The wa-X Files: Gillian Anderson Meets Her Wax Figure in Iconic Dress

As FBI agent Dana Scully she’s rarely lost for words, but Gillian Anderson was rendered speechless after coming face-to-face with her waxwork likeness on Wednesday. 

The actress, best known for her starring role in The X-Files, gave the wax effigy her seal approval ahead of its public launch at Madame Tussauds on London’s Baker Street. 

Anderson, 57, worked in close collaboration with artists at the celebrated waxwork museum over the last year as they sculpted her likeness, which has been styled in the ‘Vulva’ dress she famously wore to the 82nd Golden Globe Awards in 2024. 

From taking precise measurements, to capturing reference photographs to working together on deciding the look, pose and styling, the figure resembles an exact replica of the star.

Designed by Gabriela Hearst, the corseted floor-length gown, with its delicately embroidered designs sparked headlines when first worn by Gillian. The memorable dress has now been donated to the world-renowned attraction by Gabriela herself.  

The figure’s red-carpet-ready look is complete with diamante jewellery, metallic Aquazzura platform heels and a matching bag.

Visibly stunned, the actress posed for photos alongside her waxwork before it was unveiled to the general public. 

On the launch of her new Madame Tussauds London figure, Anderson said: ‘When I got the call from Madame Tussauds to say they wanted to create a wax figure of me, I thought, really? Who would want to see a figure of me on a carpet rather than as a character? 

‘Then I thought about this dress and realized, yes, it makes sense to re-create this moment at the Golden Globes.’ 

She added: ‘The dress became a much bigger conversation than even I had anticipated, with so many people reacting positively for different reasons. 

‘I think this dress represents empowerment for women, celebrating bodily autonomy and freedom from shame. I wanted to give people the chance to stand next to it and revel in the audacity of it.’

Anderson’s career spans decades of acclaimed performances and is beloved for her iconic roles from Dana Scully in The X-Files to Dr. Jean Milburn in Sex Education. 

The figure launch coincides with a number of her highly anticipated projects including Channel 4 drama Trespasses, and Netflix’s upcoming American Western The Abandon’, scheduled for release on 4 December.

Steve Blackburn, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said: ‘Having Gillian Anderson join our star-studded lineup is a huge honour. 

‘She is the perfect modern-day icon, from sci-fi legend to red carpet trailblazer, working with Gillian has been a genuine pleasure. 

‘The team have poured their extraordinary skill into recreating every detail of her look and we can’t wait for guests to come face-to-face with this incredible, conversation-starting, statement dress that Gabriela Hearst has kindly donated for Gillian’s first-ever figure.’ 

Speaking about the prospect of seeing her waxwork effigy for the first time with Instagram followers in October, Anderson said: ‘I think I’m in denial about the aspect of seeing a second me, I’m very curious what colour hair I have. 

‘I’m here and I’m going through all the steps, but I don’t think it’s really going to hit me until I actually see the figure itself. 

‘I’m very excited, it’s a real honour. That’s me done with my first sitting. I’ve never been probed so much in my life, thank you to everybody who contributed to my probing.’