Joan Cusack, renowned for her captivating roles in iconic films of the 1980s and ’90s, is once again stepping into the limelight with her reprisal of Jessie in the much-anticipated “Toy Story 5.” Despite her Hollywood success, Cusack, who has built a strong career without relocating to Los Angeles, shares her unique perspective on fame and family.
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Having spent her life largely in Chicago, Cusack, 63, attributes her decision to remain in her home city to her distaste for Hollywood culture and its relentless sunshine. Reflecting on this choice in a recent interview, she remarked, “I never lived anywhere else. I think a couple of times I tried to go out to L.A., and I’d be in a coffee shop and the waitress would be like, ‘Oh my God, I just got a part doing blah-blah-blah.’ Everyone’s so beautiful. It’s too sunny. I don’t even like the sun, so I couldn’t do it.”
Born in New York City and raised in Chicago, Cusack grew up in a family immersed in the arts. Her father, an ad executive-turned-actor, and her homemaker mother nurtured her creativity alongside her four siblings, including her brother, John Cusack. Joan made her film debut as a teenager in 1980’s “My Bodyguard”, expressing disbelief at being in a movie. Her career quickly gained momentum with standout performances in films such as “Sixteen Candles” and “Broadcast News.”
Cusack’s distinct voice has made her a memorable presence on screen, particularly with her Oscar-nominated performance in “Working Girl,” where she earnestly asked Harrison Ford’s character, “Can I get you anything, Mr. Trainer? Coffee, tea, me?” Her roles also included notable performances in “Addams Family Values” and “In & Out,” the latter of which earned her a second Academy Award nomination.
Throughout her career, Cusack has balanced her professional aspirations with family life, raising two sons—Dylan, 29, and Miles, 26—alongside her husband, Richard Burke, an attorney. She has maintained her Chicago roots all while owning a gift shop named Judy Maxwell Home since 2011, inspired by a character from Barbra Streisand’s “What’s Up, Doc?”
Describing the entertainment industry as “a crazy business and a tough business,” Cusack admits that the pressures of Hollywood have never appealed to her. “It’s hard to be around that for a long time. I love acting, but it’s not just acting. It’s all the other parts too,” she explains, emphasising her commitment to both her craft and her family.
In her latest venture, Cusack is keenly aware of how much has changed since her character first appeared in 1999’s “Toy Story 2.” The new film, “Toy Story 5,” not only marks her reunion with beloved characters like Woody and Buzz, but it also addresses contemporary parenting challenges through the lens of Jessie’s adventures. “It’s a really special movie about girls and about tech and about human connection,” Cusack shares.
The film’s narrative sees Jessie compete for a child’s attention against a high-tech device named Lilypad, making it a reflection of modern dilemmas faced by parents today. “Toy Story 5” is her first major film role since “Toy Story 4” in 2019, and her recent appearance at the film’s premiere in London was notably her first red carpet event in nearly eleven years.
With “Toy Story 5” now gracing cinemas worldwide, Cusack’s affection for her role and her continued connection to her Chicago roots resonate strongly with audiences. She embodies a unique blend of Hollywood talent while remaining grounded in her values, illustrating that personal choices can coexist with professional success in truly meaningful ways.