Gillian Anderson Reflects on Career Sacrifices and Family Impact

Gillian Anderson, known for her role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully on “The X-Files,” recently discussed the personal sacrifices she made during her rising Hollywood career and how those choices affected her family.

In her interview with The Sunday Times, Anderson, 58, revisited her early experiences as a young mother and the challenges posed by the intense production schedule of “The X-Files.” At first, she expressed having no regrets about her life but then acknowledged some missteps in early parenting that she would reconsider today.

“In terms of early parenting, I now would say, I wish I’d thought this through or I wish I’d been less selfish,” Anderson shared.

Anderson became a mother at 26 when she had her daughter Piper with her first husband, Clyde Klotz, the assistant art director on “The X-Files.” This was soon after she began filming the series which quickly became a global success. With the demanding shooting days, her career took off rapidly, causing her to reflect on her ability to be present for her daughter.

Following her divorce from Klotz in 1997, Piper spent time between her mother in Los Angeles and father in Vancouver. To ensure consistent education, Piper attended a French lycée in both cities, which required frequent travel.

Anderson explained, “It was intense for her, with no French in the household, to suddenly be getting a plane every three weeks. It’s a lot to ask of a six-year-old.”

Working 17-hour days, Anderson felt she was not in a position to oppose the rigorous schedule of the show, despite being one of its main stars alongside David Duchovny. She realized later that she held more leverage than she used.

Anderson has previously contemplated an alternate life path, where she might have worked less and been more present for her children.

“There’s another version of my life where I could have worked less, had a smaller life, and been more present as a parent,” she noted. “But sometimes it feels like why would you, if you keep getting work as an actor, doing things you dreamt of doing?”

The arrival of her sons Oscar and Felix with businessman Mark Griffiths changed Anderson’s approach to parenting.

Now, despite looking back on what could have been, Anderson continues to work consistently, with credits in “The Crown,” “Sex Education,” and “The Salt Path,” among others. She is also featured in “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” alongside Hannah Einbinder, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

As Anderson approaches her 60s, she reflects on the complexities of her relationship with work, noting that although she once imagined easing into directing and art, she now finds joy in continuing her acting career.

“I feel very lucky to still be working,” she said, highlighting the enjoyment she finds in her current roles.

Despite ongoing reflections and adaptations in her career and family life, Anderson maintains a focus on her work and the enjoyment it brings.