Joan Cusack, born on October 11, 1962, in New York City, is an acclaimed American actress and comedian.
She gained recognition with Academy Award nominations for Working Girl (1988) and In & Out (1997).
Notable roles include Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock (2003) and Jessie in the Toy Story series (1999–2019).
Cusack has also appeared in Shameless (2011-2015) and was a cast member on Saturday Night Live (1985-1986).
Siblings
Cusack has three siblings, namely John, Ann, Bill, and Susie Cusack.
All of them are involved in the performing arts. Joan, born in 1962, is known for her roles in films like Working Girl and School of Rock.
John, her older brother, is also a well-known actor. Ann gained fame from A League of Their Own, while Bill and Susie have appeared in various projects as well.
The Cusack siblings often collaborate in films, showcasing their strong familial bond in the entertainment industry.
Career
Cusack began her career in the early 1980s, gaining initial attention as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1985 to 1986, where she showcased her comedic skills.
Her early film roles included appearances in iconic teen films such as Sixteen Candles (1984) and The Breakfast Club (1985), which helped establish her presence in the genre.
Cusack’s breakthrough came with her performance in Working Girl (1988), where she played Cyn, a supportive friend to Melanie Griffith’s character.
This role earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
She further solidified her status as a talented actress with her role as Debbie Jellinsky in Addams Family Values (1993), where she blended comedy with a touch of darkness, earning praise for her quirky portrayal.
In 1997, Cusack starred alongside her brother John Cusack in the dark romantic comedy Grosse Pointe Blank.
Her performance as a quirky yet grounded character resonated with both critics and audiences, showcasing her ability to tackle diverse roles.
Additionally, Joan Cusack is widely recognized for her voice work in animated films, particularly as Jessie in the beloved Toy Story series.
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She lent her voice to Jessie in Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010), and Toy Story 4 (2019), becoming one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
In television, Cusack gained significant acclaim for her role as Sheila Jackson in the critically acclaimed series Shameless from 2011 to 2015.
Her portrayal of a character struggling with personal issues while navigating life in a dysfunctional family earned her multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her ability to tackle complex roles with depth and humor.
She has also made guest appearances on various shows, including The Simpsons, where she voiced multiple characters over the years, and appeared in films such as My Blue Heaven (1990) and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012).
In recent years, Cusack has continued to take on diverse roles across film and television.
She remains active in the industry, participating in various projects that highlight her enduring talent and versatility.
Awards and accolades
Cusack has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, reflecting her talent and versatility as an actress.
She has been nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress for her performances in Working Girl (1988) and In & Out (1997).
In addition to her Oscar nominations, Cusack has won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2015 for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Sheila Jackson in Shameless.
She received several other Emmy nominations for the same role, showcasing her impact on the series.
Cusack has also been recognized by the American Comedy Awards, winning three times for Funniest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for Working Girl, In & Out, and Runaway Bride (1999).
Her work in voice acting earned her an Annie Award for her role as Jessie in the Toy Story franchise.
Other notable accolades include a Golden Globe nomination and a Satellite Award win for Best Supporting Actress.
