Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny’s not-so-good relationship has been a topic of discussion among fans and the media. Though they had electric and loving on-screen chemistry, they went through many feuds and ups and downs in their personal relationship. They even experienced periods of tension and went through long periods of not speaking to each other. 

But it seems that they have eventually resolved their fights and become close friends now! Let’s spin some beans on their bond and relationship throughout the years!

Key points:

• Gillian and David’s performances as Scully and Mulder have earned a huge fanbase, acclaim, and multiple awards.
• Despite their attractive on-screen chemistry, they have had strained relationships, disagreements off-screen, and feuds during the show’s production.
• But these off-screen issues never came in between their professional careers, and X-Files always received love for Scully and Mulder characters.
• Their relationship improved over time. They reconciled and developed a close friendship, with Anderson describing their current dynamic as an “adult friendship.”

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson in “The X-Files”

David and Gillian’s portrayal of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in the series “The X-Files” attracted audiences worldwide. The show, which premiered in 1993 and ran for 11 seasons, showcased the two actors as FBI agents investigating paranormal cases. 

Duchovny, as Muldder, a brilliant yet haunted FBI agent, played a perfect balance of intelligence, skepticism, and vulnerability. On the other hand, Anderson’s portrayal of Scully was equally impressive. She was a scientifically minded FBI agent assigned to debunk Mulder’s unconventional theories.

The X-Files received positive reviews from television critics and was a cultural phenomenon that won three Golden Globe Awards for Best Drama. 

Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny On-Screen Chemistry

Well, let’s now talk about their on-screen chemistry! The onscreen chemistry between Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny in “The X-Files” was electric and deeply rooted in the characters’ complex relationships. Their roles were so intertwined that they effortlessly conveyed the trust, tension, and mutual respect between Fox and Dana. 

This professional partnership evolved into a romantic relationship that made a genuine connection with the audience. They portrayed it so well that it made the audience feel invested in their relationship.

Off-set Tension between David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson

Now, here is the real tea! Despite being a super cool on-screen couple, their off-screen relationship has experienced tension and times of difficult communication.

Well, yes, Duchovny and Anderson had a difficult time working together off-screen. Their relationship was so strained that they would go as far as cutting off all communication with each other during certain periods of filming

Both have been working together for years, and in those years, these companies went through many ups and downs. They have also been open about the feuds and disagreements they had on the X-Files set.

Anderson has also admitted to having periods when she hated Duchovny and that they didn’t talk for long periods of time. She has also compared their not-so-good relationship to a marriage. 

[Video Credits @OfficialJonathanRoss]

Their off-screen tension was first seen at the Golden Globe Awards. During the acceptance speech for Best Actor, David expressed gratitude to her, and everyone noticed Gillian with an irritated face. 

In one of her interviews with The Guardian, Gillian stated, “”There were definitely periods when we hated each other. Hate is too strong a word. We didn’t talk for long periods of time. It was intense, and we were both pains in the [***] for the other at various times.”

When asked the reason behind these fights, she stated, “I wondered this for a long time, and I think part of it [is that] we shot in Vancouver, and it’s very moist in Vancouver… and so my hair gets very frizzy, and so it takes forever, and between every single take we’d have to stand there and blow-dry my hair.”

[Video Credits @JimmyKimmelLive] 

Further, there was a time when David refused to have Gillian on his show, Californication. He stated the reason behind this is that he wanted to preserve the memory of X-Files as FBI agents. 

However!

Despite their personal issues, they both maintained a high degree of professionalism and managed to create one of the most successful television series of all time. In fact, during a talk with the Metro, David even stated, “All that fades away, and you’re just left with the appreciation and love for the people you’ve worked with for so long.”

So, their off-screen tension has been a topic of discussion among fans, but it did not affect the show’s quality or popularity. 

Are David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson Friends Now?

Well, fortunately, YES!

Over time, their animosity gave way to a deeper appreciation and love for each other. They have since reconciled and become good friends. They even started to promote the series reboot, which made it clear that their fights had been resolved.

Their friendship remained the same even after the last season of The X-Files in 2018.

What’s more, in 2021, Gillian also posted a picture of herself with David and her dog on Twitter. This proves that they are still close and maintaining their adult friendship!

Post “The X-Files” Projects

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have had successful careers beyond the show “The X-Files.” Duchovny has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “Californication,” “Twin Peaks,” and “Aquarius.” He has also released several albums and authored several books

Anderson has also had a successful career, appearing in films such as “The House of Mirth,” “The Last King of Scotland,” and “Johnny English Reborn.” She has also starred in several television shows, including “The Fall,” “American Gods,” and “Sex Education.” Moreover, she has even authored several books and is a prominent activist for various causes.

Final Thoughts

So that’s all, with bittersweet fights and a strong bond between David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Their friendship has grown over time and given way to a deeper appreciation and love for each other. 

In fact, their friendship has evolved, and they have learned to appreciate each other’s talents and contributions to the show despite past struggles. So, are you a die-hard fan of David and Gillian like me? Let me know your thoughts about them in the comment section below.

FAQs on David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson

Check out some common questions about David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson here.

Are David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson friends?

Yes, as of now, they have grown a wonderful friendship and bond over the years, despite the flights they had on the set of X-Files.

Do Mulder and Scully get together?

Yes, since the promotion of the X-Files finale in 2018, Mulder and Scully have become friends again and given way to a deeper appreciation for each other.

Who is David Duchovny married to now?

David Duchovny is not currently married. He was married to actress Téa Leoni from 1997 to 2014. They have two children together.

Are Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny married?

No, Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny have never been married.

Did David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson date?

No, there is no official evidence that David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson ever dated.

Did David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson get along?

Yes, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have always been reported to have gotten along well and have a strong professional relationship.