Joan Cusack has revealed the joy she feels in voicing her beloved character, Jessie, from the Toy Story franchise, as well as her fondness for exclaiming “yeehaw.” In an interview with PEOPLE, the actress disclosed that her enthusiastic delivery of Jessie’s catchphrase has become a significant part of her life since first stepping into the role 24 years ago.
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Cusack, now 63, initially found the insistence on recording multiple “yeehaws” during her sessions quite amusing. “When you do those recording sessions, they would always ask me to say, ‘Yeehaw.’ And I was like, ‘Oh my God. Don’t you have enough yeehaws in the bank somewhere?'” she recalled with laughter. However, her perspective changed over time, leading her to embrace this joyful expression. “It’s such a fun feeling to say yeehaw. And when someone tells me good news, I will text them, ‘Yeehaw.'”
The character of Jessie has undoubtedly become one of Cusack’s most iconic portrayals, defined not only by her spirited voice but also by her unmistakable Chicago accent. This animated cowgirl first entered the hearts of audiences in 1999’s Toy Story 2, joining the beloved duo of Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, and Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen. Cusack reminisced about how thrilled she felt when invited to join the franchise, especially since her own children, Dylan and Miles, were young fans of Buzz.
As she continued to voice Jessie in subsequent films—Toy Story 3 in 2010, Toy Story 4 in 2019, and now Toy Story 5—her character has evolved into a fan favourite. The latest installation has garnered attention for exploring contemporary themes, particularly how technology impacts parenting. In Toy Story 5, Jessie grapples with the challenges posed by a smart tablet named Lilypad, reflecting the distractions faced by today’s children.
Cusack expressed her excitement about the new film, stating, “It’s a really special movie about girls and about tech and about human connection.” The film recently set box office records following its opening weekend, highlighting its wide appeal. “I’m just really overwhelmed that this is such a beautiful movie and I get to be part of it,” she added, emphasising her enduring affection for Jessie. “I love her spirit and her joy. And this movie is just unbelievable to me.”
The supporting cast of Toy Story 5 includes familiar voices: Tony Hale as Forky, Blake Clark as Slinky Dog, Wallace Shawn as Rex, and John Ratzenberger as Hamm. New characters add fresh dynamics to the story, with Lilypad, Smarty Pants, Evil Bullseye, and Pizza with Sunglasses being voiced by Greta Lee, Conan O’Brien, Alan Cumming, and Bad Bunny, respectively.
The latest chapter in the Toy Story saga not only continues to resonate with long-time fans but also introduces the franchise to new generations. Cusack’s portrayal of Jessie has left an indelible mark on the franchise, and it appears that the character will thrive in the hearts of audiences for years to come.
With Toy Story 5 now in theatres, fans can experience the rich storytelling, humour, and heartfelt moments that have made the series a beloved staple of animated cinema. For Cusack, this adventure as Jessie is not just about the iconic catchphrases but about celebrating the essence of joy and connection within the narrative.