Veteran actress Amy Madigan discusses her standout performance as the witch Gladys in the horror film Weapons, which has grossed $268 million worldwide and sparked Oscar buzz. In a new interview, the 75-year-old reflects on her long career, including an Oscar nomination in 1986, a dry spell that nearly ended her acting, and the social media phenomenon surrounding her character. Madigan expresses surprise at the renewed attention after years of sparse opportunities.
Interview Highlights
Amy Madigan, known for roles in Field of Dreams and Uncle Buck, sat down for an interview at a Malibu café, where she opened up about her return to prominence with Weapons. Directed by Zach Cregger, the film follows the disappearance of 17 third-grade children in a Pennsylvania town, revealed to be the work of Madigan's character, Gladys, a witch who steals their life force to sustain herself. Madigan's portrayal, featuring smeared clown-like makeup and an auburn wig, has become an unexpected social media sensation, particularly embraced by the gay and trans communities for its confident drag elements.
"As you very well know, the gay community has really taken to Gladys," Madigan said. "That’s really great — especially in this framework of the demonization of anybody other than a cis person." Cregger noted sending her TikToks and memes, adding, "I’ll call her every now and again, and I’ll be like, ‘Amy, are you aware of what’s going on?’ She’s like, ‘No! Tell me.’"
Career Context
Madigan debuted in 1982 and earned an Oscar nomination for Twice in a Lifetime in 1986, competing against Anjelica Huston and Oprah Winfrey. She starred in 1989 hits like Field of Dreams opposite Kevin Costner and Uncle Buck with John Candy. However, offers dwindled in later years, leading to a period of little work. "There was a long period of time where she really didn’t work at all, or very little," said her husband of 42 years, Ed Harris. Madigan considered quitting, facing comments like, "Are you still acting?"
The Weapons role marked a turning point. Cregger cast her after considering bigger names, praising her as a "chameleon with a very pure essence." Co-star Josh Brolin echoed, "Amy has always delivered appropriately, sometimes in an understated way, and sometimes in extremis." The film's success has brought new opportunities and Oscar whispers, though Madigan remains cautious: "I’ve been doing this a long time and I am who I am now at this stage of my life."
Personal Reflections
Raised in Chicago as a sports fan and cinephile, Madigan initially pursued music before pivoting to acting in 1974. She recently lost her Pacific Palisades home in a January fire but is rebuilding. On industry challenges, she criticized AI and consolidation: "If they could get rid of actors, they would do it." Despite past struggles, she's optimistic about future roles.