Gillian Anderson is an American actress, producer, and activist, best known for her role as Dana Scully in the popular television series The X-Files. Born on August 9, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois, she gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of the FBI agent, which earned her several awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards. In addition to her work on The X-Files, Anderson has appeared in various films and television shows, such as The Fall and Sex Education. She is also known for her stage performances and has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, advocating for issues like women's rights and climate change.