‘X-Files’ Star Gillian Anderson on Aging and Empowering Women Over 50

Last night, Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny gave fans what they’ve been waiting for: an X-Files reunion as they presented together at the SAG Awards. If that moment wasn’t thrilling enough, today there’s more exciting news: Anderson has been named a global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris and is starring in their new Age Perfect campaign, inspiring women over 50 to pursue their dreams.

“It’s a pretty extraordinary moment to be asked, particularly with the spokeswomen who have gone before and are still working with L’Oréal Paris for decades—Helen Mirren, Jane Fonda, and Viola Davis,” says the 56-year-old actress, who is starring in Netflix’s upcoming crime thriller Animals and recently released a book, Wanted, exploring female sexuality. “In recent years, I’ve become more outspoken about supporting and empowering women, and that’s certainly at the forefront of what L’Oréal does and represents.”

Throughout her career, Anderson has carved out a legacy as a beauty icon, one that defies traditional standards. Portraying FBI Special Agent Scully on The X-Files, her character's signature style—sleek suits, minimalist makeup, and an iconic red bob—became synonymous with understated ‘90s glamour. “What was interesting about my casting was that the studio had a very different vision; they wanted someone who looked a certain way: tall, blonde, thin, and buxom,” Anderson tells InStyle. “But I wasn’t that, and the fact that the creator fought for me helped showcase a different kind of beauty—an unconventional, intelligent, strong, outspoken woman. It resonated with a lot of people, especially women. It felt bold and new.”

Anderson’s ability to break beauty norms, especially as she embraces the changes that come with getting older, solidifies her status as an ageless beauty icon. “For many, especially those who were celebrated for their beauty in their youth, it’s a challenge to let go of that image and accept the process of aging. But L’Oréal, with its science-driven products, shows how much can be achieved naturally.”

Below, Anderson talks with InStyle about her beauty journey, the eternal strength of Scully, and the rawness of ‘90s red carpet style.

Congratulations on your new appointment as global ambassador for L’Oréal. What role has beauty played in your life, from your earliest memories through today? 

Well, gosh. I don’t know. What’s interesting is I don’t feel like, as a young woman, I paid any attention to any of that. I grew up in London and then in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and lived a life that had very little—I’m not going to say very little beauty in it—but it was definitely not focused on the world of fashion and beauty. It’s only, I think, after a career that involved awards shows, events, galas, and this, that, and the other, that I’ve probably only started paying attention to it properly in the last 15 to 20 years, both in terms of fashion and recognizing the fashion industry as an art form, and appreciating the world of beauty for the impact it has on women, and on individual women, specifically.

How has your experience as an actress, constantly transforming for different roles, influenced your personal approach to beauty and how you see it?

It wasn’t until probably about 15 years ago, when I played Stella Gibson in The Fall, that I started to pay attention to fashion and beauty—the quality of her clothes, her sensuality, and how she put herself together. It was through playing her that I started to actually feel that paying attention to it felt good, and how good it felt to be in those clothes, connected to a sense of personal power because of how one presents. So, I feel like I’ve come to it quite late in my life, and it’s interesting that this opportunity would also come to me quite late in my life.

Scully evoked so much strength in her style. How do you think it served as her armor?

Interestingly, Scully wasn’t connected to beauty at all. She wore a lot of single-color polyester pantsuits, which were made fun of by people, especially in retrospect. Scully’s style was a reflection of her character. She wasn’t trying to be glamorous or fit into traditional beauty standards. Her minimalist look and sharp, elegant clothes were a form of strength. It wasn’t about appearance; it was about being intelligent, strong, and independent.

Looking back at the red carpets in the ’90s, style and beauty had a more raw, effortless vibe than the highly curated looks we see today. What was that time like for you, and do you miss it?

When I first started going to award shows, I was so young and didn’t know what I was doing. There was a period when you’d just get a bunch of dresses sent to your hotel room, and you’d choose one yourself rather than having a stylist with racks of options. It was much more casual, and there wasn’t as much focus on every little detail. Back then, it felt less glamorous than it had in previous eras and less glamorous than it is now. But honestly, I prefer the glamour of today, if I’m being honest.

The conversation around aging in Hollywood is constantly evolving, especially with recent pop culture moments like The Substance. What has aging in Hollywood been like for you, both professionally and personally?

I feel very lucky that I continue to be offered complex, interesting, and challenging characters despite being in my mid-50s. Aging hasn’t slowed me down professionally. What’s interesting is how society’s obsession with looking younger is evolving. With advancements like AI, we might reach a point where actors can play younger characters, regardless of their real age. It will be interesting to see whether the authenticity of natural aging becomes more embraced or less embraced over time.

I love all the fun, unfiltered selfies and videos you share from getting glammed. You don’t take it too seriously. Why do you enjoy sharing those kinds of moments?

I think it’s important to share those unfiltered moments because they show the real side of getting glammed up. It’s not all perfection—it’s fun and a bit chaotic. Sharing those moments makes it feel more approachable and real, and I enjoy connecting with people through that unfiltered, unpolished side of getting ready.

Read the original article on InStyle