The truth is out there! Former X-Files co-stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have opened up about the not-so-glamorous side of their time filming the iconic '90s show, disclosing some behind-the-scenes conflicts and their rather tumultuous relationship.
On the November 12 episode of Duchovny's podcast, Fail Better, the actors acknowledged the strain between them during their stint as FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Duchovny, now 64 years old, reminisced about the early days of their collaboration, reflecting on the tensions they experienced and how they often failed to communicate off-camera.
"There was a long time working on the show where we were just not even dealing with one another off camera," Duchovny revealed. "And there was a lot of tension, which didn’t matter apparently for the work, because we’re both f---ing crazy, I guess, and could just go out there and do what we needed to do."
Anderson, now 56, echoed his sentiments, adding, "It’s crazy how we were able to present on camera various feelings and emotions, attraction, and all of those kinds of things, but then not speak to each other for weeks at a time." The pair's ability to hide their disagreements and still deliver chemistry on screen is nothing short of remarkable.
During their conversation, Duchovny admitted to feeling guilty about their friendship during the show's peak popularity. He pondered, "I guess I would talk about my failure of friendship or companionship. Even if it’s just biographical, I don’t know if we ever sat down and said, ‘Hey, what was your childhood like?’”
Bringing their memories from filming to light, Anderson shared details of intense periods when they actively avoided each other. "There was definitely tension," she said. It seems this tension wasn't just limited to the set; Duchovny recounted moments when they wouldn’t speak for extensive stretches of time, sometimes as long as weeks.
One particularly “dysfunctional” episode occurred shortly after the Emmys, Duchovny recalled. He had chartered a private plane to take both actors from Los Angeles to Vancouver, where The X-Files was filmed. Upon her late arrival, Duchovny said he was furious, and the two spent the entire flight giving each other the silent treatment.
"And you wrote me a letter," he reminisced, smiling at the moment's absurdity. "You’re just like six feet away from me, writing this letter to me; I don’t even know what it said. But it’s amazing we couldn’t just have the conversation. The fact we were on a private plane, and yet avoiding dialogue, is just ridiculous." Anderson, for her part, shrugged off the incident, stating, "I had no memory of it. It’s interesting to hear about, though."
Their relationship wasn’t just hindered by personal disagreements; work pressures also contributed to their issues. Duchovny mentioned the strain of being thrust quickly to stardom, saying, "We were both f---ed up, sleep-deprived, and inexperienced." Anderson was pregnant during the early filming stages, which added to the complexity of their dynamics, as sleep deprivation can only make things harder.
Another point of tension arose when Anderson fought for pay equity for the revival of X-Files episodes. During negotiations for the show’s 2016 return, she found herself being offered significantly less than Duchovny, which ignited discussions about gender disparity and fairness within the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on this period, Duchovny admitted, "That whole pay equity thing is part of our past as well. I was part of it"—though his tone suggested he viewed it with mixed feelings. "Back then, I thought I was being attacked. I felt like I was being blamed simply for being offered more money." Anderson reacted, expressing surprise at his feelings of isolation amid their professional struggles.
Despite all the challenges, the conversation also included some heartfelt exchanges between the two. Duchovny confessed he felt hurt when Anderson made her decision to leave X-Files and retire the character of Scully publicly during the revival period. "It felt like you were quitting me," he said, emphasizing his emotional response. Anderson clarified, emphasizing her choice was tied to her character's declining arc rather than personal feelings about working with Duchovny. "It felt like Scully's arc was one of strength and agency, and I wanted to leave it at its peak," she explained.
With the benefit of hindsight, both actors reflected on their past. They noted the strange dichotomy of their professional relationship compared to their personal interactions. Duchovny summarized this sentiment well, stating, "It’s crazy how we did the work we did under such difficult circumstances."
Over the years, the bond between Duchovny and Anderson has undoubtedly matured, with the two actors finding friendly ground. It seems they have moved past their earlier conflicts, growing to appreciate their joint experiences on one of television's most groundbreaking series.
Their revelations serve as not only entertainment but also as entries needed to unpack the world of behind-the-scenes conflicts—especially within the entertainment industry where these are often veiled. They remind fans both of the show's extraordinary legacy and the real-life dynamics between its stars.
Anderson is finding new avenues, engaging with her latest fantasy book project titled Want, which aims to explore women's sexual fantasies. This new chapter of her life showcases her versatility and ambition far beyond the small screen, turning the page on her role as Scully. Duchovny, too, is continuing to evolve, dedicatively pursuing various artistic endeavors, successfully balancing his multifaceted career.
The once-complicated relationship between Anderson and Duchovny has grown, making way for admiration and friendship as they reflect on their unique experiences together and separately. Together, they created something magical on screen and have managed to navigate the realities of fame and personal connection through it all.