Gillian Anderson

Born in Chicago Aug. 9, 1968, Gillian Anderson developed a love for theater while attending high school in Grand Rapids, Mich. Originally planning to become a marine biologist, she shifted her career ambitions to acting after landing a few roles in community theater productions.

Relocating to the Big Apple in 1990, Anderson received acclaim for her performances in off-Broadway plays such as "Absent Friends." But her star-making role came when she was cast as FBI Agent Dana Scully in the hit Fox TV series "The X-Files," which ran nine seasons and earned Anderson several Emmy nods and a win in 1997. Among her film credits are voice work in the animated feature Princess Mononoke (1997) and an impressive turn as a biker chick (opposite Sharon Stone) in 1998's The Mighty.

For her portrayal of Lady Dedlock in the miniseries "Bleak House," Anderson racked up another Emmy nomination in 2006.

Filmography