 2008, Gillian Anderson and Mark Griffiths had their second son together.
2008: Co-founded SAYes
In 2008, Gillian Anderson co-founded South African Youth Education for Sustainability (SAYes), which helps in empowering marginalised young people in South Africa through youth mentoring.
2008: Starred in The X-Files
In 2008, Gillian Anderson starred in the second The X-Files film, The X-Files: I Want to Believe .
2008: Second X-Files Film
In 2008, Gillian Anderson starred in the second The X-Files film, The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
2008: Brother's Diagnosis
In 2008, Gillian Anderson's brother Aaron was diagnosed with glioblastoma while in his second year of a PhD program.
2008: Starred in I Want to Believe
In 2008, she starred in the second X-Files film, The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
May 14, 2009: Starred in A Doll's House
On May 14, 2009, Gillian Anderson portrayed Nora in Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House at the Donmar Warehouse in London's West End.
July 18, 2009: Starred in A Doll's House
On July 18, 2009, Gillian Anderson portrayed Nora in Henrik Ibsen's 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: 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.
2009: A Doll's House Nomination
In 2009, Gillian Anderson was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role 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. For this role, she received a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress on Television.
2010: Starred in Any Human Heart
In 2010, Gillian Anderson starred in Any Human Heart as Wallis Simpson.
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 Campaign
In late 2010, Gillian Anderson joined a campaign to boycott Botswana diamonds over the government's treatment of the Kalahari San.
February 2011: Narration of Short Film About Uncontacted Tribe
In February 2011, Gillian Anderson narrated a short film about recent footage of an uncontacted tribe, in which the Amazon Indians were 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 of "The Crimson Petal and the White" as Mrs. Castaway, earning 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.
August 2011: Appearance in Moby Dick miniseries
In August 2011, Gillian Anderson appeared in the television miniseries "Moby Dick," based on Herman Melville's novel, portraying 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", earning the Artistic Excellence Award and nominations for other awards.
2011: End of Alinyiikira Junior School Crowdfunding Venture
In 2011, Gillian Anderson ended the philanthropic project of the Alinyiikira Junior School in Kampala, Uganda, after starting it in 2005.
2011: Starred in Great Expectations
In 2011, Gillian Anderson starred in Great Expectations as Miss Havisham.
2011: Death of Brother Aaron
In 2011, Gillian Anderson's brother Aaron died from Neurofibromatosis type I.
March 2012: Revelation of same-sex relationship
In March 2012, Gillian Anderson revealed to Out magazine that she had a long-term relationship with a girl while in high school.
2012: Split with Mark Griffiths
Gillian Anderson and Mark Griffiths split up in 2012.
2012: Appearances in Sister and Shadow Dancer
In 2012, Gillian Anderson appeared in the Swiss drama film "Sister" and the British-Irish drama 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 save the Amazon.
2012: End of Estate Ownership in Sri Lanka
In 2012, Gillian Anderson no longer owned the estate in Sri Lanka that formerly belonged to painter Justin Deraniyagala, after owning it since 2005.
2012: Starred in Shadow Dancer
In 2012, Gillian Anderson starred in Shadow Dancer.
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 as DSI Stella Gibson
In May 2013, Gillian Anderson began starring as DSI Stella Gibson in "The Fall," a critically acclaimed crime drama series. She was praised for her performance and later became an executive producer for the show.
May 2013: BlogTalkRadio Interview on National Identity
In May 2013, during an interview with BlogTalkRadio, Gillian Anderson discussed her national identity, stating she felt London was home but was baffled regarding her overall identity.
2013: Backed 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: 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.
2013: Starred in The Fall
In 2013, Gillian Anderson starred in The Fall as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier.
2013: Patron of Charles Dickens Statue Fund
In 2013, Gillian Anderson was made a patron of the Charles Dickens Statue Fund and was instrumental in securing the funding for UK's first Dickens statue, located in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
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" at the Young Vic Theatre in London.
July 2014: Launched Taught Not Trafficked Campaign
In July 2014, Gillian Anderson supported the Taught Not Trafficked campaign that was launched by Childreach International.
August 2014: Glamour Magazine Interview on Feminism
In August 2014, Gillian Anderson stated in an interview with Glamour magazine that she had "feminist bones" and very little tolerance for the way women are treated.
September 16, 2014: Broadcast of A Streetcar Named Desire
On September 16, 2014, Gillian Anderson's performance in "A Streetcar Named Desire" 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 of "The Earthend Saga" trilogy.
December 2014: Description as actively heterosexual woman
In December 2014, Gillian Anderson described herself to the London Evening Standard as "an actively heterosexual woman who celebrates however people want to express their sexuality".
2014: Signed 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: A Streetcar Named Desire
In 2014, Gillian Anderson starred as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire and won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress.
2014: Promotion in Hannibal and starring in Robot Overlords and Sold
In 2014, Gillian Anderson was promoted to a series regular in "Hannibal", starred in the science fiction film "Robot Overlords", and appeared in the drama "Sold", portraying Sophia.
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".
March 2015: Backed Women at the Well Drop-in Centre
In March 2015, Gillian Anderson backed the Women at the Well drop-in centre for vulnerable women in London, which is supported financially by Comic Relief.
March 2015: Openness to same-sex relationship
In March 2015, Gillian Anderson said she was open to the idea of entering another same-sex relationship.
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 would respect tribal peoples' rights.
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 "A Dream of Ice", the second novel of "The Earthend Saga" trilogy.
2015: Continued Role in Hannibal
Gillian Anderson continued her role as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier in the NBC series Hannibal through 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 Series ended
In 2015, Gillian Anderson ended her role as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier on Hannibal.
January 2016: Launched ILC's Reading Recovery Read Aloud Campaign
In January 2016, Gillian Anderson helped launch ILC's 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" and reprised her role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the 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 the Bloomsbury area of 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 Temple Legal Centre
In June 2016, Gillian Anderson became a patron of the Temple Legal Centre, a London-based organization that assists people through the legal process by providing them free family law advice and support.
June 2016: Opposition to Brexit
In June 2016, Gillian Anderson expressed her opposition to Brexit in the lead-up to the referendum on that issue.
September 13, 2016: Publication of The Sound of Seas and Return to The Fall
On September 13, 2016, Gillian Anderson and Jeff Rovin published "The Sound of Seas", the third and final novel of "The EarthEnd Saga" trilogy, and she returned to portraying DSU Stella Gibson in the third series of "The Fall".
2016: Signed Burma Campaign UK's Pledge
For International Women's Day 2016, Gillian Anderson was one of the high-profile women that signed Burma Campaign UK's pledge to end and investigate crimes of sexual violence against girls and women in Myanmar.
2016: Revival of The X-Files and OBE
In 2016, Gillian Anderson reprised her role in The X-Files revival and was appointed an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to drama.
2016: A Streetcar Named Desire Nomination
In 2016, Gillian Anderson starred as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire and received a second Laurence Olivier Award nomination.
2016: Appointed OBE
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: 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: Relationship with Peter Morgan
Since 2016, Gillian Anderson has been in a relationship with English screenwriter Peter Morgan.
January 2017: Narration of 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: 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. However, she did not return for the second season.
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 starred in Viceroy's House and American Gods.
January 2018: Return to and Departure from The X-Files
In January 2018, Gillian Anderson returned as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the eleventh season of "The X-Files", confirming it would be her last season on the show.
January 2018: City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award
In January 2018, Gillian Anderson was given a City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award by the adult education college City Literary Institute.
February 2018: Statement on potential future same-sex relationship
In February 2018, Gillian Anderson told The Times that she "could be with a woman next year" and that she has "absolutely no issue with it whatsoever."
2018: The X-Files ended.
In 2018, Gillian Anderson ended her role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the sci-fi series The X-Files.
2018: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2018, Gillian Anderson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
January 2019: Starring 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, receiving 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 Netflix's "The Crown."
2019: All About Eve Nomination
In 2019, Gillian Anderson received a third Laurence Olivier Award nomination for her performance in All About Eve.
2019: Sex Education Series
In 2019, Gillian Anderson started in the Netflix comedy drama series Sex Education as Jean Milburn.
2020: Short Break from Peter Morgan
In 2020, Gillian Anderson and Peter Morgan took a short break from their relationship.
2020: Marks & Spencer Christmas Commercial Narration
In 2020, Gillian Anderson narrated a Marks & Spencer Christmas commercial in the UK, which also served as a charity initiative, highlighting the work of and offering donations to charities chosen by Anderson and other acting talents.
2020: The Crown series
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", originally scheduled for release in September 2022 but later rescheduled.
November 2021: Voice role 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 season two
In December 2021, Gillian Anderson played Joanna, mother to Catherine the Great in season two of Hulu's "The Great."
2021: Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress
In 2021, Gillian Anderson won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown.
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, a fortnightly podcast.
March 2022: First look deal with Netflix
In March 2022, it was announced that Gillian Anderson had signed a first look deal with Netflix.
September 16, 2022: Original Release Date of White Bird
September 16, 2022 was the initial planned release date for "White Bird", the film Gillian Anderson acted in, though it was later delayed.
December 2022: Release of 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.
2022: Starred in The First Lady
In 2022, Gillian Anderson starred in The First Lady as Eleanor Roosevelt.
February 7, 2023: Casting as Emily Maitlis in Scoop announced
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, asking women to write letters to her 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: Sex Education Series ended
In 2023, Gillian Anderson ended her role as Jean Milburn in the Netflix comedy drama series Sex Education.
2023: Launched the soft drink company G-Spot
In 2023, Gillian Anderson launched the soft drink company G-Spot.
January 2024: Cast in Tron: Ares
In January 2024, Gillian Anderson joined the cast of Disney's Tron: Ares.
August 2024: Signed on to adaptation of Trespasses
In August 2024, Gillian Anderson signed on to the adaptation of Louise Kennedy's Trespasses.
September 2024: BBC Interview Elaboration on National Identity
In September 2024, during an interview with the BBC, Gillian Anderson elaborated further on her national identity, stating, "My cells are American, but my soul is British".
