10 Best TV Performances Of 2017 (So Far)

6. Gillian Anderson - American Gods

American Gods Media Gillian Anderson
Starz

Gillian Anderson is something of a pop culture icon in her own right, but it's the way she takes on other iconic personas in American Gods that makes her the series' standout (which isn't an easy task, given the stellar work of Emily Browning and Ian McShane et al).

The list of celebrities that Media appears as includes: Lucille Ball, David Bowie, Marilyn Monroe, and Judy Garland. Even just taking on one of those screen legends would be a daunting task for most, but Anderson not only tackles each of them, but does so brilliantly.

She does pitch perfect impersonations of each, so much so that you don't feel like you're just watching Gillian Anderson impersonate the characters, but really becoming them instead, whether it's the posturing of Bowie or the delivery of Monroe, and bringing depth rather than just cheap gimmicks. At the same time, she makes sure to remind you that each of these are the manifestation of Media. It's a great reminder of just how good Anderson is, and a feat as impressive as it is weirdly entertaining.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.