The character of Jessie in the Toy Story film franchise serves as a prominent showcase for Joan Cusack’s voice acting, a role that spans from 1999 through the upcoming 2026 release of Toy Story 5. This sustained engagement highlights her influence in animation alongside an extensive live-action career defined by offbeat comedic timing and eccentric, neurotic portrayals.
Formative Years and Education
Born in New York City in 1962, Joan Mary Cusack was raised in Evanston, Illinois. Her parents, Dick and Ann Paula Cusack, were deeply involved in the arts, with her father working as a filmmaker and actor. After attending Evanston Township High School and the Piven Theatre Workshop, she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, graduating in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in English.
Early Television and Film Breakthroughs
Cusack entered the national spotlight as a cast member on Saturday Night Live during its 1985–1986 season, where she performed celebrity impersonations and developed recurring character sketches. Her feature film trajectory included notable performances in Working Girl in 1988 and In & Out in 1997, both of which earned her Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. Throughout this period, she established a frequent professional partnership with her brother, actor John Cusack, appearing with him in ten films including Sixteen Candles, Say Anything, and High Fidelity.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Character Acting and Narrative Versatility
Her filmography spans diverse genres, ranging from the dark comedy of Addams Family Values, where she portrayed Debbie Jellinsky, to the academic setting of School of Rock as principal Rosalie Mullins. She further demonstrated her range in television projects such as the children's series Peep and the Big Wide World, where she served as narrator, and Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, where she played Justice Strauss. In 2011, she joined the cast of the Showtime series Shameless, portraying Sheila Jackson for several seasons. This role garnered her five consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations, culminating in a win for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2015.
Entrepreneurial Pursuits
Outside of her performing career, Cusack maintains a base in Chicago, Illinois. She has operated a gift shop named Judy Maxwell Home in the city's Old Town neighborhood since 2011. The store takes its name from a character in her favorite film, the 1972 feature What’s Up, Doc?.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, New York City
- Education: University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Notable Film Work: Toy Story franchise, School of Rock, Addams Family Values
- Primetime Emmy Award: 2015
- Theatre World Award: 1989
- Key Television Role: Sheila Jackson in Shameless
- Residence: Chicago, Illinois
- Business: Owner of Judy Maxwell Home
Questions readers ask
Did Joan Cusack receive any Academy Award nominations?
Yes, she was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actress for her performances in Working Girl (1988) and In & Out (1997).
Is Joan Cusack related to other actors?
Yes, she is the sister of actress Ann Cusack and actor John Cusack.
What voice roles is she best known for?
She is recognized for voicing Jessie in the Toy Story franchise and Abby Mallard in the 2005 film Chicken Little.
Achievements
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series — 2015
- Notable work: Toy Story 2
- Notable work: Toy Story 4
- Notable work: Toy Story 5
- Educated at University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Worked as film actor, television actor and voice actor
