Gillian Anderson

Guide Note

Gillian Anderson is an American actress of television and film. While Anderson had some smaller credits at the beginning of her career, it was the hit sci-fi series The X Files that gave the actress her big break. On the show Anderson played Agent Dana Scully, a character she also played in the film version of the television show. In 2008, Anderson reprised her role of Agent Scully in the movie sequel The X-Files: I Want To Believe.

Fast Facts

1. Born August 9, 1968 in Chicago, Illinois
2. Attended The Theater School at DePaul University in Chicago
3. Awards: Emmy Awards (1997), Academy Awards (1997) and Screen Actors Guild Awards (1997)
4. Currently resides in London, England
5. 1996: Voted "Sexiest Woman in the World" for FHM's 100 Sexiest Women

Early Life

Born to a computer analyst and owner of a film post-production company, Anderson was born in Chicago, Illinois but moved around quite a bit as a young girl. First living in Puerto Rico and then London, her family finally settled in Michigan. As a gifted student who explored her identity, she was named "Most Bizarre" and "Class Clown" in high school. Although originally wanting to be a marine biologist, she took this quality of being different and placed it in her passion for acting.

Getting the XFiles

One of Anderson's first TV credits was a guest star on a FOX show called Class of '96'. From that guest appearance, X Files creator Chris Carter sent Anderson the pilot script to his new sci-fi show, but while Carter wanted Anderson for the role as Agent Scully, FOX wanted an actress with previous credits. While more actresses were sent in for the role, Carter stood by Anderson and she was eventually cast.

Film Career

While starring on The X Files, Anderson also starred in several films including The House of Mirth and voiced the character of Moro in Princess Mononoke. As the series came to a close she continued her theatrical platform in the films, The Last King of Scotland and Straightheads. On December 10, 2007 Anderson returned to her character of Agent Scully in the X-Files Movie sequel. The film is expected to be released on July 25, 2008.