Gillian Anderson's Tresses

Gillian Anderson as Agent Dana Scully on THE X-FILES on FOX. ©2000 FOX BROADCASTING Credit:Timothy White/FOX

As as rebellious teen Gillian Anderson's tresses temporarily took the form of a multi-colored Mohawk, long before vibrantly colored hair was sizzling hot.

During her teen Mohawk hair period she also got a nose ring and favored black lipstick and rebellious fashions.

Natural Blonde Curly Tresses

The former Agent Dana Scully is famous for her lustrous red locks which morphed through a series of lengths, styles and hues during her many years on The X Files (1993–2002).

THE X-FILES - SEASON 8: Agent John Doggett (Robert Patrick, L) and Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson, R) Credit: Larry Watson/FOX

Ironically, Gillian has naturally textured ash blonde hair.

In her role as Agent Scully, Gillian, (born August 9, 1968 in Chicago, Illinois) left her natural blonde curls behind in favor of her famous ruby hued stick straight bobs.

Gillian officially shelved her straight red hairstyles 12 years ago when she last appeared with David Duchovny in the X-Files on Fox.

Red X-Files Hairstyles

Although she temporarily appeared in two X-Files moves between 1998 and 2008, her red screen hair has transitioned along with her post-X-Files roles.

Now that Agent Mulder and Scully has agreed to reprise their X-Files roles in a new miniseries consisting of six episodes, fans are waiting to see what color and style Gillian will adopt for the reboot.

Gillian Anderson as Agent Dana Scully on THE X-FILES on FOX. ©2000 - FOX BROADCASTING Credit:Timothy White/FOX

Gillian almost didn't get her career defining role as the fiery red haired Agent Dana Scully.

The Fox network didn't  think the then 24 year old actress was sexy enough for the part.

The X-Files star recalled "They wanted someone taller, leggier and bustier".

Gillian told Star Magazine in 1998 "I guess they were going to make The XXX Files."

Gillian Was Unwilling To Be A Bimbo

Chris Carter, the show's creator "What it came down to was that the network wasn't sure how Gillian would look in a bathing suit.  Gillian wouldn't have wanted to win the role based on her looks anyway."

Gillian Anderson as Meg Fitch on CBS Series Crisis 0 2014 - CBS.com - All Rights Reserved

Gillian was quoted in Star as saying "It's better than being called a bimbo like Pam Anderson, who is only famous for her body - if it is her body.  I'd prefer to be known for something a little more worthwhile."

Major Weight Gain During First Pregnancy

A very petite 5 feet, 3 inches in height, Gillian gained an eye-opening 52 pounds when she was pregnant with her first child, daughter Piper.

Due to the requirement to be back filming the X Files as quickly as possible after giving birth, Gillian lost the pregnancy weight quickly through determination.

Gillian Anderson - Meg Fitch - NBC Crisis - 2014 - All Rights Reserved

Gillian was quoted after giving birth  as saying the the sheer effort involved in going back to work immediately (after having her daughter) while caring for a newborn at the same time helped her quickly shed her pregnancy weight.

Gillian's Exercise Goals

The athletic actress has expressed worries in the past that her hectic acting schedule often leaves her little time for formal exercise.  She hired a personal trainer to whip her into shape for the big-screen version of The X-Files.

When she works out on her own, she has expressed a preference for water sports instead of weights and sit-ups.  She's been quoted as saying "I'm so hugely drawn to water.  I don't sail, but I plan to."

Gillian Anderson as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier on Hannibal - NBC - All Rights Reserved

Gillian prefers "comfortable jeans, motorcycle boots and small cardigans" often topped off with a casual baseball cap.

She told Star "I tend to wear what makes me comfortable and self-confident, despite the social situation.  If I see something I like, something that makes me feel good, I'll wing it."

Gillian admits she likes putting on the glitz for big Hollywood events.

She has said "it's fun for big Hollywood events.  It's fun to dress up to a certain degree.  There's something to be said for putting a nice dress on and getting all glammed up."

Busy Career & Three Children

Gillian Anderson as Meg in the episode "Here He Comes" on NBC - Crisis - 2014

The busy actress who has two sons (Oscar born in 2006 and Felix born in 2008) in addition to her daughter,  professes to have little interest in her looks, particularly when it comes to makeup.

She's quoted as saying "I don't put that much thought into it.  I honestly don't look in the mirror very much."

The actress continued "I get up in the morning and most of the time I get my hair and makeup done before I realize I should have checked first to see if I had sleep in my eyes."

Gillian is always careful to shield her super-fair skin from the sun.

Watching Her Weight

To keep up with very long days when she's acting, plus the responsibility of being a single mom to three, Gillian eats for energy.

She gets her protein boosts from chick or fish at lunch and usually sticks with more lean protein and veggies for dinner.

Gillian Anderson as Meg in the episode "Here He Comes" on NBC - Crisis - 2014

The actress watches what she eat because she was overweight as a child.  If she must nibble on something  between meals, she likes Vitamin C-packed pineapple and big, comforting chunks of Italian bread with butter.

The svelte actress has admitted to a weakness for chocolate and occasionally gives in to a midnight craving for a brownie.

Gillian gave up liquor at age 21.  "I loved alcohol.  I actually like alcohol a bit too much.  I gave it up because it was becoming...it was just getting too much.  I just realized that all I wanted to do was drink."

Summary - Gillian Anderson's Tresses

Since her famous run on The X-Files, Gillian has won many awards and kudos for acting in film, on the stage and in various TV series.  She was admired for her role on NBC's Hannibal where she played Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier.

The actress also starred on the NBC series Crisis as Meg Fitch.  For both NBC series her hair was a lighter strawberry blonde and longer than her trademark amber red bob hairstyles on The X-Files.