---
name: "Joan Cusack"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/joan-cusack"
fi1m_id: "joan-cusack"
imdb_id: "nm0000349"
tmdb_id: 3234
wikidata_id: "Q272946"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "11 October 1962"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 19
average_fi1m_score: 75
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 19
updated: "2026-10-05T03:47:41.193324+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Joan Cusack

## Identity

Joan Cusack

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/joan-cusack
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** joan-cusack
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000349
- **TMDB ID:** 3234
- **Wikidata ID:** Q272946
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Cusack, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q272946, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000349/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3234

Actor. Born 11 October 1962 in New York City, New York, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 11 October 1962, New York City, New York, USA
- **Active:** 1987–present
- **Also known as:** Joanna Mary Cusack, Joan Mary Cusack
- **Frequently works with:** [Tim Allen](https://film.one/person/tim-allen.md), [Tom Hanks](https://film.one/person/tom-hanks.md), [Andrew Stanton](https://film.one/person/andrew-stanton.md), [Don Rickles](https://film.one/person/don-rickles.md), [D.V. DeVincentis](https://film.one/person/d-v-devincentis.md), [Garry Marshall](https://film.one/person/garry-marshall.md), [Jack Black](https://film.one/person/jack-black.md), [John Cusack](https://film.one/person/john-cusack.md)
- **Primetime Emmy Awards:** 1 Emmy (1 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 75, as actor, over 19 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 82 (3), 1990s 70 (4), 2000s 72 (4), 2010s 77 (7), 2020s 66 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 74 to 72 across 18 titles
- **Score spread:** 9 at 80+, 7 at 60–79, 3 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 2 of 13 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 18, Family 10, Animation 8, Drama 7, Romance 6, Adventure 2
- **Screen time:** 30 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $5,153m across 16 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Cusack, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q272946, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000349/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3234

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*Toy Story 2*](https://film.one/film/toy-story-2.md) (89), [*Toy Story 3*](https://film.one/film/toy-story-3.md) (87), [*Chicken Little*](https://film.one/film/chicken-little.md) (42)
- **Apple TV:** [*The School of Rock*](https://film.one/film/the-school-of-rock.md) (84), [*Addams Family Values*](https://film.one/film/addams-family-values.md) (78)
- **Netflix:** [*High Fidelity*](https://film.one/film/high-fidelity.md) (82), [*Klaus*](https://film.one/film/klaus.md) (77)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*The Perks of Being a Wallflower*](https://film.one/film/the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower.md) (76)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Joan Cusack

> Joan Cusack makes a rush of words sound like someone trying to keep panic under control. We value the comic speed, but her Jessie shows how moving she can be when she is given time to slow down.

Joan Cusack's characters often talk as though stopping would make things worse. A worry becomes a rush of words, then a tirade, and the speed is funny before we have considered what has set it off. She is good at making anxious people endearing without smoothing away their oddness. We rate her most highly when a film lets us take their worries seriously.

The supporting comedies of the 1980s and 1990s established the pattern, including Cyn in *Working Girl* (1988) and Debbie Jellinsky in *Addams Family Values* (1993). Her verbal and physical comedy makes her useful in an ensemble, sometimes too useful. Repeated casting as the eccentric friend or family member risks asking for the same quick effect each time. We would rather see a part develop than spend a film waiting for the next outburst.

As Marcella in George Armitage's *Grosse Pointe Blank* (1997), she is again in support, playing the assistant to John Cusack's professional killer. The film's early comedy is sharp, but the joke of a hitman worrying about his life grows wearing. We find the romance more persuasive than the self-questioning, which the script never makes searching enough. We would not recommend it simply because she is in it.

Voicing Jessie from *Toy Story 2* (1999) onwards gave her a character to develop over several films. In *Toy Story 5* (2026), director Andrew Stanton and co-writer Kenna Harris put Jessie at the centre, allowing Cusack to ease off the familiar gallop. With a child drifting towards a screen, her panic is persuasive and her stubbornness better still. We were moved by the restraint in her voice, with Newman's strings doing little to push us.

The film is decent rather than essential, raising questions about children and screens that it will not properly pursue. Stanton also hurries away from a quiet moment Cusack has earned, a frustrating failure to trust her. These are faults in the film, not reasons to discount the performance. Watch the fifth film for Cusack, rather than for answers about children and screens.

## Biography

Joan Cusack is an American actress. Born on 11 October 1962 in New York City, she was a cast member on the sketch comedy series *Saturday Night Live* from 1985 to 1986.

Cusack received Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress for *Working Girl* (1988) and *In & Out* (1997). She is known for voicing Jessie the cowgirl in the *Toy Story* franchise, beginning with *Toy Story 2* (1999) and continuing through *Toy Story 3* (2010), *Toy Story 4* (2019) and *Toy Story 5* (2026). Other film roles include Rosalie Mullins in *The School of Rock* (2003). On television she played Sheila Jackson in *Shameless* (2011–2015), for which she received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations and won once in 2015.

She is the sister of actors John Cusack and Ann Cusack.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, usatoday.com, people.com.*

## On Fi1m (19)

- *Toy Story 5* (2026), Fi1m 66, as Jessie (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/toy-story-5.md)
- *Klaus* (2019), Fi1m 77, as Mrs. Krum (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/klaus.md)
- *Toy Story 4* (2019), Fi1m 78, as Jessie (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/toy-story-4.md)
- *Instant Family* (2018), Fi1m 68, as Mrs. Howard — [page](https://film.one/film/instant-family.md)
- *The Perks of Being a Wallflower* (2012), Fi1m 76, as Dr. Burton — [page](https://film.one/film/the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower.md)
- *Arthur Christmas* (2011), Fi1m 82, as Lead Elf (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/arthur-christmas.md)
- *Shameless* (2011), Fi1m 70, as Sheila Jackson — [page](https://film.one/tv/shameless-2011.md)
- *Toy Story 3* (2010), Fi1m 87, as Jessie (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/toy-story-3.md)
- *Phineas and Ferb* (2007), Fi1m 80, as Glenda — [page](https://film.one/tv/phineas-and-ferb.md)
- *Chicken Little* (2005), Fi1m 42, as Abby Mallard (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/chicken-little.md)
- *The School of Rock* (2003), Fi1m 84, as Rosalie Mullins — [page](https://film.one/film/the-school-of-rock.md)
- *High Fidelity* (2000), Fi1m 82, as Liz — [page](https://film.one/film/high-fidelity.md)
- *Runaway Bride* (1999), Fi1m 58, as Peggy Flemming — [page](https://film.one/film/runaway-bride.md)
- *Toy Story 2* (1999), Fi1m 89, as Jessie (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/toy-story-2.md)
- *Grosse Pointe Blank* (1997), Fi1m 55, as Marcella — [page](https://film.one/film/grosse-pointe-blank.md)
- *Addams Family Values* (1993), Fi1m 78, as Debbie Jellinsky — [page](https://film.one/film/addams-family-values.md)
- *Say Anything...* (1989), Fi1m 81, as Constance Dobler — [page](https://film.one/film/say-anything.md)
- *Working Girl* (1988), Fi1m 80, as Cyn — [page](https://film.one/film/working-girl.md)
- *Broadcast News* (1987), Fi1m 84, as Blair Litton — [page](https://film.one/film/broadcast-news.md)

## Complete filmography (84)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Toy Story 5* (2026), as Jessie (voice) — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/toy-story-5.md)
- *Klaus* (2019), as Mrs. Krum (voice) — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/klaus.md)
- *Let It Snow* (2019), as Tin Foil Woman
- *Toy Story 4* (2019), as Jessie (voice) — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/toy-story-4.md)
- *Instant Family* (2018), as Mrs. Howard — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/instant-family.md)
- *Homecoming* (2018), series, as Francine Bunda
- *The Christmas Train* (2017), as Agnes
- *Unicorn Store* (2017), as Gladys
- *Snatched* (2017), as Barb
- *A Series of Unfortunate Events* (2017), series, as Justice Strauss — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/a-series-of-unfortunate-events.md)
- *The Stinky & Dirty Show* (2016), series, as Red (voice)
- *Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping* (2016), as Tilly
- *Freaks of Nature* (2015), as Peg Parker
- *The End of the Tour* (2015), as Patty
- *Welcome to Me* (2015), as Dawn Hurley
- *Toy Story That Time Forgot* (2014), as Jessie (voice)
- *Toy Story of Terror!* (2013), as Jessie (Voice)
- *The Perks of Being a Wallflower* (2012), as Dr. Burton — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower.md)
- *Partysaurus Rex* (2012), as Jessie (voice)
- *Small Fry* (2011), as Jessie (voice)
- *Arthur Christmas* (2011), as Lead Elf (voice) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/arthur-christmas.md)
- *Hawaiian Vacation* (2011), as Jessie (voice)
- *Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil* (2011), as Verushka the Witch (voice)
- *Mars Needs Moms* (2011), as Mom (voice)
- *Shameless* (2011), series, as Sheila Jackson — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/shameless-2011.md)
- *Toy Story 3* (2010), as Jessie (voice) — Fi1m 87, [page](https://film.one/film/toy-story-3.md)
- *Acceptance* (2009), as Nina
- *My Sister's Keeper* (2009), as Judge De Salvo
- *The Face is Familiar* (2009), Actor
- *Confessions of a Shopaholic* (2009), as Jane Bloomwood
- *Kit Kittredge: An American Girl* (2008), as Miss Lucinda Bond
- *War, Inc.* (2008), as Marsha Dillon
- *Martian Child* (2007), as Liz
- *The Pixar Story* (2007), as Jessie (voice) (archive footage)
- *Phineas and Ferb* (2007), series, as Glenda — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/phineas-and-ferb.md)
- *Friends with Money* (2006), as Franny
- *Chicken Little* (2005), as Abby Mallard (voice) — Fi1m 42, [page](https://film.one/film/chicken-little.md)
- *The Office* (2005), series, as Erin's Biological Mother — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-office-2005.md)
- *Ice Princess* (2005), as Joan Carlyle
- *American Dad!* (2005), series, as Widow Support Group Leader (voice)
- *The Last Shot* (2004), as Fanny Nash (uncredited)
- *Raising Helen* (2004), as Jenny Portman
- *Peep and the Big Wide World* (2004), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *Looney Tunes: Back in Action* (2003), as Mother
- *The School of Rock* (2003), as Rosalie Mullins — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/the-school-of-rock.md)
- *It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie* (2002), as Rachel Bitterman
- *Max & Ruby* (2002), series, Actor
- *What About Joan?* (2001), series, as Joan Gallagher
- *Where the Heart Is* (2000), as Ruth Meyers
- *High Fidelity* (2000), as Liz — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/high-fidelity.md)
- *Cradle Will Rock* (1999), as Hazel Huffman
- *Toy Story 2* (1999), as Jessie (voice) — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/film/toy-story-2.md)
- *Hidden Vulnerability: A Look Into the Making of 'Arlington Road'* (1999), Actor
- *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Pam Burton
- *Runaway Bride* (1999), as Peggy Flemming — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/runaway-bride.md)
- *Arlington Road* (1999), as Cheryl Lang
- *In & Out* (1997), as Emily Montgomery
- *A Smile Like Yours* (1997), as Nancy Tellen
- *Grosse Pointe Blank* (1997), as Marcella — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/grosse-pointe-blank.md)
- *Mr. Wrong* (1996), as Inga Gunther
- *Two Much* (1995), as Gloria
- *Nine Months* (1995), as Gail Dwyer
- *The Mother* (1994), as Annie
- *Corrina, Corrina* (1994), as Jonesy
- *Addams Family Values* (1993), as Debbie Jellinsky — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/addams-family-values.md)
- *Toys* (1992), as Alsatia Zevo
- *Hero* (1992), as Evelyn Laplante
- *The Cabinet of Dr. Ramirez* (1991), as Cathy · Story
- *Performance* (1991), series, as Annie
- *My Blue Heaven* (1990), as Hannah Stubbs
- *Men Don't Leave* (1990), as Jody
- *Say Anything...* (1989), as Constance Dobler — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/say-anything.md)
- *Working Girl* (1988), as Cyn — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/working-girl.md)
- *Married to the Mob* (1988), as Rose
- *Stars & Bars* (1988), as Irene Stein
- *Broadcast News* (1987), as Blair Litton — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/broadcast-news.md)
- *The Allnighter* (1987), as Gina
- *Grandview, U.S.A.* (1984), as Mary Maine
- *Sixteen Candles* (1984), as Geek Girl #1
- *Class* (1983), as Julia
- *My Bodyguard* (1980), as Shelley
- *Great Performances* (1971), series, as Anne
- *The Oscars* (1953), series, as Jessie (voice)
- *Toy Story 6*, as Jessie (voice)

## Gallery

- ![Joan Cusack as Marcella in Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)](https://film.one/media/title/4533/still-fde019df5429.jpg) Joan Cusack as Marcella in *Grosse Pointe Blank* (1997) — Image via TMDB
- ![Joan Cusack](https://film.one/media/person/6599/gallery-06d86028d0c7.jpg) Joan Cusack — Anthony Quintano from Hillsborough, NJ, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/Joan_Cusack_%28h%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Joan Cusack](https://film.one/media/person/6599/gallery-a69f2e71b9ad.jpg) Joan Cusack — Image via TMDB
- ![Joan Cusack](https://film.one/media/person/6599/gallery-bf2a196ae7f3.jpg) Joan Cusack — Image via TMDB
- ![Joan Cusack](https://film.one/media/person/6599/gallery-57405e143c4f.jpg) Joan Cusack — Image via TMDB
- ![Joan Cusack](https://film.one/media/person/6599/gallery-95cd9aaed579.jpg) Joan Cusack — Image via TMDB
- ![Joan Cusack](https://film.one/media/person/6599/gallery-6ff49c516c53.jpg) Joan Cusack — Image via TMDB
- ![Joan Cusack](https://film.one/media/person/6599/gallery-9e8eea9e1fa2.jpg) Joan Cusack — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 2 nominated

- 1998: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *In & Out*
- 1989: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *Working Girl*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 1 won

- 2015: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (won), for *Shameless*

### Other awards — 1 won

- Theatre World Award 1989: Theatre World Award (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/joan-cusack