Summary

• Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny had significant tension off-screen during their time making The X-Files, leading to periods of not speaking to each other and breakdowns for Anderson.
• Despite their personal issues, The X-Files remained consistently good throughout its run, a testament to the talent and dedication of both actors.
• Anderson and Duchovny have since reconciled and become good friends, even posting a selfie together in 2021, much to the delight of fans.

Although Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny had great on-screen chemistry as the iconic duo of The X-Files, they had significant tension off-screen. The X-Files featured Dana Scully and Fox Mulder, two FBI agents investigating paranormal cases. The show premiered in 1993 and gained a massive cult following, airing for 11 seasons, with the most recent released in 2018. For as long as they've worked together, viewers might assume the two leads got along well, but that was not always the case.

The X-Files costars went through many ups and downs in their relationship throughout the years, and both Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny have been open about the struggles they experienced. Sometimes, things would get so bad that the two stars would not speak to each other for long periods. Tensions were often high, and Gillian Anderson even had breakdowns filming The X-Files. Nevertheless, the two actors have maintained a high degree of professionalism despite off-air tensions.

The X-Files is available to stream on Hulu.

Gillian Anderson And David Duchovny Had A Difficult Relationship During The X-Files Original Run

The X-Files Stars Had Infamous On-Set Difficulties

The public first saw the tumultuous relationship between The X-Files' Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny in 1997 at the Golden Globe Awards. Viewers noticed that Gillian Anderson did not thank David Duchovny during her acceptance speech for Best Actress in a Television Drama Series. During his acceptance speech for Best Actor in the same category, Duchovny expressed gratitude towards Anderson, but she was visibly irritated when the camera panned towards her.

Anderson even publicly compared her relationship with Duchovny to a marriage.

In public interviews that followed, both Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny itted to having a strained relationship, but neither was specific about the cause. Anderson even publicly compared her relationship with Duchovny to a marriage. It's no wonder that extended periods spent in each other's company would eventually result in disagreements. Despite their issues, episode-to-episode The X-Files remained one of the small number of shows that were consistently good throughout their whole run — truly a testament to the talent and dedication of both actors.

How The X-Files Stars Made Up For The Reboot

David Duchovny And Gillian Anderson Worked Much Better Together By 2018

Given Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny's rocky history, fans were surprised when news began circulating regarding The X-Files' revival series. As the actors started to promote the series reboot, it became obvious their feud was resolved. They both acknowledged their past issues and were transparent about having reconciled and become good friends since then. Some fans doubted the sincerity of the actors' reconciliation, but their friendship persisted even after the last season of The X-Files in 2018.

Despite not being a couple, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are now friends.

In 2021, Gillian Anderson posted a selfie with David Duchovny and her dog, proving that the two are still close. The X-Files remains one of the longest-running sci-fi television series in history. Despite Anderson and Duchovny's past feelings towards each other, the success of The X-Files was largely attributed to the on-screen chemistry between Scully and Mulder. After reconciling, rumors spread that the actors were romantically involved, which they denied. Despite not being a couple, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are now friends.