Attractive red-haired Gillian Anderson went from anonymity to cult favorite practically overnight. After picking up a Theatre World Award for her Off-Broadway debut in “Absent Friends” (1991), she made her way to Los Angeles where a role in the little-seen feature “The Turning” (1992) and a guest spot on the Fox drama series “Class of ’96″ (1993) preceded her landing the star-making role of FBI agent and forensics expert Dr. Dana Scully on Fox’s successful paranormal crime drama, “The X-Files” (1993-2002). Teamed with David Duchovny as investigators of unexplained phenomena, the actress brought intelligence, restraint and a strong note of skepticism to her character and proved an excellent foil to her more credulous partner. While the show was slow in achieving cult status and critical cachet, by mid-second season, it had become a solid success. Anderson went on to amass several accolades for her work including a 1997 Emmy and reprised the role in the big screen outing “The X-Files: Fight the Future” (1998).
