Joan Cusack Movies and TV Shows: Must-Watch List 2025

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Joan Cusack Movies and TV Shows highlight her incredible range and talent, making her one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood. Known for her exceptional ability to balance humor and emotion, Joan Cusack has delivered unforgettable performances in a variety of genres.

She earned widespread acclaim for her roles in films such as Working Girl (1988) and In & Out (1997), both of which garnered her Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. Her voice work as Jessie in the Toy Story franchise added a new dimension to her career, endearing her to audiences of all ages.

On television, Joan Cusack shone in series like Shameless, where her portrayal of Sheila Jackson earned her multiple Emmy nominations. Joan Cusack Movies and TV Shows consistently showcase her ability to bring depth, humor, and heart to every role, cementing her legacy as an extraordinary performer.

Joan Cusack Biography/Wiki

Category Details
Full Name Joan Mary Cusack
Date of Birth October 11, 1962
Place of Birth New York City, New York, USA
Nationality American
Ethnicity Irish-American
Education – Graduated from Evanston Township High School, Evanston, Illinois

– Attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison (studied English)

Family – Father: Dick Cusack (a filmmaker and actor)

– Mother: Ann Cusack (a former teacher)

– Siblings: John Cusack (actor), Bill Cusack (actor), Susie Cusack (actress), and Ann Cusack (actress)

Occupation Actress, voice actress, comedian
Years Active 1980–present
Known For – Working Girl (1988)

– In & Out (1997)

– Toy Story 2 (1999) and Toy Story 3 (2010)

– Addams Family Values (1993)

– Shameless (2011–2021)

Notable Roles – “Sheila Jackson” in Shameless

– “Jessie” in Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3

– “Cynthia” in Working Girl

– “Tish” in In & Out

– “Amanda” in Addams Family Values

Awards & Nominations – Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Working Girl (1989)

– Golden Globe nomination for Shameless (2011)

– BAFTA nomination for In & Out (1997)

– Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress for Shameless (2014)

Significant Filmography – Sixteen Candles (1984)

– Working Girl (1988)

– Addams Family Values (1993)

– In & Out (1997)

– Toy Story 2 (1999)

– Shameless (2011–2021)

– Toy Story 3 (2010)

– Arlington Road (1999)

– The Kindergarten Teacher (2018)

Television Appearances – Shameless (2011–2021)

– Saturday Night Live (various sketches)

– The Simpsons (voice work)

– 30 Rock (cameo)

Voice Work – Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010), Toy Story 4 (2019) as Jessie

– The Simpsons (various characters)

– Family Guy (voice appearances)

Personal Life Joan Cusack is known to keep a relatively low profile regarding her personal life. She is married to attorney Richard Burke, and they have two sons. The family maintains a private lifestyle, and Joan has kept her relationships out of the public eye.
Philanthropy Joan has supported various charitable causes, including organizations for children and the arts. She has also spoken out about women’s rights and gender equality in the entertainment industry.
Interests Joan enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family. She has mentioned in interviews that she is particularly interested in exploring character-driven storytelling and prefers roles that have depth and emotional complexity.
Fun Fact Joan Cusack is known for her distinctive voice, which has made her a popular choice for voice acting roles, especially for animated films like the Toy Story series.
Net Worth Estimated to be $20 million, primarily from her long career in film and television, including her voice work and various acting roles.

Who is Joan Cusack?

Joan Cusack is an accomplished American actress known for her versatile career in both film and television. Born on October 11, 1962, in New York City, she hails from a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry, with her brother, John Cusack, also being a well-known actor.

 Joan’s early career took off in the 1980s with roles in movies like Sixteen Candles (1984) and Working Girl (1988), where her quirky comedic style made her a standout. Her ability to bring depth to both comedic and dramatic roles set her apart, making her a sought-after talent in Hollywood.

Cusack’s career continued to flourish with notable roles in films such as Addams Family Values (1993), In & Out (1997), and Toy Story 2 (1999), where she voiced the character Jessie. Her work in television, particularly as Sheila Jackson in the long-running series Shameless (2011–2021), earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations.

 Known for her distinctive voice and engaging performances, Joan has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses. Despite her fame, she maintains a relatively private personal life, enjoying a low-key family-oriented lifestyle.

Joan Cusack Movies and TV Shows: Must-Watch List 2025

 

 

Joan Cusack Early Life and Family

She is the daughter of Dick Cusack, a filmmaker and actor, and Ann Cusack, a former teacher. Raised in a family with a deep connection to the entertainment industry, Joan was exposed to the world of acting from an early age.

 Her father’s career as a filmmaker and her mother’s teaching background played a significant role in shaping Joan’s creative interests. Joan’s family was also notably large, with her being one of five children, including her brother, John Cusack, who also became a well-known actor. 

Growing up surrounded by such creative influence, it’s no surprise that Joan developed a passion for acting. Joan attended Evanston Township High School, where she excelled in the arts and developed her skills in acting. She later pursued her college education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied English.

 After college, Joan moved to New York City to pursue her acting career, initially starting in theater before transitioning to film. Her early life and supportive family environment played an instrumental role in her eventual success in Hollywood, where she would go on to become a celebrated actress with a diverse body of work.

Joan Cusack Amazing Career

Joan Cusack’s career is a testament to her exceptional versatility and talent. She began her journey in Hollywood in the early 1980s with her breakout role in Sixteen Candles (1984), a John Hughes classic, where she played a quirky, endearing character. Over the years, Joan built a reputation for her unique comedic timing and ability to bring depth to every character she portrayed.

 She became widely recognized for her role in Working Girl (1988), where she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This film cemented her place in Hollywood, and she continued to shine in both comedic and dramatic roles, such as Addams Family Values (1993) and In & Out (1997), demonstrating her ability to seamlessly move between genres.

Cusack also made a significant impact in the world of animation, most notably voicing the character of Jessie in the Toy Story series. Her voice work brought a new dimension to the beloved character, which further solidified her status as a versatile performer. 

On television, Joan’s performance as Sheila Jackson in the acclaimed series Shameless (2011-2021) earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations, showcasing her exceptional ability to portray complex, multi-dimensional characters. Joan Cusack’s remarkable career continues to evolve, with her memorable performances leaving a lasting impression across both film and television.

Joan Cusack Movies and TV Shows: Must-Watch List 2025

 

Joan Cusack Movies and TV Shows

Movies

  1. Working Girl (1988)
    Joan played Cyn, a spunky secretary and loyal friend. Her comedic timing added a memorable spark to this romantic comedy.
  2. Toy Story Series (1999 – 2019)
    Voicing Jessie, the energetic and lovable cowgirl, Joan became a fan-favorite in Pixar’s animated franchise.
  3. School of Rock (2003)
    As Principal Rosalie Mullins, she balanced humor and heartfelt moments in this rock-centric comedy starring Jack Black.
  4. Addams Family Values (1993)
    Joan’s portrayal of the villainous Debbie Jellinsky brought wit and charm to this darkly comedic sequel.
  5. In & Out (1997)
    Playing Emily Montgomery, she delivered a mix of hilarity and emotional depth, earning an Oscar nomination.

TV Shows

  1. Shameless (2011 – 2021)
    Joan shined as Sheila Jackson, a quirky, agoraphobic character. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award.
  2. What About Joan? (2001)
    In this sitcom, Joan played a neurotic teacher navigating life and relationships with humor and relatability.
  3. A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017 – 2019)
    Joan appeared as Justice Strauss, bringing her unique blend of warmth and humor to this Netflix adaptation.
  4. Saturday Night Live (1985 – 1986)
    As a cast member, she showcased her comedic talents in memorable sketches during her season-long stint.
  5. Welcome to Me (2014) (TV Film)
    Joan played the concerned friend of a woman who uses her lottery winnings to produce a quirky talk show.

Joan Cusack Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance

Category Details
Full Name Joan Mary Cusack
Date of Birth October 11, 1962
Place of Birth New York City, New York, USA
Height 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
Weight Approximately 132 lbs (60 kg)
Body Type Slim and Athletic
Hair Color Dark Brown
Hair Length Medium-length, often styled in various ways depending on the role (ranging from short to long)
Eye Color Brown
Skin Tone Fair
Facial Features Joan is known for her expressive face, with prominent cheekbones, a warm smile, and distinctive features that contribute to her unique appearance in roles.
Distinctive Features Joan Cusack’s physical appearance is often noted for her tall stature and unique voice, which complements her characters in both film and voice roles.
Shoe Size 9 US (approximately 40 EU)
Clothing Size 6-8 US (38-40 EU)
General Appearance Joan Cusack is often praised for her natural beauty and her ability to transform physically for various roles. She has a timeless, classic appearance with features that lend themselves to a wide range of characters in both comedic and dramatic roles.
Fitness Joan has maintained a slim and healthy physique throughout her career, though she is not known for extreme fitness routines. Her focus has always been more on her acting skills and performance rather than a strict fitness regimen.
Makeup Style Joan is often seen with minimal makeup in her roles, highlighting her natural beauty. For film roles, she may wear more dramatic makeup, depending on the character.

Joan Cusack Husband/Boyfriend and Relationship status

Joan Cusack is married to Richard Burke, a Chicago-based attorney. The couple has maintained a relatively private lifestyle, staying out of the spotlight in terms of their personal life.

 They got married in the 1990s and have two children together. While Joan is a well-known figure in Hollywood, she has always been very protective of her family’s privacy, rarely discussing her personal life in interviews.

 She has often stated that her focus is on balancing her professional career with her family life, and she enjoys spending time with her husband and children away from the media’s gaze. Joan and Richard Burke’s relationship has remained stable and low-key, in contrast to the often-publicized relationships of other celebrities. 

Joan has never been one to seek attention for her personal affairs, choosing instead to let her work speak for itself. Despite her fame, she has consistently shown a preference for a more grounded lifestyle, staying out of the limelight when it comes to romantic matters. 

Her marriage to Richard has been one of her most enduring aspects of her personal life, and they appear to have a strong, supportive relationship built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to family.

Joan Cusack Net Worth

Category Details
Estimated Net Worth $20 million
Primary Source of Income Acting, voice acting, and endorsements
Main Career Contributions – Actress in films such as Working Girl (1988), In & Out (1997), and Addams Family Values (1993)

– Voice actress in Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, and Toy Story 4

– Television actress, notably in Shameless (2011-2021)

Acting Career Joan Cusack’s primary source of wealth comes from her extensive career in film and television. She has been part of many successful projects, often playing memorable supporting roles that gained her critical and commercial success.
Voice Acting Her voice work in the Toy Story franchise, where she voiced the beloved character Jessie, is a significant source of her income. The Toy Story films have been massively successful and remain a staple in the animated film industry.
Television Earnings Joan Cusack’s role in Shameless as Sheila Jackson was a major part of her financial success. Her work on the show, which ran for over a decade, brought her both widespread recognition and consistent earnings.
Endorsements and Commercials While Joan has not been particularly active in endorsement deals, she occasionally appears in commercials or public appearances that contribute to her income.
Real Estate Joan Cusack owns several properties, though she maintains a relatively private lifestyle regarding her real estate. She likely holds investments in property as part of her net worth.
Other Income Sources Joan’s involvement in various films and television series, along with her voice roles, likely also generates residual income through royalties, especially from her work in Toy Story and popular TV shows.
Spending & Lifestyle Joan is known for her modest and private lifestyle. She is not known for extravagant spending or a lavish public lifestyle, which could be indicative of her careful financial management.
Net Worth Fluctuations As with many actors, Joan’s net worth may fluctuate based on the success of her projects, particularly with royalties from her voice work in animated films and earnings from ongoing television appearances.
Investments & Other Ventures Joan Cusack is known to focus primarily on her acting career, though she may have made investments in other ventures. However, she is more focused on her artistic career than diversifying into other business opportunities.
Financial Management Joan Cusack has maintained a long career in Hollywood, managing her finances wisely and maintaining financial stability through a combination of acting, voice work, and royalties.

Joan Cusack Movies and TV Shows: Must-Watch List 2025

Joan Cusack Future Plan and goal

Joan Cusack has long been recognized for her versatility and talent, and as she moves forward in her career, her future plans reflect her dedication to continuing her craft. While Joan has enjoyed significant success in both film and television, particularly with her voice work in the Toy Story franchise and her role in Shameless, she has expressed a desire to explore more diverse and complex roles in the future.

 Given her impressive body of work, Joan may seek out opportunities in independent films or challenging dramatic roles that allow her to push the boundaries of her acting abilities. Her focus on playing multi-dimensional characters that resonate with audiences is likely to remain a driving force in her career.

In addition to pursuing interesting acting opportunities, Joan Cusack may also explore other creative avenues, such as producing or writing. With her experience and extensive background in the industry, Joan could be interested in contributing to storytelling in different capacities.

 Moreover, given her passion for family and the private nature of her personal life, it is possible that she may shift her focus toward a more balanced lifestyle, continuing to work while prioritizing time with her loved ones. Joan’s future goals are likely to be centered around personal growth, artistic exploration, and maintaining the balance that has been integral to her life and career.

Joan Cusack Social Media

Category Details
Instagram Joan Cusack is present on Instagram, where she shares posts related to her professional career and occasionally personal moments. She has a modest following on the platform.
Instagram Username @joancusack
Instagram Followers 5,327 followers
Instagram Following 1,520 following
Instagram Posts 696 posts
Instagram Content Joan’s Instagram mainly features photos from her work in films and television, as well as some behind-the-scenes shots. Her account is not frequently updated, keeping her private life relatively low-key.
Instagram Interaction Joan Cusack’s posts often receive engagement from fans, but she does not appear to post frequently. The account reflects her understated approach to social media.
TikTok Joan Cusack is also on TikTok, where she shares content in line with her social media style, showcasing moments related to her career.
TikTok Username @joancusackofficial
TikTok Posts 27.1 million posts
TikTok Content Joan Cusack’s TikTok presence is less conventional for a celebrity but includes clips of her appearances, interviews, and humorous moments, along with some fan interactions. She uses the platform to engage with a younger audience.
TikTok Following Joan’s TikTok account is rapidly growing, and she continues to explore new ways to connect with her fanbase.
Engagement Joan has garnered attention for her unique and relatable style on TikTok. The content is light-hearted and often involves humorous or relatable content that resonates with a broad audience.
Social Media Approach Joan Cusack maintains a low-key, private presence on social media. Her approach is focused on promoting her work while keeping her personal life separate from her professional persona.

Fun Facts about Joan Cusack 

  • Oscar-Nominated 

Joan was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Working Girl (1988).

  • Voice Acting Talent 

 She voiced the beloved character Jessie in the Toy Story franchise, adding another layer of success to her career.

  • Shameless Star 

Joan received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Sheila Jackson on the long-running TV show Shameless (2011-2021).

  • Theater Background 

Before entering film, Joan began her acting career in theater, performing in various productions in Chicago.

  • Family Affair 

Joan comes from a family of actors, with her brother, John Cusack, being a famous actor, and several other family members working in the entertainment industry.

Joan Cusack Videos and Images

Joan Cusack Movies and TV Shows: Must-Watch List 2025

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Joan Cusack 

What is Joan Cusack best known for? 

Joan Cusack is best known for her roles in films like Working Girl (1988), for which she earned an Academy Award nomination, and Addams Family Values (1993). She is also widely recognized for her voice work as Jessie in the Toy Story franchise and for her portrayal of Sheila Jackson in the hit TV series Shameless.

Is Joan Cusack married?

 Yes, Joan Cusack is married to Richard Burke, a Chicago-based attorney. The couple has been together for many years and has two children. Joan is known for keeping her personal life private and away from the public eye, focusing instead on her career and family life.

What other TV shows has Joan Cusack appeared in?

 In addition to her long-running role in Shameless, Joan Cusack has appeared in various television shows, including Saturday Night Live, where she was a guest performer. She has also made appearances on The Simpsons, 30 Rock, and lent her voice to animated series like Family Guy and DuckTales.

Has Joan Cusack won any awards?

 Joan Cusack has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Working Girl. She has also earned Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominations for her work on Shameless and other projects. Though she has not won an Oscar, her work has been highly praised by both critics and fans.

Conclusion about Joan Cusack 

Joan Cusack is a highly versatile and accomplished actress, with a career spanning over four decades. From her early breakout roles in films like Sixteen Candles and Working Girl to her memorable voice work in the Toy Story series, Joan has consistently demonstrated her ability to bring both humor and depth to her characters.

 Whether playing quirky comedic roles or more complex dramatic ones, she has captivated audiences with her unique style and undeniable talent. Joan’s remarkable career has solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.

Beyond her professional achievements, Joan Cusack maintains a relatively private and grounded personal life, choosing to keep her family and personal affairs out of the public eye. Her long-lasting marriage and focus on family demonstrate her commitment to a balanced lifestyle.

 As she continues to take on new roles in both film and television, Joan’s future in the entertainment industry looks promising. Her contributions to cinema and television, along with her ability to evolve and embrace new opportunities, ensure that Joan Cusack’s legacy will endure for years to come.

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