Amy Madigan Says Ed Harris “Loved” Her Dramatic Transformation in Weapons

Amy Madigan is opening up about how her husband, Ed Harris, reacted to her striking transformation in the horror film Weapons — and his response was full of support.

The 75-year-old actress plays the unsettling villain Aunt Gladys in Weapons, a witch-like character blamed for the disappearance of 17 children in a quiet suburban town. Heavy prosthetics and bold makeup helped Madigan completely change her appearance for the role.

Speaking with PEOPLE at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards on January 6 in New York City, Madigan said her husband of more than 40 years, Ed Harris, truly embraced her transformation.

“He loved it,” Madigan said. “He’s known me a long time and he saw all the parts of myself melded into Aunt Gladys.” She added that she feels fortunate to have a supportive family, including the couple’s daughter.

Madigan also shared how her family has encouraged her during a busy awards season. The actress has already won a Critics Choice Award and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance. “They’re just saying, ‘You can do it. Hang in there,’” she said, laughing about the repeated hair and makeup sessions that come with awards events.

Madigan and Harris married in November 1983 after starring together in Places in the Heart. They welcomed their daughter Lily in 1993 and have continued to work together over the years, appearing in films such as Pollock, Riders of the Purple Sage, Gone Baby Gone, and The Last Full Measure.

Reflecting on how Weapons, directed by Zach Cregger, has impacted her career, Madigan said the recognition has been noticeable but she remains grounded. “There’s maybe more people calling and things like that, but I’m very realistic,” she explained. “We’ll just see what happens down the road.”

Madigan recently won Best Supporting Actress at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards and described playing Aunt Gladys as a rewarding experience. In her acceptance speech, she praised the cast and the behind-the-scenes team, crediting hair, makeup, special effects, costumes, and wigs for bringing the character to life.

“I’m very overwhelmed by people’s appreciation for Aunt Gladys,” she said.

The actress has also shared that she and Harris are enjoying the moment, especially with her first Golden Globe nomination in 36 years. “We’ve both been doing it a really long time,” Madigan previously said. “We’re just having a good giggle about it and enjoying the ride.”