She then moved to Chicago where she went to college and once she had gained her BFA she then moved to New York, N.Y. where she made several theater performances and then to Los Angeles in about '91/'92.
Upon gaining the role of Dana Scully, Gillian then relocated to Nth Vancouver, Canada where she now resides with her husband and daughter.
"We kept it very, very small. In fact, it was just the two of us and a Buddhist priest on the 17th hole of this golf course in Hawaii"
While studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts at DePaul University, Gillian spent some time in the National Theater of Great Britain. During this time, she also had a role in a film named "The Turning" in 1988. After receiving her degree, she moved to New York and embarked on a serious career in theater - including an off-broadway production of Alan Ayckbourne's "Absent Friends," for which she won a Theater World award in 1991. Also "The Philanthropist "at the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven
Gillian then moved to Los Angeles and spent a year auditioning for various things, during which time she did "Home Fires Burning" for a cable station as well as the audiocassette version of "Exit to Eden"
Although she had once vowed she would "never do TV", and seemed set on a career in film or theater, being out of work for a year or so changed her mind and she had a role in an episode of "Class of '96" and then was impressed enough by the role of Dana Scully that she auditioned for the role.
"The chance to play FBI Special Agent Dana Scully was the series key attraction, I was reading something that for the first time in a long time involved a strong, independent intelligent woman as a lead character" -GA
The auditioning went well and it seems Chris Carter had decided on casting Gillian for the role. The network (FOX) "freaked" at the possibility of casting someone with as little TV experience as Gillian and also appeared to be looking for someone more "bimboish". So they flew in more actresses from New York, but Chris stood his ground and they cast Gillian as Special Agent Dana Scully. Gillian, who was also somewhat surprised at being cast said "I was convinced they were looking for someone leggier, and with a bigger chest." - GA
Gillian is enjoying working on the show, even if it was a little stressful at first and sees the recognition she has been getting as a great step which will open many doors for her, as her goal is to do some more theater as well as feature and independent films eventually. (in an X-Files movie we all hope :)
"The more I get comfortable with the character, the more she's becoming like me in some of her mannerisms. I'm *not* that much of a skeptic. I do believe in UFO's, I do believe in certain paranormal phenomena, like ESP and psychokinesis and all that. I've always been fascinated with it and I think, on a certain level, I've just known or assumed it to be reality. In that respect we're very different. I think that I have a tendency to get as single-minded and obsessed with my work as Dana does, but in a different way. She's a medical doctor and an FBI agent and I'm an actress."
Also Gillian has said that when she was in Hawaii getting married she spent a lot of time watching the sky looking for "them", and that she is "a full fledged believer" in addition to being "one of the least straight laced people you will ever meet."
So yes, it's safe to say Gillian's view on such phenomenon is that anything is possible.
Glen Morgan has referred to her as "very smart" and Chris Carter is also impressed by how hardworking she is. Gillian was at work each day up until two days before the birth of Piper. She is now taking 6 weeks off to recover and spend some time at home.
Yes, she does know the GATB exists, and this is what she has said...
'(re: GATB) - Anderson is surprised, though she says it's flattering. "It's something I certainly didn't expect," she says, "Especially with Scully. She's independent and she's passionate about her work. The character is not just a little bit of those attributes, she's very much so. I find it terrific that some people should find that stimulating."'
and also,
(From the Sacramento Bee 10/09/94 "Creepy, smart "X-Files" inspires a cult following" by Steve Pond)
'And while the actors aren't quite so computer literate, they are aware of the attention. "I've been told that on one of the computer services there's something called the Gillian Anderson Testosterone Brigade," says Anderson with a laugh. "That just tickles me."'
What can I say but... :)???
As far as a contact address for fan mail, gifts and such:
Gillian Anderson c/o The X-Files Production Office Building 10 110-555 Brooks Bank Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, V7J 3S5, Canada.
"The Turning" -1988 "Home Fires Burning" -1992 "Exit to Eden" - (audiocassette/Lisa Kelly) -1992 "Class of '96" - (Episode #8 - The Accused) -1993 "The X-Files" (Dana Scully) -1993 - ????
S&P Parker's Movie Market (714)-376-0326. Two must have Gillian Anderson photo's are #12684 and #12015. (8 x 10 Color - $5) (They also have about 7 DD photos)
Another place is Hollywood Book and Poster Co. (213)-465-8764. They have about 50 GA shots, some from the series, some posed as DS and GA. (also a lot of DD/FM ones) However there is no catalogue or numbering system so you have to order blind, but if you describe the type of shot you want they will help you out. They are good quality and you have a choice of a black or a cropped border. Color 8 x 10's are $5.
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