Gillian Anderson reflects on early parenting choices amid demanding X-Files schedule

Gillian Anderson opened up about her early parenting regrets, saying she wishes she had been less selfish while raising her first child, Piper. The actress gave birth at 26, shortly after The X-Files began, and faced a demanding shoot that often required 17-hour days. After her divorce from Clyde Klotz in 1997, Piper split her weeks between Anderson in Los Angeles and her father in Vancouver, attending a French lycée in both locations, which meant frequent travel for the six-year-old.

Anderson admitted she did not realise her bargaining power as a lead star, which limited her ability to adjust the schedule. She later reflected on a possible alternate life with a smaller workload after having sons Oscar and Felix with Mark Griffiths. Despite the reflections, Anderson continues to act, with recent roles in The Crown, Sex Education, The Salt Path, and a Cannes-premiered film.