Gillian Anderson on Big Swiss, The Coast Road, and Why the Internet Still Calls Her 'Gil'

If you’ve so much as glanced at a screen or wandered past a bookshop lately, you’ve probably felt the pull of Gillian Anderson. The woman who defined a generation as Dana Scully is having what your mates would call an absolute blinder of a year. Between a hot new series, her first crack at fiction, and a graphic novel adaptation that’s got everyone talking, it’s hard to keep track. So grab a flat white and let’s dive into what this multi-talented legend is up to—and why a certain typo has stuck with her for decades.

From Scully to Big Swiss: A Role Made in Quirky Heaven

We first caught wind of Big Swiss ages ago, and now it’s finally here. Based on the cult novel by Jen Beagin, the show sees Anderson step into the shoes of a transcriber who gets unsettlingly obsessed with a client—the titular Big Swiss. It’s dark, it’s funny, and it’s exactly the kind of offbeat material that lets Anderson flex the muscles she first showed us in The Fall. She plays Greta, a woman hiding from her own life while living vicariously through someone else’s therapy sessions. The chemistry on screen is electric, and whispers in the industry suggest this could be the one to score her another Golden Globe nomination. It’s streaming now, and if you haven’t binged it yet, what are you even doing with your life?

Putting Pen to Paper: The Coast Road: A Novel

Just when you thought she couldn’t possibly add another string to her bow, Anderson has gone and written a book. The Coast Road: A Novel made a splash last month, and it’s far from what you’d expect from a Hollywood star dabbling in literature. Set in a sleepy Irish seaside town—fittingly enough—it follows a woman returning home to confront the ghosts of her past. The prose is tight and atmospheric, and you can tell she’s spent years soaking up the best of Irish storytelling. Reviews have been glowing, with one critic calling it “a tender, haunting debut.” She’s been spotted doing a handful of readings in Dublin and Galway, and if you missed out, don’t worry—she’s hinted at a longer tour later in the year.

The Graphic Novel Detour: White Bird: A Wonder Story

Of course, Anderson hasn’t turned her back on the screen entirely. She’s also part of the cast for the upcoming film adaptation of White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel). For those not up to speed with the Wonder universe, White Bird is a poignant tale set during the Holocaust, told through the eyes of Julian’s grandmother. Anderson plays a key supporting role, and early footage suggests she brings the same quiet gravitas she brought to The Crown. It’s a real tearjerker, so maybe have some tissues handy. The film is slated for a Christmas release, which means awards chatter is already ramping up.

A Quick Aside on 'Gil Anderson'

Now, let’s tackle the elephant in the room—or rather, the typo in the search bar. For years, a certain corner of the internet has been convinced her name is Gil Anderson. It’s one of those persistent misspellings that just won't die, like “Berenstain” vs. “Berenstein”. Anderson herself has joked about it in interviews, saying she gets emails addressed to Gil at least once a month. “I’ve thought about legally changing it just to mess with people,” she quipped recently. Honestly, it’s a testament to how deeply she’s woven into pop culture—people know the face, even if the name gets a bit scrambled.

What’s Next on the Horizon?

With all this on her plate, you’d think she might put her feet up. But Anderson shows no signs of slowing down. Rumour has it she’s attached to a secret project with an Oscar-winning director, and she’s already dropping hints about a second novel. Here’s a quick rundown of what to keep an eye out for:

• Big Swiss – Streaming now; likely to be your next obsession.
• The Coast Road: A Novel – Out in bookshops now; perfect for a weekend read.
• White Bird: A Wonder Story – In cinemas this December.
• The mystery project – Details are thin on the ground, but we’ll be first in line.

Whether you’ve been a fan since the X-Files days or you’ve only just discovered her through Big Swiss, one thing’s for sure: Gillian Anderson is at the top of her game, and she’s taking us all along for the ride. Just make sure you spell her name right when you’re tweeting about it.