I’m drawn to determined women... so I had to play Thatcher, reveals Gillian
GILLIAN Anderson has praised Margaret Thatcher’s “extraordinary mind” as she talked about playing the politician in The Crown.
The actress, 52, portrays the former Prime Minister in season four of Netflix’s royal drama, which launched on Sunday.
Talking to Harper’s Bazaar, Gillian said: “I wouldn’t necessarily agree with her leadership style. By the end, I think she became quite dictatorial. She was in power for 11 years, and they say that leaders should never go beyond seven years or they hey start to go mad. But she he had the most extraordinary mind.”
Before taking on the role of the Iron Lady,
Gillian learned about Mrs
Thatcher’s childhood.
She said:
“Childhood is always a very helpful and informative place e to start. Margaret Thatcher grew up as a grocer’s daughter and as an alderman’s daughter – a Methodist – so all of those aspects defined who she was as Prime Minister, her policies and how she budgeted for the country.
“She built her world. She really worked hard to get to where she was. Whether you are a supporter of hers or not, or like her or don’t like her, you can’t let go of the fact that she really made herself.”
The star also revealed how she chooses her roles.
She said: “I think I’m more
Iron will... As Mrs Thatcher, in The Crown, and the real Iron Lady, left. Right and inset, Gillian p poses for Harper’s Bazaar
attracted to women who have something to say or are quite determined, because I tend to be quite determined myself.”
Speaking during Bazaar at Work Week, Gillian admitted she could not imagine how difficult it must be for young women starting out now who want their voices heard.
She said: “Now, more than ever, it is important to focus on the self. It’s a good time for reflection, and for friendships.”