If you mention Gillian Anderson to anyone, theyll likely start reeling off their favourite projects shes appeared in.
This may sound strange, but its whether it already lives inside of me.
You know almost immediately how to play it.
I dont usually say yes to things if there hasnt been that connection.
However, the actor is open to making exceptions.
Sometimes you take a punt on somebody, [such as] a new director.
And getting to play with people who love to play in that world is really fun.
Andersons involvement in her latest project, mystery thrillerThe Pale Blue Eye, was a straightforward decision.
It was the chance to work with Christian Bale and [director] Scott Cooper, the actor muses.
I was convinced before reading it that I wanted to do it.
It would have had to be a really a bad script for me to say no.
The character is a reimagining of the poet in his younger years.
[Warning: Slight spoilers ahead.]
Enter Anderson and her portrayal of the family matriarch, Julia Marquis, who begins to unravel.
Anderson came to the project with an open mind, having not previously read the novel.
She was conscious of navigating the fine balance of Julias multifaceted character.
Anderson smiles as I relay this to her.
Not in the traditional sense, anyway.
Fans have been vocal on social media about wishing to see Anderson appear on the BBC show alongside Gatwa.
I know, I heard, the actor says, noting that she is incredibly proud of him.
So, is she set to make some kind of appearance in the sci-fi series?
No comment, Anderson replies, smiling wide when I say that Ill be keeping my eyes peeled.
InSex Education, Anderson also shared memorable scenes with Aimee Lou Wood, who portrays Aimee Gibbs.
Jean helped counsel Aimee after she endured a sexual assault on the bus in Season 2.
I thought, I should ask for some scenes with actors I want to work with!
You know what I mean?
That never even occurred to me, but I should, because it worked.
Im really glad that Aimee did it.
The end of Season 3 witnessed Jean welcoming a baby girl after a traumatic birth.
Were seeing a different side of Jean these days.
Shes finding the balance a little challenging, she notes.
This candidness about sex and pleasure has transcended to Andersons Instagram account.
The actor laughs as I mention her amusing, and well-spotted,Penis of the Daypictures.
So are these posts Jean-inspired or is this pure Gillian?
Every once in a while I would post from that perspective, a penis or yoni of the day.
Then people started sending me penises and yonis, so it has kind of taken off from there.
I think its phenomenal.
All of the cast are brilliant.
The fact [the series] has been able to keep the quality up is rare and incredibly difficult.
Theyve done an amazing job, she says enthusiastically.
So, is the drama fact or fiction, I ask.
Andersons face drops, before breaking into a relieved grin when I tell her Im kidding.
But what does she make of the constant discussion around what is and isnt factually accurate within the series?
Its an odd thing.
I dont know how much of it is centred in the UK.
You dont really get that in the international papers in the same way.
Also, it makes a good drama.
Andersons performance inThe Crownwon her an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the 2021 ceremony.
Back then, I remember the photographers saying, Gillian, smile, whats wrong?
And I was so…
I didnt even know where to put it, it was almost too much.
I had no frame of reference, she shares.
I didnt even know how to be excited about it.
I was [excited] of course.
I was flattered, moved, everything.
It was an honour.
I just didnt know how to process it.
Thats what was being read on my face.
Being old and mature enough to have enough years passed to be able to have perspective.
Before I had no perspective.
I didnt know what my perspective was, and suddenly I did.
It was a perspective of gratitude.
