X-chromosomes within The X-Files

Employing feminist media theory and fan-star theory, this analysis qualitatively examines the various components and potential social significance of contemporary celebrity role models by way of Agent Scully of the television series The X-Files. Since first entering popular culture consciousness in 1993, Agent Scully has been widely lauded as a role model for women. Appeal of the groundbreaking character as a smart, courageous, professional woman is supplemented by the charisma of actor Gillian Anderson, who is correspondingly admired. An integrated methodology is applied to study these dual positive female images, including textual analysis, historical treatment of popular press discourse, a personal interview with Gillian Anderson, and analysis of fan tertiary texts. Inquiry into the online identificatory practices of certain engaged female fans shows that elements of text, context, star, and fandom coalesce to produce a celebrity role model construct that fosters viewer activity beyond individual circumstances and into engagement with larger social issues.