Gillian Anderson hates TV

Jose Chung Fri, May 11, 2007 at 07:47 PM EST

People are being harsh on her. Most of what TV produces is crap, don't be such hypocrites.

JanetK Fri, May 11, 2007 at 04:50 PM EST

Gillianbit..Anderson has always been a bitc..and she will be forever.
Ungrateful!!!!!!!
She´s always complaint about everything and everybody.
And now, she´s Naked and doing porno!That is what happens with people like her.:(

moe Thu, May 10, 2007 at 03:20 AM EST

Gillian has an English accent because she grew upm in England. When the X Files started I thought she was British. i could detect the accent. I hate most of what is on tv. Her comment was taken out of conext.

jennifer Wed, May 2, 2007 at 04:01 PM EST

I understand that Gillian has a right to her opinion, but she dismisses the value of television very quickly. We don't know what it was like for her the nine years she worked on the show, but television, and the success of the X-Files ,gave her the ability to pick and choose her projects. As for the value of television, watch one episode of 30 Rock and tell me today's best writing isn't on television. That show is tasteful, well written and acted, and just plain funny! Tina Fey is one of the greatest writers in this day in age, along with Joss Whedon, who was shamefully robbed by the WB.

Yeesh Tue, Apr 24, 2007 at 01:24 PM EST

I sure hope Slezak isn't considered the "brains" at EW. At least you can still count on people like Mike to do their research, instead of trying to keep promoting Ugly Betty and The Bachelor.

t3hdow Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 09:37 PM EST

I was wondering when the firestorm would come rushing in after Gillan Flynn's TV reviews. Come on Fatima. Don't blame all of EW on her assessment of Lost, Grey's Anatomy and Ugly Betty. At least cut her some slack with the Lost portion (can't vouche for the other two, since I don't watch Grey's or Betty). Although I love the show, you can't tell me half the viewers who abandoned the show DIDN'T say what Flynn did more or less (even with the 'Lost Returns' cover story). I still like the show and characters, though it only appeals to a certain niche.

William Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 07:12 PM EST

My crush on 'the Slez' grows a little more every time I read one of his funny pop culture rants (don't front -- you know you agree too!)

Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 05:41 PM EST

I persoanlly believe that the negative spin put on Gillian's words is purely the a product of the negative opinion of the writer regarding her.

Jenny Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 04:33 PM EST

I agreed with Gillian even though I missed X-Files.
We do watch a lot of TV and I can't believe how much time I spend everyday in front of the box...yeesh!!!

Daryl Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 04:32 PM EST

I'm a huge fan of Gillian Anderson and I hate to see her go down the same road as lots of celebrities who get their start on televison and then turn their backs on the hand that fed them. I agree that there are bad shows (The Apprentice, The Bachelor, Survivor and King of Queens have long overstayed their welcome) but there are good shows on television such as Ugly Betty, 24, Lost and Heroes to name a few (and yes, American Idol too!) I enjoy good books, good movies and I love a trip to the theater to see Phantom of the Opera or Mamma Mia just as much as the next person. But I also enjoy, after a long day of work, sitting in my comfy chair and watching a laugh aloud comedy (such as 30 Rock) or taking a ride in an action series like 24. So, Gillian, I respect you as an actress but you shouldn't disrespect a medium that can teach us (such as the excellent Planet Earth series) and entertain us (like the afore mentioned shows).

Fatima Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 04:28 PM EST

But Slezak, your magazine claims that Lost and Ugly Betty are garbage in this week's issue!

Which leads me to my mind blowing new theory which calls for capslock: GILLIAN ANDERSON IS GILLIAN FLYNN!!!!!!!!

Btw, I don't think I've ever been more annoyed readind an article in EW than I was reading this week's TV section. This, however, was funny.

Craig Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 04:02 PM EST

Another here,here for Mike! That's how you do research, unlike this crappy UK journalist!

Jenny Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 03:51 PM EST

Poster Mike: You are my new hero, buddy!

Candice Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 03:32 PM EST

Gillian lives in the UK and doesn't have a clue what is even on tv in the US. And I have to agree with her. I admit to watching a lot of tv, but when I go a few days without it I always feel more in touch with my self and other people. They don't call it the boob tube for nothing!

Rahul Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 03:28 PM EST

She's off her rocker. I've never seen this much great TV in my life (which only amounts to 10 years of serious viewing, but still). I lose sleep trying to keep up on it all.

Craig S Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 03:07 PM EST

30 Rock is terrible.

That is all.

dma69 Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 02:58 PM EST

Gillian, hon, if it hadn't been for television, you wouldn't have a career. Or what's left of it.

Mike Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 02:31 PM EST

I find it telling that none of the following quotes ever made the headlines: "I didn't watch television, I didn't even really know what a pilot was. I signed a contract for 5 years before I even went to my final audition. I wasn't rich. And even though we thought that after 13 episodes it might disappear, it just kept going. If I had known before we started, I most definitely would have said, 'Not on your life.' But, in retrospect, I'm really glad I did it." Or this one: "(...) and there were times when it was unbearable.' Hastily, humbly, she adds, 'And yet, I was so fortunate to be a part of something that was so exceptional.", "She does, however, feel "blessed" that she was lucky enough to "play a character that I enjoyed living with for so long." And she is the first to acknowledge the benefits that the success of the programme has afforded". There are plenty more.
So, ungrateful a--, or not?
I guess it proves just how manipulative the media are and how gullible some folks are.

Sven Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 02:27 PM EST

There are two quality shows on network television, and one of them is likely going to be cancelled. House and Veronica Mars are the only shows worth watching on the big five networks. PBS of course still has great programming, and HBO, Showtime and FX churn out great shows.

The shows Mr. Slezak references, while not all terrible, certainly do not warrant watching. The Office is not terrible, and 30 Rock? Fey and Baldwin are talented folks, but that is not enough to waste time viewing. And Ugly Betty, Dancing, Idol and Bachelor? That is what is wrong with American television.

Kaybar Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 02:24 PM EST

While it is absolutely true that everyone has the right to have an opinion, for her to diss television so strongly smacks to me of hypocrisy. Out of context or not, I look forward to the day when celebrities will learn to simply STFU!!!

Lucy Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 02:10 PM EST

TV better in the UK? Please. I've been there. I've watched it. Sure they gave us "Bleak House", but they also gave us "The Weakest Link". When I was there all that was ever on was "Big Brother", "Survivor", "Friends" and game shows. Most of it was just as sillier (and in many cases sillier) as American television.

George Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 01:46 PM EST

Well I just read this new interview on the BBC website, so somehow I think this interviewer didn't quote her correctly. If she hated TV or the XF so much, would she be doing to movie.

"Is there any truth to the persistent rumours surrounding a new X-Files movie?

Gillian: Yes, there are new rumours of an X-Files movie possibly happening, which is brilliant. Whenever they manage to get it together I'm on board."

MD Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 01:42 PM EST

Out of context or not - she still dumped on the tv watchers of the world.
Long live Fox Mulder

Jaybird Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 01:39 PM EST

Look, Gillian made a blanket statement that I'm sure now she would like to qualify, given the (ridiculous) attention this is getting. Gillian's not ignorant. I've read how happy she was to do Bleak House and she got several nominations for it. She was probably referring to the general crap on tv, which percentage wise is pretty large.

Kurt Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 01:36 PM EST

To be fair, if you read the entire interview she does point out that she's talking about how she won't do any long-running series', not TV in general (the excellent "Bleak House" ran- as intended- only 15 episodes).

From the whole interview it seems obvious that she is very driven and determined to do only quality work. As far as the "potty mouth" comment about her, I don't think it's any more than other interviews I've read, and she certainly uses her language to emphasize real ideas rather than cussing for the sake of it. She seems to be a very strong, admirable woman.

Ep Sato Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 01:31 PM EST

If Gillian lived in the UK, she's got LESS reason to hate on tv. The UK gets many of the "better" american shows. They also get to watch BBC shows on their first run.

TV sucks compared to what? The movies? Even the owners of the movie studios complain that quality of writing in flicks has gone downhill. Seriously, is Battlestar Galactica doing more harm to society than "Pathfinder"?

Gillian Anderson isn't happy (or in the news, for that matter) unless she's complaining about something. Her last bit of fame was when she beefed that Duchovny was making a lot more money than her.

Everyone from Glenn Close to Jeff Goldblum is doing cameos or trying to set up their own series. Ms. Anderson's rant sounds more like sour grapes than a real complaint, so maybe Gillian's upset no one has invited her back to tv?

nunya Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 01:29 PM EST

Just one viewing each of 'House' and 'The Office' completely negates any derogatory sentiments Gillian Anderson has towards TV. Enough said.

Jakeem Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 01:18 PM EST

I would guess that deep down inside, she is very proud of her work as Dana Scully, but she obviously had to put up with a lot of stuff over the years.
I believe that she and David Duchovny got along, but there was always a rivalry between them, too. For instance, it probably hurt that she won an Emmy, but he always made more money than she.
Maybe all of her frustrations just finally boiled to the surface. Or perhaps it was post-partum depression since she recently gave birth to her second child.
I, for one, am looking forward to another "X-Files" movie!

Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 01:05 PM EST

I read the original interview and the interviewer was a complete jerk and pretty much set the tone of the entire interview.. So she said she hates TV ... big deal. I'm sure she didn't expect that one comment to get any notice much less get circulated around the globe. Is it really fair to take someone's comment out of context and then make all these assumptions about their thinking behind it? I'm on Gillian's side. I'm sick of the media trying to make a big deal out of nothing!

Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 01:02 PM EST

Ms. Anderson has never made a secret of the fact that she saw The X-Files as a stepping stone to starring in movies and the theatre. She's right about most TV: it's brainless junk, albeit sometimes entertaining brainless junk. And EW: give up the pimping of 30 Rock. It isn't funny and almost no one watches it.

sdr Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 01:01 PM EST

ugh- she is the gwyneth paltrow of television. insufferable doesn't begin to describe them both.

Emperor Norton Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 12:32 PM EST

Well I have to say, Gillian is of an age when, in her youth, TV was truly a mess, with maybe 5% of shows worth watching. Better to read, go outside and play, or god forbid, make something of your life.

And have you lived in England? Wow - when I was there, 2 channels filled with Benny Hill, and all TV ended at midnight. It could turn you off forever. So maybe understand her context.

But now, there are truly brilliant shows on (when they don't get cancelled). The Wire comes to mind as the central masterpiece. BG, AD, etc.

But there is still a ton of junk.

to Katie V Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 12:21 PM EST

Gillian was raised in the UK and didn't return to the US until her late teens. She has had a British accent since her teens and speaks with it on talk shows.

Michelle Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 12:14 PM EST

Dude, Slezak-You Rock! Personally, I never understood all the hype about her to begin with. Wasn't a fan then, definately won't be now.

Ep Sato Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 12:08 PM EST

Daang, Gillian Anderson dissed TV? Totally not cool. Just because Sci Fi TV's gotten a ton better since the days she was on doesn't mean she should be dissing the entire medium.

Plus, TV allows talented actors and actresses to get famous WITHOUT getting naked in front of the cameras (Gillian, we are totally looking in your direction, little miss nudie scenes before the X Files).

Finally, it's not as if the movies have been particularly kind to Ms. Anderson. Other than Last King of Scotland, she hasn't exactly been in Earth Shattering fare...

Annie Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 12:07 PM EST

Out of context! Completely out of context. The interview that came from was a crappy piece of journalism. Gillian Anderson has said, since the Pilot, that she doesn't like or watch TV, but she has always been quick to say that she's grateful for the opportunity X-Files gave her, in terms of financial freedom and experience.

Before people go harping, read all of those interviews, not the out of context exerpt from a really bad piece of journalism.

Katie V. Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 12:03 PM EST

Hear, hear, Slezak! And I agree with Lucy--TV brought Bleak House to a huge audience, and it is the only format that could sustain it at that length. I'm pretty bored with all those American celebs who move to London and start bashing the U.S. I bet Gillian has developed quite the faux British accent, just like her fellow expatriates Madonna and Gwynyth Paltrow.

Lucy Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:55 AM EST

I think that someone already said this, but movies can be as mind-rotting as television. Bleak House was on PBS last night. It's fabulous and she's fabulous in it and not in the least bit mind-rotting. Television is the only place something like Bleak House would be done. I think it's about 12 hours long in total. To condense it to make a 2 hour movie would do great diservice to the plot and the original novel. So I guess television isn't so bad after all.

Anna Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:30 AM EST

She'll probably do an X-files reunion if it's in movie form. In fact, I think that's what they have planned.

Gillian Anderson has always been something of a snob so I'm not surprised to hear this from her. I agree with the person that said that she's entitled to her opinion but she doesn't have to be so rude and dismissive.

Joe C Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:13 AM EST

Well, the obvious question is, what does Mulder think?!?!? That's the stereotype; you 'graduate' from TV to movies/Broadway etc.....I guess we shouldn't count on Scully to participate in an X-Files reunion, huh? Gillian, may Jack Bauer have mercy on your soul.....

fredric Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:13 AM EST

This is why I have to fight my urge to know the people behind the characters they portray. Not all actors are likable outside of their craft, but I will give them props on their art.

Vicky Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:11 AM EST

GT-

Totally agree with you. Sometimes I hear people say "TV rots your brain," but then they go on to name movies they love. Makes no sense to me. I've seen some pretty bad TV shows, but I've also seen the same amount of bad movies.

rachel Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:10 AM EST

what an ungreatful ass

GOB Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM EST

Gillian Anderson often makes a fool of herself in interviews. I've marveled at what and idiot she seems to be whenever she appears on Leno or Letterman. She's an excellent actress, but maybe she shouldn't speak unless someone else writes the words for her.

Nemo Niente Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:59 AM EST

Ms. Anderson and Ms. Stone should give back their Emmys!

Sally Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:56 AM EST

Gillian who?
That's right, she's living in England amongst the "serious" actors. And five years from now, she will be begging for an acting job on TV; don't they all?

Louise Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:53 AM EST

Bravo Slezak! I challenge any person who looks down his noise on tv to watch Heroes tonight. It's sharper, more exciting and better written than 75% of movies being made today.

Mozz Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:52 AM EST

Poor Gillian,
she has indeed lost her way. But maybe it was that last season of the X-Files that turned her off. The way the show was extended forever so they could still make money from it, that would turn anyone bitter and she must have felt used. But today's best stories are often on Television. I cite "LOST" which is a novel for the television audience. Today's tv surpasses in creativity and quality a lot of the movies in the market. As a matter of fact looking at the top ten movies of this week, I would have to say, i'd rather watch some television. In moderation of course. All good things in moderation. :)

Jenny Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:50 AM EST

X-Files made a name for Ms Anderson but that doesn't mean that she is forever indebted to Television. Granted, her comment could have been less hostile but she is as entitled to her opinion as you are yours. Not everyone has to love Television. Isn't that a novel concept?

Jane Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:38 AM EST

I remember Sharon Stone dissing Gillian Anderson when they worked on the movie "The Mighty," saying that she deigned to work with people who were from TV. Glad to know that Gillian and Sharon now share the same hubris. Gillian, here's a tip from a fan: Do not forget the rock from which you were cut. The people who put you on top weren't theatre critics, but tv fans like me who enjoy quality writing from folks like Chris Carter, Joss Whedon, David Chase, Greg Daniels et al. Owen is right about some of the best writing being on TV. You'd be lucky to have a role on the Sopranos. Why do you think people like Glenn Close and Forrest Whitaker do TV? And you never know. If your people don't manage your money well, you might end up back on tv, so show a little gratefulness and respect.

charlotte Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:37 AM EST

I use to be a movie snob as well. You'd never catch me watching somethin as mundane as television. But I saw the light, and actually, the early days of the X-files helped me see that TV could be the most creative and most satisfying venues for storytelling and character development. Until the shows go on a couple years longer than they should.

GT Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:35 AM EST

I hate when people bash television as if there are no bad books, movies, songs, plays or operas. Why is one form of entertainment automatically better then any other

Lamb Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:31 AM EST

I agree with Owen wholeheartedly! I used to be a movie addict but I've converted to a TV addict because that's where the quality is. I read that interview with Gillian Anderson, she is a potty-mouth!

Owen Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:15 AM EST

Its true. The best writing in America is not happening in film or the New York/London/Chicago/regional stage. Its on television. No contest.