"I got famous at a time when social media didn't exist": Gillian Anderson talks about social media, fame, motherhood, and brand in interview

Gillian Anderson is broadening her already versatile career in the limelight by donning the hat of an entrepreneur this time. Her brand G Spot, which is a line of plant-based sparkling drinks, that she co-founded and launched in May 2023, marked the actress's debut in the world of beverage business.

On October 16, 2023, the Sex Education star talked to Porter about the role of social media, celebrity, parenting, and her entrepreneurial venture. Particularly striking was Anderson's comment on how social media impacts the present generation negatively.

She said:

“I feel like I have a relatively good head on my shoulders today because I got famous at a time when social media didn’t exist. I don’t know how the [younger generations] manage to make good choices for themselves, let alone their careers, when there is so much pressure on them to be and do, and to say and not say.”

Speaking about her brand, the Hannibal starrer has started building her empire around 'Brand Gillian', in which G Spot is playing a significant role. She also shared insights about her upcoming book which is nothing short of a feminist project.

---

Gillian Anderson chats about fame and being familiar with social media

Fame is a double-edged sword that cuts even deeper in the age of social media. The X-Files starrer expressed relief at the fact that she rose prior to the onset of social media. Continuing to speak on the negative side of being visible to the public eye 24x7, Gillian Anderson further added:

“If you’re that famous at any given time, you are aware every minute you’re out in public that you are a subject slash target for your day-to-day life to be public fodder."

It is the absolute lack of privacy that bothers the 55 year old actress. However, as an icon in the 21st century, she has had to adapt to technological leaps and use TikTok to stay connected to fans as well as promote her brand.

The Sex Education actress stated:

“I would never in a million years have dreamt that I would have a TikTok account, but one of the things I have been encouraged by my team to embrace is finding a way to step into that world from time to time for the benefit of the brand – because of the audience that it connects to. Why ignore them by not speaking through the medium that they will most likely hear?”

Despite her acute awareness of the downsides, Gillian Anderson has also embraced the realm of social media.

---

Gillian Anderson on Motherhood and Empowering Women

The American actress also discussed the delicate balance between motherhood and work in the interview. Gillian Anderson is a mother to a daughter who is in her twenties and two teenage sons, takes her responsibilities seriously. She makes sure to wrap up her work while her sons are in school so that she can spend time with them when they are home.

“When they’re in school, I do my darndest to do as much of my work during those hours so I’m available afterwards. I have a very good relationship with my boys’ father, and we split our parenting", the actress said.

Likewise, she also ensures that family doesn't get in the way of her work.

She continued to say:

“And when I do film, I’m pretty strict about my schedules to make sure there are chunky gaps for me to be present for my kids and to have a life.”

Passion and empowerment have always been the guiding principles of Anderson's life, and she places a high value on empowering other women. In her upcoming book set to be published by Bloomsbury in 2024, she invites women to share their unspoken sexual desires with her, addressing their confessions as 'Dear Gillian'. She views this as an incredibly empowering and liberating act for women.

It is a "right", Anderson believes, and expanded on her vision of the project:

“It’s not trivial. It’s not frivolous. We’re trying to encourage women to let go of the shame, the guilt, the negative messaging around it.”

Gillian Anderson's single-minded focus on building her brand revolves around the central question of what brings her 'pleasure,' and she ensures that it aligns with her personal vision.