Jessica Gunning was inspired by “iconic” stalker roles for her portrayal Baby reindeer.

On Sunday, September 15, the 38-year-old English actress took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Mini- or Anthology Series or Movie at the 76th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Martha in the Netflix black comedy created by Richard Gadd.

Later that evening, Gunning spoke to the press about her preparations for her role after her big win and revealed that Kathy Bates in the 1990s misery was one of her inspirations.

The actress said she had read up on “man obsession” and the “iconic films” on the subject, citing in particular the Oscar-winning adaptation by Stephen King in which Bates, 76, plays disturbing fan and stalker Annie Wilkes.

Noting that Bates was one of three stars who presented her with the award, she added, “So yes, I knew about the stalker movies and roles that are out there.”

Gunning praised Gadd’s script, saying that on paper her character was “so unique and unusual.” “For me, everything was in the script and I could just identify with her. I never saw her as a villain. I saw her as a kind of complicated, lonely character, just like Richard’s character Donny. That was all in the work. I was just very lucky to get to play the role,” she said.

Recalling her first encounter with the role, Gunning said she couldn’t put the script down after receiving it. “I read all seven episodes in one sitting and I just fell in love with the story, the script and the character of Martha,” she said. “When we were shooting, I was just so proud of Richard (and) that story. And then when we did it, we all thought it was going to be this kind of slow-burn indie hit that people might watch.”

She remains “very close” to Gadd and said: “He’s an amazing man. I think some of his writing for the show and the story he told in episode four is some of the bravest work I’ve ever seen or been involved in. I’m incredibly proud of him.”

The show won four awards at the ceremony, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Anthology Series or a Movie and Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries or Anthology Series or a Movie for Gadd and Outstanding Miniseries or Anthology Series.

Accepting her first Emmy Award, Gunning said: “I honestly feel like I’m going to wake up any minute, this whole thing has been like a dream. Thank you so much. I’m so incredibly proud to be a part of this. Baby reindeer. I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who made this possible for me.”

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In the series, the actress plays the lead character Martha, a woman who goes to great lengths to pursue bartender and aspiring comedian Donny, played by Gadd and based on his true life experiences.

Watch PEOPLE’s full coverage of the 76th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.