Joan Cusack was born on October 11, 1962, in New York City. Her mother, Ann Paula Cusack, was a mathematics teacher and political activist, while her father, Dick Cusack, was an actor, filmmaker, and documentary producer. Joan is one of five siblings; her brother John Cusack and sister Ann Cusack are also actors, continuing the family’s strong connection to the entertainment industry.

Film and Television Career

Joan Cusack made her film debut in the 1980 movie My Bodyguard, playing the role of Shelley. Over the years, she has shared the screen with her brother John Cusack in several films, including Sixteen Candles, Class, Grosse Pointe Blank, Martian Child, and High Fidelity, demonstrating a consistent collaborative dynamic between the siblings.

In addition to live-action roles, Cusack is also celebrated for her work in voice acting. Her most iconic voice role is Jessie the Cowgirl in Pixar’s animated films Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3. She reprised this role in related Toy Story video games, contributing to the ongoing popularity of the character.

Cusack also had a memorable appearance as Dr. Burton in Stephen Chbosky's coming-of-age drama The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012). Her capacity to play both comedic and dramatic roles has been a consistent hallmark throughout her career.

Sheila Jackson and Success in Television

One of Cusack’s most notable recent roles was her portrayal of Sheila Jackson in Showtime’s critically acclaimed comedy-drama series Shameless. Her performance as the agoraphobic and complex mother of Karen Jackson earned wide praise. The role was originally offered to Allison Janney, who withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, paving the way for Cusack to step in and ultimately redefine the character.

Her television career also includes guest appearances in popular series such as Law & Order and The Office. Beyond television and film, she has lent her voice to various projects, including voicing Abby Mallard in the Chicken Little video game.

Personal Life and Public Presence

Joan Cusack is married to attorney Richard Burke, who is the former president and CEO of Envoy Global (formerly VISANOW Global Immigration). The couple has two sons, Miles and Dylan, and resides in Chicago, Illinois. Despite having a Twitter account, Cusack maintains a minimal presence on social media, differing sharply from her more publicly active brother, John.

Net Worth and Industry Recognition

As of recent estimates, Joan Cusack's net worth is approximately $6 million. While this figure may seem modest considering her prolific career, it reflects her tendency to favor character-driven roles and ensemble casts over commercial blockbusters.

Awards and Nominations

Joan Cusack has received widespread recognition for her work. She has been nominated for two Academy Awards in the category of Best Supporting Actress—first for Working Girl (1988) and again for In & Out (1997). The latter also earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She has won 17 awards in total and received 28 nominations across her career.

Her role as Sheila Jackson in Shameless earned her five Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, winning the award in 2015 on her fifth nomination.

With a career spanning over four decades in film, television, and voice acting, Joan Cusack remains one of Hollywood's most dependable and recognizable character actors. While her next steps in the industry remain to be seen, her body of work continues to resonate with audiences, and many hope to see her earn the Oscar accolade that would further cement her legacy.