I'm a big fan of The X-Files. Could you give me some background information on Gillian Anderson?
—Chelle H., Arkansas
The show was Gillian Anderson's first big break. Before landing The X-Files gig, she mostly worked in the theater, which she grew to love while attending high school in Grand Rapids, Mich. Anderson, 33, was born in Chicago and lived in London from ages 2 to 11, but lost her British accent after being teased at school. She studied acting with the National Theater of Great Britain at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and then at the Goodman Theater School at Chicago's DePaul University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in fine arts. Anderson's portrayal of FBI agent Dana Scully has earned her several awards, including an Emmy and two Screen Actor Guild Awards. Her film credits include The House of Mirth and, of course, The X-Files. She has a daughter named Piper Maru, which, incidentally, was the title of an X-Files episode.
