Entertainment
Gillian Anderson manages to keep straight face when asked if she spoke to Margaret Thatcher about The Crown
The Crown’s Gillian Anderson was a little taken aback at last night’s Emmy awards when she was asked if she had spoken to Margaret Thatcher ahead of taking on the role.
The 53-year-old actress picked up the gong for outstanding supporting actress for her portrayal as the former Prime Minister in the acclaimed Netflix drama, which scooped up a number of wins at the star-studded event.
Speaking to the press from the winner’s room in London, Gillian was probed on whether she had managed to sit down with Thatcher to discuss how to play her, despite the leader dying in 2013.
‘Hi Gillian, congratulations I love you on this show,’ the journalist began. ‘Just to continue with the whole Margaret Thatcher thing, first question, have you talked to her about this role at all? And secondly, why do you think it has taken America so long to get a female leader?’
Gillian handled the question like a pro and politely responded with a straight face.
‘I have not spoken to Margaret,’ she bluntly replied.
Gillian Anderson picked up the best supporting actress gong (Picture: Getty)
Answering the second part of the question, Gillian continued: ‘Maybe Kamala Harris? Maybe that’s the next step?’
The Crown won outstanding drama series after being nominated four times in the category, with four of its stars also picking up awards.
Olivia Colman broke down in tears over her late father after winning the lead drama actress prize for her final season playing the Queen.
Margaret Thatcher died in 2013 (Picture: Getty)
‘What a lovely end to the most extraordinary journey with this lovely family,’ she said. ‘I loved every second of it and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
‘I wish my dad was here to see this. I lost my daddy during Covid and he would have loved all of this.’
The Crown is available to stream on Netflix.
Emmys 2019 winners list
Writing for a Comedy Series – Fleabag, Episode 1, Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Directing for a Comedy Series – Fleabag, Episode 1, Harry Bradbeer
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series – Tony Shalhoub, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – Bill Hader, Barry
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series – Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Competition Programe – RuPaul’s Drag Race
Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie – Patricia Arquette, The Act
Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – Stellan Skarsgård, Chernobyl
Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – Ben Whishaw, A Very English Scandal
Writing for a Limited Series or TV Movie – Chernobyl, Craig Mazin
Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – Jharrel Jerome, When They See Us
Television Movie – Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie – Michelle Williams, Fosse/Verdon
Outstanding Limited Series – Chernobyl
Variety Talk Series – Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Variety Sketch Series – Saturday Night Live
Directing for a Variety Series – Saturday Night Live, Host: Adam Sandler
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Writing for a Drama Series – Succession, Nobody Is Ever Missing, Jesse Armstrong
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Julia Garner, Ozark
Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Billy Porter, Pose
Directing for a Drama Series – Ozark, Reparations, Jason Bateman
Lead Actress in a Drama Series – Jodie Comer, Killing Eve
Comedy Series – Fleabag
Drama Series – Game of Thrones
Meanwhile, Josh O’Connor won the outstanding drama actor award for his portrayal of the Prince of Wales and accepted the honour at the star-studded ceremony in downtown Los Angeles.
More: The Crown
The 31-year-old actor paid tribute to his co-star Emma Corrin, describing the actress as a ‘force of nature’ for her turn as Diana, Princess of Wales.
Tobias Menzies was also recognised for playing the Duke of Edinburgh.
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