Amy Madigan has shared how her husband Ed Harris reacted to her chilling new role in the horror film Weapons, where she underwent a dramatic transformation.
> At a Glance
> – Amy Madigan used prosthetics and makeup to become the witchy Aunt Gladys in Weapons
> – She won Best Supporting Actress at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards
> – Ed Harris “loved” her villainous look, calling it a blend of her own personality
> – Why it matters: After 40 years of marriage, their creative support continues in the spotlight
Madigan, 75, plays a sinister woman responsible for the disappearance of 17 children in a suburban town. The role required heavy prosthetics and dramatic makeup, turning her into the film’s antagonist.
Family Support Behind the Scenes
Speaking at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards on January 6, 2026, Madigan said Harris “loved” her transformation. She noted that he saw “all the parts of myself melded into Aunt Gladys.”
Madigan added:
> “I have a very supportive family – my daughter also – so I’m very lucky.”
As awards season continues, her family keeps her motivated. “They’re just saying, ‘You can do it. Hang in there,'” she shared. “I’m like, ‘I don’t want to get hair and makeup done again,’ and they’re like, ‘It’s okay, it’s okay.'”
Career Milestones and Recognition
Madigan and Harris married in November 1983 while filming Places in the Heart. Their daughter Lily was born in 1993. The couple has since appeared together in Pollock, Riders of the Purple Sage, Gone Baby Gone, and The Last Full Measure.
Key Takeaways
- Amy Madigan’s role in Weapons has earned her a Golden Globe nomination, her first in 36 years
- She won Best Supporting Actress from the New York Film Critics Circle
- The actress describes the experience as “overwhelming” and credits her hair, makeup, and costume team for bringing Aunt Gladys to life
Madigan says the film has brought her renewed recognition. “Because of Weapons, I’ve had a lot of recognition. There’s maybe more people calling and things like that, but you know I’m very realistic,” she said. “We’ll just see what happens down the road.”
