Ann Cusack is an American actress and singer, known for her roles in A League of Their Own, Multiplicity, and Nightcrawler as Linda.
She hails from the prominent Cusack family, with siblings Joan, John, Bill, and Susie also in the acting profession.
Ann has appeared in numerous TV shows, including Better Call Saul and Private Practice, showcasing her versatility across genres.
In 2021, she formed a musical group called Ann Cusack and the Generation Jones Band.
Siblings
Ann has four siblings, namely Joan, John, Bill, and Susie.
All have pursued careers in acting, influenced by their parents, Dick and Nancy Cusack.
Joan, born in 1962, is known for her roles in Working Girl and In & Out. John, the eldest brother, gained fame in films like Say Anything… and Grosse Pointe Blank.
Bill has appeared in various projects alongside his siblings, while Susie made her debut in Hero and has also acted with them in several films.
Career
Ann began her acting career in the late 1980s, making her mark in theater before transitioning to film and television.
She studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and later honed her craft at the Acting Studio in New York City.
Her early work included appearances in various TV shows and films, which helped establish her presence in the industry.
One of her most notable film roles came in A League of Their Own (1992), directed by Penny Marshall. In this iconic film, Ann played Shirley Baker, a member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
The film was both a critical and commercial success, showcasing women’s contributions to sports during World War II.
Also Read: Sarah Silverman Siblings: Meet the Siblings Squad Behind the Stand-up Comedian
Following this success, she appeared in Multiplicity (1996), a comedy starring Michael Keaton, where she played one of the supporting roles.
The film revolves around a man who clones himself to manage his busy life, leading to humorous situations that Ann’s performance helped enhance.
In 2014, Ann took on a more serious role in the critically acclaimed thriller Nightcrawler, directed by Dan Gilroy.
She portrayed Linda, a producer at a local news station who becomes involved with the morally ambiguous protagonist played by Jake Gyllenhaal.
The film received praise for its commentary on media ethics and Gyllenhaal’s performance, with Ann’s contribution adding depth to the narrative.
Throughout her career, Cusack has made significant contributions to television.
She has appeared in numerous popular TV series, including Fargo, where she played Constance Heck in Season 2 of this anthology series.
Her ability to handle complex characters was showcased effectively in this role.
Additionally, she had a notable part in Better Call Saul, portraying Rebecca Bois and adding emotional weight to the storyline involving Saul Goodman.
In Private Practice, Ann had a recurring role as Dr. Charlotte King’s mother, further demonstrating her range as an actress.
In addition to her acting career, Ann has explored music. In 2021, she formed a musical group called Ann Cusack and the Generation Jones Band, where she showcases her singing talent.
Awards and accolades
Cusack has received recognition for her work in film and television, although her accolades are fewer compared to her siblings.
She won the Commitment to Chicago Award from the Chicago Film Critics Association in 2000, which she shared with her family members, including her siblings Joan, John, Bill, and Susie Cusack.
While she has not been nominated for major awards like the Oscars or Emmys, her performances in various projects have garnered respect within the industry.
Her roles in films such as A League of Their Own and Multiplicity, along with guest appearances in popular TV series like Better Call Saul and Fargo, showcase her versatility as an actress.