Madigan was natural inside Chicago, Illinois. Her father is John Madigan, a Chicago-vicinity radio personality.

Amy Madigan was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the 1985 film Twice in a Lifetime.

From either 2003 to 2005, Madigan starred in the HBO series Carnivàle as Iris Crowe, the sister of sinister sermoniser Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown).

Madigan is besides the political militant; among more items, she has served on the national board of NARAL Pro-Choice America, a pro-choice/women's rights organisation.

Madigan has been married to actor Ed Harris since 1983. the few use of these toddler together, a girl, Lily.