Joan Cusack

Joan Mary Cusack was born on October 11, 1962, in New York City and grew up in Evanston, Illinois. Encouraged by her parents, Nancy Carolan and Dick Cusack, an advertising executive, writer, and actor, she explored her creativity from a young age. Joan joined the Piven Theater Workshop as a child and later honed her improvisation skills at the Story Theater and The Ark. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English. Her siblings, Susie Cusack, John Cusack, Ann Cusack, and Bill Cusack, also pursued acting careers.

Cusack’s career began with small film roles during her university years. Her breakthrough came after graduation when she joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” from 1985 to 1986, though she only stayed for one season. She gained early recognition for her roles in films “Broadcast News” (1987) and “Working Girl” (1988), earning her first Academy Award nomination for the latter. Her distinctive voice and versatile acting have led to a wide range of roles, including the voice of Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl in the “Toy Story” franchise and Mrs. Krum in “Klaus.”

Throughout her career, Cusack has shown a consistent ability to portray both neurotic and endearing characters, contributing to her critical acclaim. She received a second Oscar nomination for her performance in “In & Out” (1997) and has garnered five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work on the Showtime series “Shameless,” winning once in 2015. Her filmography includes a variety of genres, from comedies like “School of Rock” (2003) to dramas. She has also been a commercial spokesperson for U.S. Cellular and owns a gift shop, Judy Maxwell Home, in Chicago, Illinois.