Gillian Anderson: “It’s Important Not to Let Yourself Be Diminished”

In a wide-ranging interview with PAPER Magazine , Gillian Anderson discusses her role as the enigmatic Billy Presley in Teenage Sex and Dea...

In a wide-ranging interview with PAPER Magazine, Gillian Anderson discusses her role as the enigmatic Billy Presley in Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, a film she joined after reading a script she immediately recognized as “something special.” She says she felt an instant connection with director Jane Schoenbrun, describing the filmmaker’s world as one she wanted to be part of.

Speaking about her character, Anderson explains that much of Billy's personality came from intuition rather than careful planning. “That's just how she was in my head,” she says of Billy’s distinctive voice and mannerisms, adding that it felt as if the character already existed and she simply had to discover her.

The actress also reflects on fame, fan culture, and the lasting impact of her iconic role as Dana Scully in The X-Files. While she appreciates fan support, she admits that conventions can be emotionally draining: “Conventions are fucking exhausting.” At the same time, she values genuine one-on-one interactions with fans, calling them meaningful for both sides.

Anderson speaks candidly about her naturally private nature, revealing: “I'm a bit of a hermit. My happy place is usually where it's quiet and there's nobody anywhere.”

The interview also touches on her upcoming theater work, her books about women's fantasies, and her support for transgender people. Anderson argues that everyone deserves the freedom to live authentically, concluding: “It's quite simple, actually.” She emphasizes that there is a growing need to remind women, queer people, and others on society's margins “not to let yourself be diminished.”