David Duchovny on Being "extremely" Grateful

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Mr. Showbiz — December 1996

David Duchovny says that just because he bitches and moans about working on The X-Files, it doesn't mean he'll be happy when the show ends. "Why does everybody think I'm this ungrateful person who is trying to leave the show?" he asked in a TV Guide interview. "I love the show. So when I talk about this 'damn show,' it's like when you hear guys talk about their wives. They complain about them, but they still love them. They're not going to leave — they just need to complain." 

Duchovny says his gripes are his insecure way of saying, "I'm more than this. Personally, professionally, in every way. Yes, this made me famous, but it didn't give me that for free — I earned it. And people don't get that." He describes his relationship with co-star Gillian Anderson as "complicated," saying "we just get enough of each other right now." 

For her part, Anderson laughs and says that "David is a really nice guy. He's got the ability to be absolutely compassionate and caring." But, says Anderson, "[He's] also one of the moodiest people I've ever met. But you forgive him because he's so charming and can be so sweet and funny." The TV Guide issue is out now, and features two covers — one titled "extremely Hot," featuring the left side of Duchovny's face, while the other is labeled "extremely Cold," featuring the right side of his face. When placed side-by-side, you will see Duchovny's full face revealed.