Sadly but Unsurprisingly, Gillian Anderson Was Offered Less $$ Than David Duchovny for 'The X Files'
The truth is out there.
![x-files](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tKbmnqvBDoJXYjuXcP3y5Z-415-80.jpg)
Ugh, Hollywood. Despite Jennifer Lawrence's wage gap essay being a catalyst for change, Gillian Anderson just revealed that she was offered less money than David Duchovny for The X Files reboot. Erm, nope. Unacceptable.
As anyone who's binge-watched The X Files knows, Scully and Mulder share equal screen-time. Basically, if it weren't for Scully, Mulder would just be talking to himself about aliens in some tragic diner. So yes, this is ridiculous.
Gillian told The Hollywood Reporter that Fox offered her "half of what they want to offer David" while negotiating the reboot, and later revealed that the network used to require her to stand a few feet behind him on camera. While she successfully fought against being marginalized during The X Files' original incarnation, she was understandably dismayed when the network offered unequal pay yet again.
"It was shocking to me, given all the work that I had done in the past to get us to be paid fairly. I worked really hard toward that and finally got somewhere with it," she told The Daily Beast. "Even in interviews in the last few years, people have said to me, 'I can't believe that happened, how did you feel about it, that is insane.' And my response always was, 'That was then, this is now.' And then it happened again! I don't even know what to say about it. It is…sad. It is sad."
Gillian and David ended up being paid equally for The X Files reboot, but that doesn't go far in mitigating the fact that she was low-balled in the first place. No words, only gifs.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
The 30 Celebrity Memoirs That Are Actually Worth Reading
Britney Spears, Demi Moore, Jessica Simpson, and more drop some serious bombshells in these pages.
By Andrea Park Published
-
The Unstoppable Alia Bhatt
Bollywood’s silver-screen darling is both at the top of her game and just getting started.
By Neha Prakash Published
-
The 30 Best Movies on Hulu Right Now
From 'Fight Club' to '10 Things I Hate About You.'
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Queen Elizabeth Has Passed Away at 96
After a 70-year reign, the queen passed away at her home in Balmoral, Scotland.
By Jenny Hollander Published
-
The 50 Best '80s Movies
An official roundup of the decade's standout films.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
Elizabeth Lail and Dustin Milligan Compete in 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The stars of 'Mack & Rita' could barely hold it together during a round of trivia.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Charli XCX Isn't Here to Appease Anyone
The pop star talks authenticity, her new album, and taking care of herself while on tour.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
What 'Femininity' Means in 2022
Malala, Amanda Gorman, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and more define the word on their own terms.
By Neha Prakash Published