An Emmys reporter asked Gillian Anderson if she'd spoken to Margaret Thatcher, who has been dead for 8 years, for her role in 'The Crown'

• Gillian Anderson replied that she had not talked to Margaret Thatcher when asked at the Emmys.

• Anderson portrays Thatcher in the "The Crown."

• Thatcher, who was the UK prime minister for 11 years, died in 2013.

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Gillian Anderson politely answered a strange question at the Emmys on Sunday about whether she had spoken with Margaret Thatcher in preparation for her role, despite the fact that the former prime minister of the UK passed away eight years ago.

Anderson won best supporting actress at the Emmys for her performance as Thatcher in the latest season of "The Crown." The Netflix drama series chronicles the life of the British royal family and, in particular, Queen Elizabeth II.

After winning the award, Anderson was asked a series of questions by reporters, including one from Tanya Hart of American Urban Radio Networks asking if the Emmy award-winning actor had spoken with Thatcher about her performance.

"Well, I have not spoken to Margaret," Anderson responded, without pointing out the reporter's mistake.

Thatcher, who led the UK as its Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, passed away from a stroke on April 8, 2013.

Hart later clarified to Insider that she had meant to say Theresa May who served as prime minister from 2016 to 2019.

Anderson was also asked by Hart why "it is taking America so long to get a female leader." Anderson said that the UK recently had another woman, May, in its lead position.

Anderson added: "Maybe Kamala Harris. Maybe that's the next step."

Hart did not immediately return Insider's request for comment.

"The Crown" won 11 awards at the Emmys, including best drama series, lead actor and actress in a drama series, and supporting actor and actress in a drama series.

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