Joan Cusack - Actor Profile

Joan Cusack

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
8.2 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 11, 1962
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA

About Joan Cusack

Joanna "Joan" Mary Cusack (/ˈkjuːsæk/ KEW-sak; born October 11, 1962) is an American actress. An acclaimed character actress known for her distinctive voice and offbeat comedic timing, her portrayals of neurotic, endearing characters have earned her numerous accolades, including nominations for two Academy Awards and five Primetime Emmy Awards, winning once in 2015. Cusack received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in the comedy-drama Working Girl (1988) and the romantic comedy In & Out (1997). Her other starring roles include those in Toys (1992), Addams Family Values (1993), Nine Months (1995), Cradle Will Rock (1999), Where the Heart Is (2000), Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003), School of Rock (2003), and Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008). She has also provided the voice of Jessie in the Toy Story franchise (1999–present), for which she won an Annie Award, and Abby Mallard in Chicken Little (2005). Cusack was a cast member on the comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live from 1985 to 1986. She starred on the Showtime hit drama comedy series Shameless (2011–2015) as Sheila Jackson, a role for which she received five consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations, winning for the first time in 2015. She is the sister of actress Ann Cusack and actor John Cusack. Description above from the Wikipedia article Joan Cusack, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Joan Cusack reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Joan Cusack's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 66% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Joan Cusack remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Klaus, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Joan Cusack Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Joan Cusack's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Joan Cusack.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2019 Klaus Mrs. Krum (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2019 Let It Snow Tin Foil Woman Average Similar →
2019 Toy Story 4 Jessie (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2018 Instant Family Mrs. Howard Super Hit Similar →
2017 The Christmas Train Agnes Average Similar →
2016 Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny Self (archive footage) (uncredited) Hit Similar →
2016 Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Tilly Hit Similar →
2015 Freaks of Nature Peg Parker Average Similar →
2015 The End of the Tour Patty Hit Similar →
2014 Toy Story That Time Forgot Jessie (voice) Hit Similar →
2013 Toy Story of Terror! Jessie (Voice) Hit Similar →
2012 The Perks of Being a Wallflower Dr. Burton Super Hit Similar →
2012 Partysaurus Rex Jessie (voice) Hit Similar →
2011 Small Fry Jessie (voice) Hit Similar →
2011 Arthur Christmas Lead Elf (voice) Hit Similar →
2011 Hawaiian Vacation Jessie (voice) Hit Similar →
2011 Mars Needs Moms Mom (voice) Average Similar →
2010 Toy Story 3 Jessie (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2009 My Sister's Keeper Judge De Salvo Hit Similar →
2009 Confessions of a Shopaholic Jane Bloomwood Hit Similar →
2008 Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Miss Lucinda Bond Hit Similar →
2007 Martian Child Liz Hit Similar →
2007 The Pixar Story Jessie (voice) (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2005 Ice Princess Joan Carlyle Average Similar →
2004 Raising Helen Jenny Portman Average Similar →
2003 Looney Tunes: Back in Action Mother Average Similar →
2003 School of Rock Rosalie Mullins Hit Similar →
2002 It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie Rachel Bitterman Average Similar →
2000 Where the Heart Is Ruth Meyers Hit Similar →
2000 High Fidelity Liz Hit Similar →
1999 Cradle Will Rock Hazel Huffman Average Similar →
1999 Toy Story 2 Jessie (voice) Super Hit Similar →
1999 Hidden Vulnerability: A Look Into the Making of 'Arlington Road' - Average Similar →
1999 Runaway Bride Peggy Flemming Average Similar →
1999 Arlington Road Cheryl Lang Hit Similar →
1997 In & Out Emily Montgomery Hit Similar →
1997 Grosse Pointe Blank Marcella Hit Similar →
1994 Corrina, Corrina Jonesy Hit Similar →
1993 Addams Family Values Debbie Jellinsky Hit Similar →
1992 Hero Evelyn Laplante Average Similar →
1990 My Blue Heaven Hannah Stubbs Average Similar →
1990 Men Don't Leave Jody Average Similar →
1989 Saturday Night Live: 15th Anniversary Self Super Hit Similar →
1989 Say Anything... Constance Dobler Hit Similar →
1988 Working Girl Cyn Hit Similar →
1988 Married to the Mob Rose Average Similar →
1987 Broadcast News Blair Litton Hit Similar →
1984 Sixteen Candles Geek Girl #1 Hit Similar →
1983 Class Julia Average Similar →
1980 My Bodyguard Shelley Average Similar →

Joan Cusack - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Joan Cusack?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Joan Cusack is "Klaus" with a rating of 8.2/10.

How many movies has Joan Cusack acted in?

Joan Cusack has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Joan Cusack?

Other notable films include "Toy Story 3", "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", and "The Pixar Story".