Joan Cusack

Joan Cusack is an acclaimed actress and comedian celebrated for her distinctive comedic style, expressive performances, and decades-long career in film and television. Born in New York City and raised in Illinois, Cusack grew up in a creative family deeply connected to the arts. She is the sister of fellow actor John Cusack, and several members of the Cusack family pursued careers in entertainment. After studying at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, she began building a career that would establish her as one of Hollywood’s most versatile character actresses.

Cusack first gained national attention as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live" during the mid-1980s before transitioning into a successful film career. She became known for scene-stealing supporting roles in beloved films such as "Working Girl," "In & Out," and "School of Rock." Her performances earned widespread praise for combining eccentric humor with emotional warmth, and she received Academy Award nominations for both "Working Girl" and "In & Out." Cusack has also appeared in films including "Runaway Bride," "Say Anything," "Ice Princess," and "Instant Family."

In addition to her live-action work, Cusack became familiar to younger audiences through voice acting, most notably as the energetic cowgirl Jessie in Pixar’s "Toy Story 2" and subsequent installments of the "Toy Story" franchise.

On television, Cusack earned additional acclaim for her role as Sheila Jackson on the Showtime series "Shameless," winning a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance. Known for bringing depth and humanity to quirky and unconventional characters, Cusack has remained one of the entertainment industry’s most respected performers.