Gillian Anderson On Hollywood Inequality: ‘It Is Still A Problem’
The X-Files star Gillian Anderson has never been one to shy away from controversy. In a recent interview, she said she agreed with Patricia Arquette’s Oscar acceptance speech that addressed issues of inequality in Hollywood.
Arquette’s speech focused on wage inequality, a topic with which Anderson is somewhat familiar. Throughout The X-Files’ run, Anderson was paid less than co-star David Duchovny and continued to be paid less until The X-Files: I Want To Believe bowed in 2008. Anderson noted that wage inequality is still an issue, “in a very, very big way” and that while people might want to say wage inequality was something that was of concern in the 90s, it is definitely of great concern now.
Pundits believe that perhaps Anderson is referencing pay negotiations for The X-Files‘ 6-episode arc that is likely to start shooting this summer. Anderson will not comment about current negotiations, but she does say that gender and wage inequality is truly “alive and well” in 2015.
The smoldering actress has definitely been busy since her days as Agent Dana Scully on The X-Files. She is looking to bring an adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire to Broadway where she will play Blanche DuBois, a role she is currently playing in London’s West End. She plays opposite Jamie Dornan (50 Shades of Grey) in The Fall, a show centered around the work of fictional DSI Stella Gibson. She’s also popped in Hannibal, where she plays the charming psychopath’s psychotherapist. She has also co-written a science fiction book.
There is certainly no danger of the versatile actress becoming stereotyped, although her global fan base might be clamoring for her return as the skeptical FBI agent into paranormal affairs. Anderson’s name has also made the rounds of the gossip circuit due to her recent liplock with co-star David Duchovny. The reunion was somewhat of a surprise to fans, who had turned out to listen to Duchovny belt out some tunes from his debut album Hell or Highwater. Anderson joined Duchovny on stage to sing a Neil Young song, and at the end, the two hugged and kissed, leading many to wonder if the two were romantically involved.
According to Duchovny, he and Anderson are not romantically linked, and the duo have been friends since their days on The X-Files. While Anderson continues to maintain a busy schedule in spite of the inequality she and other actors are witness to in Hollywood, fans can eagerly anticipate her return as Agent Scully when the 6-episode series of The X-Files returns to television.
[Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Stringer via Getty Images]
