Joan Cusack: Chicago Mom First, Hollywood Star Second

Joan Cusack is set to voice cowgirl Jessie once again in the highly anticipated Toy Story 5, returning to a major movie role more than 25 years after Jessie first appeared. This marks her first significant film engagement since 2023's Toy Story 4 and her first red carpet appearance in almost 11 years.

Cusack, who has been based in Chicago for her entire life, reflects on her deliberate choice to step away from Hollywood's demands to focus on raising her two sons, Dylan and Miles. She acknowledges that while she has occasionally tried living elsewhere, the allure of Los Angeles, with its constant focus on the entertainment industry and abundant sunshine, never suited her.

Her dedication to family and her Chicago roots remains paramount. She humorously describes the surreal experience of attending recent Hollywood events, noting her preference for a less glamorous lifestyle. Beyond acting, Cusack also owns and operates Judy Maxwell Home, a gift shop in Chicago, which she describes as a fulfilling hobby.

Cusack's career began in her teens, with notable early roles in "My Bodyguard" and "Sixteen Candles." She earned two Oscar nominations for her performances in "Working Girl" and "In & Out," solidifying her status as an acclaimed character actress before shifting her focus to family life.