Gillian Leigh Anderson
| Stage Name / Nickname: | Gilly |
| Date of Birth: | August 9, 1968 (Age 56) |
| Place of Birth: | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality: | American-British |
| Net Worth: | $40 million (2025) |
| Height: | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Education: | The Theatre School at DePaul University (BFA, 1990) |
| Marital Status: | Divorced |
| Spouse: | Clyde Klotz (m. 1994–1997), Julian Ozanne (m. 2004–2007) |
| Children: | Piper Maru Klotz, Oscar Griffiths, Felix Griffiths |
| Parents: | Rosemary Alyce Lane, Homer Edward Anderson III |
| Siblings: | Aaron Anderson, Zoe Anderson |
| Known For: | The X-Files, The Crown, The Fall, Sex Education, House of Mirth |
Early Life & Education
Gillian Leigh Anderson was born on August 9, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois. She spent her formative years between London and Michigan, fostering a love for acting from a young age. Anderson studied at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, graduating with a BFA in 1990 before moving to New York City to launch her professional career.
Career
Breakthrough & The X-Files
Anderson’s major breakthrough came at age 24 as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in Fox’s The X-Files (1993–2002, 2016–2018). The role brought her global acclaim and numerous awards, including an Emmy and Golden Globe. She reprised Scully for two feature films: The X-Files: Fight the Future (1998) and The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008).
Diverse Roles in Film, Television, and Stage
Anderson became known for complex characters across genres:
- BBC’s Bleak House (2005) as Lady Dedlock
- Great Expectations (2011) as Miss Havisham
- The Fall (2013–2016) as DSI Stella Gibson, earning rave reviews
- Hannibal (2013–2015) as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier
- The Crown (2020) as Margaret Thatcher, winning a Golden Globe and Emmy
- Sex Education (2019–2023) as Jean Milburn
- Movies: The House of Mirth (2000), The Mighty Celt (2005), The Last King of Scotland (2006), Shadow Dancer (2012), Viceroy’s House (2017), The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
She has also received critical acclaim on London’s West End stage, including starring roles in A Streetcar Named Desire and All About Eve.
Recent & Upcoming Projects (2023–2025)
- Starred in the Netflix film Scoop (2024) as Emily Maitlis.
- Signed for The Salt Path, Tron: Ares, and the Louise Kennedy adaptation Trespasses.
- Producing The Coast Road and set to star in Netflix’s western drama The Abandons (2025).
- Released the book Want (2024), a compilation of women’s letters about sexuality.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1993–2018 | The X-Files | Dana Scully |
| 1998 | The X-Files: Fight the Future | Dana Scully |
| 2000 | The House of Mirth | Lily Bart |
| 2005 | Bleak House (TV) | Lady Dedlock |
| 2005 | The Mighty Celt | Kate |
| 2006 | The Last King of Scotland | Sarah Merrit |
| 2011 | Great Expectations (TV) | Miss Havisham |
| 2013–2016 | The Fall | Stella Gibson |
| 2013–2015 | Hannibal | Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier |
| 2017 | American Gods | Media |
| 2019–2023 | Sex Education | Jean Milburn |
| 2020 | The Crown | Margaret Thatcher |
| 2024 | Scoop | Emily Maitlis |
| 2025 | The Abandons (upcoming) | Lead |
Net Worth & Endorsements
Gillian Anderson’s net worth is estimated at $40 million (2025), sourced from her prolific television and film career, as well as book royalties, endorsements, and live stage appearances. She owns homes in London and Malibu.
Awards & Recognition
- Primetime Emmy Awards: 2 (including Best Lead Actress for The X-Files and Best Supporting Actress for The Crown)
- Golden Globe Awards: 2
- Four Screen Actors Guild Awards
- Evening Standard Theatre Award
- Appointed an honorary OBE in 2016 for services to drama
Personal Life & Philanthropy
Anderson was married to Clyde Klotz (1994–1997) and Julian Ozanne (2004–2007). She has three children—Piper Maru Klotz, Oscar Griffiths, and Felix Griffiths. She is active in various charities, focusing on women’s rights, girls’ education, global health, and the environment. She co-authored WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere and the EarthEnd Saga novel trilogy.
Trivia
- Holds dual American and British citizenship and has lived in London since 2002.
- Turned down several modeling offers early in her career.
- Was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Known for distinctive roles in both U.S. and British television.
Upcoming Projects
- Leading role in Netflix’s The Abandons (2025).
- Film adaptation of The Salt Path.
- Co-producing The Coast Road and starring in Trespasses (in pre-production).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gillian Anderson?
An award-winning American-British actress acclaimed for her roles as Dana Scully in The X-Files, Margaret Thatcher in The Crown, and Jean Milburn in Sex Education.
How old is she?
She is 56 years old, born August 9, 1968.
What is her net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $40 million as of 2025.
What are her career highlights?
Anderson is known for The X-Files, The Crown, Sex Education, The Fall, and numerous stage roles. She is a recipient of multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
Who are her children?
She has three children: Piper (b. 1994), Oscar (b. 2006), and Felix (b. 2008).