The Profile: Gillian Anderson takes on Thatcher

The star of The X-Files and The Fall is courting controversy by imbuing Margaret Thatcher with a degree of empathy in Netflix’s The Crown

Gillian Anderson is winning acclaim for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Crown. Illustration: Peter Hanan

In brief:

Name: Gillian Anderson

Age: 52

Appearance: short and slight with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.

Newsworthiness: as Margaret Thatcher in the new season of The Crown, Anderson explores the late British prime minister’s ruthlessness through her insecurities and vulnerabilities.

In depth:

The first time we catch a glimpse of Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of Peter Morgan’s smash-hit drama The Crown, she is preparing herself for the day ...