Joan Cusack has been a fixture of American comedy for decades, with a career that spans Saturday Night Live, Oscar-nominated film roles, and the voice of a beloved animated cowgirl. After years away from the spotlight, she is back in the news with a return to one of her most iconic characters.
Born in New York City in 1962, Cusack built a reputation for sharp comedic timing and an instantly recognizable voice. She earned Academy Award nominations for Working Girl and In & Out, and later found a whole new audience as Jessie in the Toy Story franchise. But in the early 2000s, she largely stepped away from on-camera Hollywood work, choosing instead to raise her family in Chicago.
Now, in 2025 and 2026, she has reappeared on red carpets and is set to reprise her role as Jessie in Toy Story 5. That shift has prompted renewed interest in her life, her family, and the reasons behind her long absence from the limelight.
What Is Joan Cusack Doing Now?
Joan Mary Cusack
October 11, 1962 (Age: 62)
Working Girl, Addams Family Values, Toy Story (Jessie), In & Out
Returning to voice Jessie in Toy Story 5 (2026)
Joan Cusack never formally retired, but she did choose a quieter path. After achieving significant success in the 1980s and 1990s, she moved to Chicago and focused on raising her two sons. She continued to work selectively, taking voice roles and occasional television parts, including a celebrated run on Shameless as Sheila Jackson.
In 2025, she made her first red carpet appearance in 11 years, according to InStyle. The occasion was tied to the upcoming Toy Story 5, in which she is listed as returning to voice Jessie. The film is scheduled for release in 2026. While no further on-camera projects have been announced, her reappearance has led to speculation about whether she might take on additional roles in the future.
Key Insights on Joan Cusack’s Current Status
- Joan Cusack is not retired, but she consciously stepped back from on-camera work to raise her family in Chicago.
- She continues to voice the beloved character Jessie in the Toy Story franchise, maintaining a selective public presence.
- She comes from a highly talented family of actors, including her brother John Cusack and sister Ann Cusack.
- Her recent red carpet appearance was her first in over a decade, signaling a measured return to public events.
- She has not announced a full-time return to on-camera roles, making her involvement in Toy Story 5 a project-specific commitment.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Siblings | John Cusack, Ann Cusack, Bill Cusack, Susie Cusack |
| Spouse | Richard Burke (m. 1996) |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Notable Award | 2 Primetime Emmy Awards (nominated for 3), 1 Academy Award nomination (Working Girl) |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $20 million (estimated) |
Who Are Joan Cusack’s Siblings?
Joan Cusack comes from one of the best-known acting families in Hollywood. Her father, Dick Cusack, was an actor, writer, and advertising executive. Her mother, Nancy, was a mathematics teacher. All five Cusack children pursued careers in the arts, making the family a notable dynasty in film and television.
John Cusack: The Most Famous Brother
John Cusack is Joan’s older brother and arguably the most widely recognized member of the family. He has starred in films such as Say Anything…, Grosse Pointe Blank, and High Fidelity. Joan and John have appeared together in several movies, including Grosse Pointe Blank, High Fidelity, and Martian Child. Their on-screen chemistry reflects a real-life closeness that has been noted in many interviews.
Ann Cusack: The Sister
Ann Cusack is another sibling who has built a solid acting career. She has appeared in television series such as Better Call Saul, The Boys, and Grey’s Anatomy, as well as films like A League of Their Own. While Ann is less famous than John and Joan, she has maintained steady work in the industry for decades.
Bill and Susie Cusack
Bill Cusack has worked as an actor and producer, with credits including High Fidelity and Chicago P.D. Susie Cusack has also appeared in film and television, though her profile is lower than that of her siblings. Together, the five Cusack siblings represent a remarkable concentration of talent within one family.
Joan Cusack is indeed related to John Cusack. She is his younger sister. Their sibling bond is well documented, and they have collaborated on multiple film projects over the years. The Cusack family also includes Ann, Bill, and Susie, all of whom are actors.
What Movies and TV Shows Has Joan Cusack Been In?
Joan Cusack’s filmography spans more than four decades, covering comedy, drama, animation, and television. Her career began with a stint on Saturday Night Live in the mid-1980s, where she gained national attention for her offbeat characters and distinctive voice.
Breakout Film Roles
She earned widespread recognition for her supporting role in Broadcast News (1987), followed by an Academy Award nomination for Working Girl (1988). She received a second Oscar nomination for In & Out (1997). Other major film credits include Addams Family Values (1993), Runaway Bride (1999), and School of Rock (2003).
Voice Work: Jessie in Toy Story
Perhaps her most beloved role is the voice of Jessie the cowgirl in the Toy Story franchise. She first voiced the character in Toy Story 2 (1999), winning an Annie Award for her performance. She returned for Toy Story 3 (2010) and Toy Story 4 (2019), and is listed as returning for Toy Story 5 (2026). The character has become a defining part of her legacy, especially among younger audiences.
After the early 2000s, Cusack stepped back from major film roles and moved to Chicago to focus on her family. She continued to work selectively, taking voice roles and television parts. Her most notable TV work came on Shameless, where she played Sheila Jackson, a role that earned her Primetime Emmy recognition.
Television: Shameless and Beyond
Cusack’s performance as Sheila Jackson on Shameless was widely praised. The role brought her multiple award nominations and demonstrated her ability to bring depth and humor to a complex character. She has also appeared in guest roles on shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and What About Joan?
Net Worth
Joan Cusack’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, accumulated from her successful film and television career. It is important to note that this figure is an estimate based on industry analysis. No verified public financial disclosure exists, and the actual number may differ.
Net worth figures for celebrities are often estimates compiled from public records, known salaries, and asset valuations. In Joan Cusack’s case, no definitive financial disclosure has been made publicly available. The $20 million figure should be treated as an approximate industry estimate rather than a confirmed amount.
Joan Cusack’s Career Timeline
The following timeline highlights key moments in Joan Cusack’s life and career, from her birth in New York City to her upcoming return in Toy Story 5.
- 1962 – Born in New York City.
- 1980s – Early career; appears on Saturday Night Live.
- 1988 – Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Working Girl.
- 1993 – Stars in Addams Family Values.
- 1999 – Voices Jessie for the first time in Toy Story 2.
- Early 2000s – Steps back from major film roles; moves to Chicago.
- 2010s – Selective roles, including Shameless and Tooth Fairy.
- 2026 – Red carpet return for Toy Story 5; film releases.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?
When researching Joan Cusack’s life and career, some facts are well established while others remain open to interpretation or are based on estimates.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| She was born on October 11, 1962 in New York City. | Net worth is an estimate; no verified public financial disclosure exists. |
| She is the sister of John Cusack, Ann Cusack, Bill Cusack, and Susie Cusack. | The reason for “leaving Hollywood” is well-documented by the actress herself (to be a parent), but is often mischaracterized as a full retirement. |
| She is married to Richard Burke and has two children. | Her “return” is specific to the Toy Story franchise; she has not announced a full-time return to on-camera roles. |
| She is voicing Jessie in Toy Story 5 (per official announcements and her red carpet appearance in 2025/2026). | Production details and specific plot information for Toy Story 5 have not been widely confirmed. |
What Does Joan Cusack’s Career Arc Mean?
Joan Cusack represents a unique career arc in Hollywood. She achieved critical acclaim and commercial success at a relatively young age, earning Oscar nominations and starring in major studio films. Yet at the height of her fame, she chose to prioritize family life over the relentless demands of on-camera work.
Her decision to move to Chicago and raise her children while continuing to work selectively — primarily through voice acting and occasional television roles — was a deliberate choice. In an interview with InStyle, she said, “I wanted to be a normal person in Chicago.” That statement encapsulates her approach to fame: she valued normality and family over celebrity.
Her recent appearance on the red carpet for Toy Story 5 signals a potential shift back into the public eye, but her focus remains on family and selective projects that interest her. Her comedic timing and unique voice have made her one of the most recognizable supporting actresses of her generation.
What Do the Sources Say About Joan Cusack?
Several credible sources provide information about Joan Cusack’s life and career. The following quotes capture key themes from her biography and public statements.
“The actress, who made her first red carpet appearance in 11 years last month, is back voicing the iconic cowgirl Jessie in Toy Story 5 this summer.”
— InStyle, June 2026
“She is known for her distinctive voice and offbeat comedic timing.”
— Wikipedia / Biography.com
“I wanted to be a normal person in Chicago.”
— Joan Cusack, via InStyle interview
These sources consistently describe Cusack as a talented performer who made a conscious choice to step back from the spotlight. Her return for Toy Story 5 is presented as a measured, project-specific decision rather than a full-scale career revival.
What Can We Expect From Joan Cusack Next?
Toy Story 5 is the primary upcoming project for Joan Cusack, with a release scheduled for 2026. Given her historically selective nature, any future roles are likely to be high-profile or passion projects that align with her personal interests. As of mid-2026, no on-camera television or film series has been announced. Her return to the red carpet has generated interest, but her long-term plans remain private.
For those interested in actors who have navigated similar career paths, Aaron McCusker – From Shameless to Bohemian Rhapsody offers a look at another performer who built a career on selective, impactful roles. Meanwhile, Saoirse Ronan – Movies, Biography, and Personal Life profiles a younger actress whose career trajectory offers an interesting contrast to Cusack’s.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joan Cusack
How old is Joan Cusack?
Joan Cusack is 62 years old. She was born on October 11, 1962.
Is Joan Cusack related to John Cusack?
Yes, John Cusack is her older brother. They have acted together in several films.
How many children does Joan Cusack have?
She has two sons with her husband, Richard Burke.
What is Joan Cusack’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, accumulated from her successful film and television career.
Why did Joan Cusack leave Hollywood?
She stepped back from on-camera work to raise her family in Chicago. She has said she wanted to be a normal person.
Is Joan Cusack in Toy Story 5?
Yes, she is listed as returning to voice Jessie in Toy Story 5, scheduled for 2026.
What is Joan Cusack known for?
She is known for films like Working Girl, In & Out, and School of Rock, and for voicing Jessie in the Toy Story franchise.
Who is Joan Cusack’s husband?
She is married to Richard Burke, a businessman. They have been married since 1996.
Does Joan Cusack still act?
Yes, she continues to work selectively. Her most recent role is voicing Jessie in Toy Story 5.
What TV show did Joan Cusack win an Emmy for?
She was nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards for her role as Sheila Jackson on Shameless, but did not win. She has won two Emmy Awards for other work.
Sophie Kendall is Celebrity News Editor at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering celebrity news, public appearances, interviews, red carpet coverage, social media updates and audience-focused showbiz stories.