XFilesUniverse.com: X-Files News, X-Files 3, X-Files Forum- Come to XFU!

by **Gillyinfatuation** » March 30th, 2011, 3:31 pm

I am so proud to be her fan and call her my role model.

It's a cold, wet, early morning on "Blue Monday," supposedly the most depressing day of the year, at a photographic studio in a cul de sac next to a decrepit garage in Dalston, east London, and I'm awaiting the arrival of 5ft 3in, twice-married mother of three, a once world-famous television star whose conversation has been likened to "wrestling with a crocodile". Oh dear. She's also posed in knickers for a lads' mag, been voted the world's sexiest woman, won an Olivier nomination for her performance as Nora in Ibsen's The Doll's House, and a Bafta nomination for her part as Lady Dedlock in the BBC's 2005 dramatisation of Bleak House.

Gillian Anderson arrives from her home in west london dead on time, perky, professional and, dare I say it, enchanting, relaxed. Now 42, she's been in therapy since she was 14, "but everyone talks about that, so let's not", and agrees she's a control freak. "But I'm getting better, letting life unfold, and practising spontaneity. I could easily jump on a plane this afternoon and go somewhere. I no longer worry about the future, although I had a moment last year when I woke up and realized for the first time I was getting old. I feel that whatever transpires, good or bad, I'll handle it. A few things are going on right now that I can't talk about - those challenges that visit everyone - and I find it important to stay grounded."

That wasn't easy when, in 1993, she was cast as Agent Dana Scully in The X-Files, sci-fi mumbo jumbo about liver-eating serial killers, vampires and aliens, that, much to her surprise, became a worldwide hit for nine years. "Success is a blessing and a curse. I was 24 when it started and couldn't even walk out of my door without being photographed. By the grace of God I don't have that experience today, but I honestly don't know how celebrities sit down and are trusting enough to hold a civil interview. Many times I've thought, "What a lovely person" and then they write something nasty. You have to be careful what comes out of your mouth. So I tend to be boring and not express anything of myself that can be misconstrued. I insist I'll never do anything interview. And then I do. Sorry, off I go on tangents."

Don't worry, I say. I won't mention you're a bird-brained actress who can't keep to the point. She laughs, but she's guileless enough to spill tedious platitudes about "the work." "It's bizarre," she admits. "You focus hard on a job; it becomes sacrosanct and then you have to explain it in three days of absurd publicity. You need a sense of humour. Actors are easy meat. Anything you say can be seen as pretentious."

Let's tread easily, then, about The Crimson Petal and the White, a four-part dramatisation of a critically praised 2002 literary epic - 864 pages- by Michel Faber, that is set in 1870s London and explores the murky world of Victorian sexuality. It's a psychological thriller in which Anderson plays the brothel owner, Mrs Castaway, the madam of Sugar (played by Romola Garai), and adept young prostitute who has a relationship with a rich businessman (Chris O'Dowd) and enters London society.

"I learnt a lot from the novel. I had a strong visual idea of what Mrs Castaway should look like and had so much fun building her characters on a physical level, from the threads up. She wears this ox-blood red velvet cape that fastens in the middle with trinkets on it. I've played monstrous women - 'bitches' for a want of a better word - but this is the first proper one. Perhaps because it's a different era and she has such complexity it allows her to be sympathetic as well.

“I want my career to be more interesting. I’m slightly stuck in a cardboard box, and fight hard to get out. I sometimes become frustrated and think of throwing in the towel when I’m doing a crock of s**t. All the interesting stuff I’m offered comes from Britain. There’s a broader understanding of my capability. They don’t know what to do with me in the States because they don’t realise I’m a character actress. They wouldn’t for a second imagine I could play Wallis Simpson [as she did in Channel 4’s Any Human Heart last year] or Mrs Castaway.

“I’d probably be more ambitious if I lived in Los Angeles, but that’s not really my place. I’ve thought of doing another TV series, something with dark humour. I can be good at comedy. I did Boogie Woogie [a 2009 comedy about the London art world], which didn’t see much of the light of day, and I’ve made Johnny English Reborn [to be released later this year] because I wanted to work with Rowan Atkinson.” We discuss comedy. "Do you know Joan Rivers? I find her humour mean-spirited. Let's move on."

She was born in Chicago but between the ages to two and 11 lived in Crouch End, north London, while her father studied at the London Film School and her mother worked as a computer analyst for Lloyds Bank. When they moved back to the United States, to Grand Rapids Michigan, they had two more children. "I was incredibly jealous. I needed to express myself." So at 14 she put a stud in her nose and a punk boyfriend in her bed, and dyed her hair red. "I was quite wild, promiscuous, drinking a lot. I was lucky to come out of the other side."

Her original ambition was to be a marine biologist, but she became side-tracked into studying theatre in Chicago before going to New York to work off-Broadway, where she won a best actress award in Alan Ayckbourn's Absent Friends. She was offered the part of Scully by The X-Files' creator Chris Carter against the wishes of the network, who wanted a big-breasted blonde. “That’s the only way they knew how to market television, but I’m not a bimbo, so I said take it or leave it. No one expected The X-Files to be popular."

When we first met 15 years ago, she'd just been voted "World's Sexist Woman" by FHM magazine. "I was baffled," she laughs. "I was playing a character I thought was dowdy. Then I got pregnant [to The X-Files assistant art director Clyde Klotz, withher daughter Piper, now 16] so I was fat as well. Later we got a new stylist who insisted, 'Honey, we have to change your hair.' She made us more contemporary and took us out of pink polyester. I didn't occur to me at the time, but it dated the show and added to the weird cult."

Then she became a warning to aspiring actresses. "FHM, a magazine I'd never heard of, took pictures: we did the rubber suit, black and white check think, black lace. The photographer had lots of photographs of jazz greats for a book he was doing and I thought he was a real artist. He asked me to pose on a bed and because I was young I went for it. I didn't think it would have an impact. I'm still very naive. I'll leave the cynicism to you."

Obviously, she's romantic. After her first marriage broke down she married a journalist, Julian Ozanne, in 2004. They divorced two years later and she was soon pregnant by a businessman, Mark Griffiths; they now have two sons. “I don’t know if I’m bad marriage material.I’ve thought about it. I’m the common denominator in two divorces. My current relationship seems the way it’s meant to be. Part of me worries that if we marry a switch will be turned on inside me and I’ll go, ‘Aah, I’m trapped. I have to get out’.”

After The X-Files she says she was a bit snobby about television and wanted to return too the theatre, which is one reason she now lives in London. "I don't watch much television. I record programmes and stack them in a suitcase of DVDs that I carry wherever I go. That's sad, but I do watch when I decide it's OK - it might be three years from now. I'm constantly thinking about doing more theatre, particularly when I see a good play. I have a couple of ideas, but I like to wait two years between parts because that's all I can handle. I have to park my fear. I find it absolutely terrifying, have panic attacks, and wonder why the hell I'm doing it. It's almost as if you've never left off the hook: panic lingers over my shoulder."

So why suffer? "Because there's nothing like it. I can walk on a stage and feel so emotional I start crying. I don't know why. It's not ego. It feels like the antithesis. Ego is squashed all the time. But I've never been worried what people think of me. Well, I don't think I have."

Read more at ONTD: http://community.livejournal.com/ohnoth ... z1I7HJGDr8

by **Gillyinfatuation** » March 30th, 2011, 3:32 pm

Thank you Celly

OMG when u click on the thumbnails the pics are huge, HUGE *thud*

by **GillyDreamer78** » March 30th, 2011, 5:48 pm

OMG, I just can't wait to get this mag.
God, she's so fu**ing amazing! plut]

What I love about her interviews is that she is always so honest!

“That’s the only way they knew how to market television, but I’m not a bimbo, so I said take it or leave it.

And it's still the only way they know how to market TV. And if she had stayed in US, she would have been offered these kind of roles, bimbos and like I said many times before, she is just too good for them. I really am glad she lives in London and that she stays true to herself, she is not a sell out, like you said, Gi. She takes projects that challenge her, that interest her and if all that is interesting comes from UK, so be it. It's their loss (US).
Gi, thank you so much for posting this, the interview and the scans! :kis

A little

but I really have to learn to stop reading comments that some people post. "She will always be Sculy" and comment like this are just starting to piss me off! :whip

I mean, I love Scully, I always will but c'mon people, she has done other stuff too. And someone said that she/he has a feeling she/he's been reading the same interview all the time. There is a solution for this, don't read!!! :whip

OK, I'll stop ranting now!

by **Gillyinfatuation** » March 30th, 2011, 6:35 pm

I hate that too. I really love Scully too, but she has played some characters that I think blow Scully out of the water. I wish people could set a side their love for the character Scully and see the amazing talent that Gillian has. She is so so much more than just Dana Scully.

by **SpecialAgent88** » March 30th, 2011, 7:31 pm

Very interesting interview with Gillian, thanks for sharing Gi

by **Queequeg0925** » March 30th, 2011, 8:20 pm

Great interview. And I agree with you guys, she is so much more than just Scully. I'll always love Scully but I think she's evolved and lots of the things she did after the series were much better...

by **Gillyinfatuation** » April 1st, 2011, 2:08 pm

I found these this morning and they blew my mind :doink

Click the tumbnails and enjoy!!!

GD darling, look at the hand action :bounce

Now shall we all go light a candle at Goddess Gillians alter? group]

EDIT thanks to http://gillianderson.forumpro.fr/

by **GillyDreamer78** » April 1st, 2011, 2:51 pm

OMFG, Gi, I had no idea there were more pics out there!! I think I just had a heart attack!!

Gillyinfatuation wrote:GD darling, look at the hand action Now shall we all go light a candle at Goddess Gillians alter?

I'm loking, sweetie, believe me, I am looking!!

And I think lighting a candle would definitely be appropriate!! And now excuse me while I go away and die! Oh, wait, I'm already dead, G-dead!!

Gi, thank you so very much, you really made my day!!! :kis

by **dreamy** » April 1st, 2011, 2:56 pm

What brilliant photos!! Thank you so much for sharing, GI.
She reminds me Madonna here very much.
thank]

by **SpecialAgent88** » April 1st, 2011, 6:31 pm

Wow, now is Gillian hot or what, thanks for posting Gi

by **Gillyinfatuation** » April 1st, 2011, 6:33 pm

GD, I told u I had something up my sleeve

I seriously had a heart attack when I saw them. Trust me I had no idea there were this many as well. I love them so much! Gillian u are our Goddess and we bow down to you.

by **SpecialAgent88** » April 1st, 2011, 7:04 pm

I agree with you 100% Gi, Gillian is a Goddess. plut]

by **Queequeg0925** » April 1st, 2011, 7:33 pm

oh my goddess!!! LOL I can't take all those pics together!!! she is soooo beautiful! plut]

by **Gillyinfatuation** » April 1st, 2011, 9:38 pm

Oh my goddess! I love it.

http://www.youtube.com/user/XInsaneDruX · by **Insane Dru** » April 2nd, 2011, 10:08 am

Saving the pics in my Gill folder!!!
THAAAANKS!!!!

by **MartinaBC** » April 3rd, 2011, 3:28 am

Gillian Anderson gets stage fright:

http://www.showbizspy.com/article/22970 ... right.html

I know that feeling...every time we make music and have a gig...lol. The good thing is that once we start to play our music, I feel ok. Seems that Gillian Anderson experiences the same every time she is on stage.

by **Gillyinfatuation** » April 3rd, 2011, 7:40 am

I can truly understand why, even being on my little stage at home scares the crap out of me. But really she shouldn't worry as much, she is brilliant!

by **GillyDreamer78** » April 3rd, 2011, 7:59 am

I know the feeling too. I had to perform in front of audience few times myself and I was terrified! But once you start, it's OK.
@Martina, thanks for the article! thank]

Here, another news about our goddess which I found on her official website, this should be really interesting!

http://www.gilliananderson.ws/cgi-bin/n ... tyle=print

Why don't I live in London, I would have a chance to see her so many times!

by **Gillyinfatuation** » April 3rd, 2011, 8:08 am

GD, I seriously think we need to move to London. Just think of how many times we could have attended something. Just thinking about it makes me sad

by **GillyDreamer78** » April 3rd, 2011, 8:28 am

Gillyinfatuation wrote:GD, I seriously think we need to move to London. Just think of how many times we could have attended something. Just thinking about it makes me sad

Exactly my point!

by **Queequeg0925** » April 3rd, 2011, 4:53 pm

GillyDreamer78 wrote:
Gillyinfatuation wrote:GD, I seriously think we need to move to London. Just think of how many times we could have attended something. Just thinking about it makes me sad

Exactly my point!

I´ve been wanting to move to London for a while now, for other reasons but having Gillian that close would be a plus :bounce

... Í´ve made plans and all but won´t happen soon :whip

, I have to wait at least a year and a half, maybe two :cry

by **GillyDreamer78** » April 6th, 2011, 8:14 pm

Gillian joins cast of IRA espionage thriller

Clive Owen Joins IRA Movie From Man on Wire Director James Marsh

Director James Marsh (Man on Wire) told Vulture today that he's about to shoot an untitled espionage thriller (used to be called Shadow Dancer) with Clive Owen ready to star.

The film, a thriller, will be centered around the peace process in Northern Ireland in the nineties and will shoot in Dublin in early May.

British actress Andrea Riseborough (Never Let Me Go, Brighton Rock, Made in Dagenham) will play the female lead, a former IRA terrorist turned informer.

Supporting cast includes Aidan Gillen (The Wire) and Gillian Anderson.

http://www.gilliananderson.ws/cgi-bin/n ... tyle=print

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/20 ... e_fro.html

by **Queequeg0925** » April 6th, 2011, 8:31 pm

great news! :yahoo

thanks GD!!

by **SpecialAgent88** » April 6th, 2011, 10:20 pm

GD78, thanks for the update on Gillians new part.

by **Eugene Victor Tooms** » April 7th, 2011, 3:22 am

God Gillian is so cute on these pictures you guys have pn your avatars and signature !

by **Eugene Victor Tooms** » April 7th, 2011, 3:24 am

Gillyinfatuation wrote:I found these this morning and they blew my mind Click the tumbnails and enjoy!!!

by **GillyDreamer78** » April 7th, 2011, 6:09 am

Eugene Victor Tooms, I'm laughing at your comment! :lol

Anyway, nice to see you here!

by **Gillyinfatuation** » April 7th, 2011, 6:44 am

Glad you looked at the link I sent you, you should stop by more often

by **Gillyinfatuation** » April 7th, 2011, 6:47 am

GillyDreamer78 wrote:Gillian joins cast of IRA espionage thriller

Clive Owen Joins IRA Movie From Man on Wire Director James Marsh

Director James Marsh (Man on Wire) told Vulture today that he's about to shoot an untitled espionage thriller (used to be called Shadow Dancer) with Clive Owen ready to star.

The film, a thriller, will be centered around the peace process in Northern Ireland in the nineties and will shoot in Dublin in early May.

British actress Andrea Riseborough (Never Let Me Go, Brighton Rock, Made in Dagenham) will play the female lead, a former IRA terrorist turned informer.

Supporting cast includes Aidan Gillen (The Wire) and Gillian Anderson.

http://www.gilliananderson.ws/cgi-bin/n ... tyle=print

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/20 ... e_fro.html

Thanks for the 411 GD 8-)

by **Eugene Victor Tooms** » April 7th, 2011, 10:43 am

Hell yeah i should stop by more often, these pics were S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G !

by **StickSweet** » April 7th, 2011, 5:47 pm

Gillyinfatuation wrote:
GillyDreamer78 wrote:Gillian joins cast of IRA espionage thriller

Clive Owen Joins IRA Movie From Man on Wire Director James Marsh

Director James Marsh (Man on Wire) told Vulture today that he's about to shoot an untitled espionage thriller (used to be called Shadow Dancer) with Clive Owen ready to star.

The film, a thriller, will be centered around the peace process in Northern Ireland in the nineties and will shoot in Dublin in early May.

British actress Andrea Riseborough (Never Let Me Go, Brighton Rock, Made in Dagenham) will play the female lead, a former IRA terrorist turned informer.

Supporting cast includes Aidan Gillen (The Wire) and Gillian Anderson.

http://www.gilliananderson.ws/cgi-bin/n ... tyle=print

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/20 ... e_fro.html

Thanks for the 411 GD

Oh my god, NO WAY! I'm SO excited for this to happen, it's something qutie close to me and Gillys doing it <3 Might just cry haha

Will have to make a few trips down to Dublin to Gilly watch! ;D (I jest.. - ish.. )

by **SpecialAgent88** » April 7th, 2011, 7:06 pm

Eugene Victor Tooms, hey where have you been this whole time, we've been enjoying the Gillian photos for almost a year now. plut]

by **Eugene Victor Tooms** » April 19th, 2011, 6:38 pm

SpecialAgent88 wrote:Eugene Victor Tooms, hey where have you been this whole time, we've been enjoying the Gillian photos for almost a year now.

Lol i'm only registered since january :mrgreen:

by **Agent Skulder** » April 20th, 2011, 9:48 am

Just think of the fun you'll have catching up!

by **dreamy** » April 20th, 2011, 10:51 am

I am so happy that Gillian is in nomination as supporting actress in 'Any Human Heart'!!

by **GillyDreamer78** » April 20th, 2011, 11:31 am

PBS Emmy contenders

GoldDerby has learned exclusively the category placements for all of the PBS movie and miniseries candidates this year. The impressive list includes Oscar winner Jim Broadbent, Emmy champs Gillian Anderson and Kenneth Branagh and Emmy nominee Kim Cattrall.

BEST MOVIE/MINISERIES SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Eileen Atkins, "Upstairs Downstairs"
Gillian Anderson, "Any Human Heart"
Kim Cattrall, "Any Human Heart"
Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey"

http://www.gilliananderson.ws/cgi-bin/n ... tyle=print

@D&G, thanks for the heads up!
And it was about time she got nominated for something for her interpretation of Wallis Simpson in AHH.

EDIT: Well, I just figured out that Gillian was not actually nominated for the award. PBS just placed (submited) her as a candidate. It doesn't mean she will get nominated but let's hope for the best. She totally deserves it.

by **Queequeg0925** » April 20th, 2011, 7:42 pm

yay!

Fingers crossed!!!! Thanks GD!

by **SpecialAgent88** » April 21st, 2011, 12:08 am

Wow great news, thanks for the update GD78

by **Gillyinfatuation** » April 21st, 2011, 3:53 pm

She better get nominated!!! She is so under appreciated as an actress.

by **Thexfilesz** » April 21st, 2011, 3:59 pm

yess!!!

XFilesUniverse.com: X-Files News, X-Files 3, X-Files Forum- Come to XFU!

Who is online