Joan Cusack

Joan Mary Cusack has built one of Hollywood's most distinguished careers as a character actress, comedian, and voice performer, earning acclaim for her remarkable versatility, expressive performances, and unforgettable comedic timing. Born in New York City and raised in Evanston, Illinois, she comes from a family deeply connected to the arts, including her brother, acclaimed actor John Cusack. After studying at the Piven Theatre Workshop, she launched her acting career in the late 1970s and gained national attention as a cast member on Saturday Night Live during the 1985–1986 season.

Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Cusack established herself as one of Hollywood's premier supporting actresses with memorable performances in Working Girl (1988) and In & Out (1997), both of which earned her Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. She continued to shine in beloved films including Addams Family Values (1993), Runaway Bride (1999), High Fidelity (2000), School of Rock (2003), Ice Princess (2005), and Instant Family (2018).

Cusack is equally celebrated as the voice of Jessie, the spirited cowgirl introduced in Pixar's Toy Story 2 (1999), a role she reprised throughout the award-winning Toy Story franchise. On television, she earned critical praise for portraying Sheila Jackson in the hit Showtime series Shameless (2011–2021), receiving multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her performance. Known for her warmth, originality, and ability to blend heartfelt emotion with exceptional comedy, Joan Cusack remains one of the most respected and beloved performers of her generation.