"I say she’s not there any more, but she’s closer than I realise."
One of the most well-known divisive political figures in living history is about to be portrayed on the small screen.
Set to make her debut in the Netflix series is Margaret Thatcher in 'The Crown' season four. Depicted by Gillian Anderson - who we know from 'The X-Files' and 'Sex Education' - she recently underwent an interview about how she approached such a well-known role.
As part of their Women of the Year feature, Harper's Bazaar sat down with Anderson about her eagerly-anticipated role, touching on how she managed to transform herself. With the actor only wearing a padded suit beneath her clothes for the role - yes, those are her real teeth - do remnants of her portrayal still linger after filming?
She told the publication of the similarities between her and the former UK Prime Minister, who did things "full steam ahead": "I think people in my life would say I’m a little bit like that. I like to deal with things – if there’s an issue or a problem, let’s talk about it.
"I’m not sure there’s much of a trace, and as I’m watching her, my face starts to go into her resting position. I say she’s not there any more, but she’s closer than I realise."
Anderson was in full costume as Margaret Thatcher at one point on set when her boyfriend, series writer Peter Morgan, came to see her. She said: "I smiled at him, as me, Gillian, smiling at her boyfriend, and he said, 'This is Thatcher! This smile is Thatcher'’" Anderson recalls.
She laughs: "And I’m like, no! This smile is me!"
Gillian Anderson also said that taking on the role of Thatcher was a "no brainer". However, she did have some reservations about playing her, and she didn't wish it to turn into a "parody", saying: "As daunting as it might be, as intimidating, you have to say yes.
"I had to get to a point where it’s nothing to do with my opinions of her policies, of her actions. It is only about her as a human being and her motivation as a politician and as a mother."
There's not too long to wait now until 'The Crown' season four lands on Netflix this November 15. Here's the trailer.