Joan Cusack has not only made her mark as an actress but also as a comedian. Not just an average actor, she has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performances in ‘Working Girl’ and ‘In & Out.’ The latter even won her a nomination for the prestigious Golden Globe!
What’s more? Joan Cusack became the voice behind Jessie in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise and Abby Mallard in ‘Chicken Little.’ She has also co-starred with John in several movies, including ‘Class,’ ‘Sixteen Candles,’ ‘Broadcast News,’ ‘Say Anything…,’ ‘Gross Point Blank,’ ‘Cradle Will Rock,’ ‘High Fidelity,’ etc.
The talented actress also has the credits as a cast member on the comedy sketch show ‘Saturday Night Live,’ besides being a significant part of the Showtime hit drama/comedy ‘Shameless’ as Sheila Jackson. Thanks to this role, she received five consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award. She also went on to win it for the first time in 2015.
However, not many are aware that she is not the only famous name in his family! She can be said to have emerged from a pool of talent, which includes not only her father Dick Cusack but also her siblings!
Surprised? Well, read on to find out more about the famous family members of Joan Cusack!
John Cusack
Who doesn’t know the adorable yet engaging actor who played memorable roles in movies like ‘Better Off Dead,’ ‘One Crazy Summer,’ ‘Say Anything,’ ‘Serendipity,’ ‘Grosse Point Blank,’ ‘Being John Malkovich,’ and so on? Yes, we’re talking about John Cusack!
He undoubtedly managed to chart out an exceptional career path for himself, often making unusual choices. The successful actor could transcend teen comedies’ confines and carve out a niche for himself.
John Cusack has worked with some of the most iconic directors, such as John Sayles, Rob Reiner, Cameron Crowe, Stephen Frears, Spike Jonze, Woody Allen, Terrence Malick, Mike Newell, etc. He has always managed to win over critics and audiences alike, with his effortless portrayals of the unconventional hero. He also donned the hats of a director and a producer for the Chicago-based theatre group ‘The New Criminals.’ Being a family man, he has frequently acted opposite Joan Cusack and roped in other Cusacks for his films!
Dick Cusack
An actor, filmmaker, and humorist rolled into one! Dick Cusack initially served with the U.S. Army in the Philippines in World War II. After that, he worked as an advertising executive for a brief period. Then he forayed into the industry with small roles. Interestingly enough, most of the characters he played were authority figures. He played the United States Senate Chairman, minister/chaplain, and U.S. Secretary of State!
Dick Cusack even played a judge in the TV movie ‘Overexposed,’ besides theatrical releases such as ‘Things Change’ and ‘Eight Men Out.’ He also made a mark as a documentary filmmaker. His 1971 abortion documentary ‘The Committee’ won him an Emmy Award.
The famous father was felicitated with an award from the Evanston Arts Council for preserving a school. Eventually, he converted it into the Noyes Cultural Arts Centre. This houses the Piven Theatre Workshop where later on, his children got trained in acting.
Ann Cusack
Yet another actress-sister of Joan Cusack, Ann got her first break in1992 in the film ‘A League of Their Own.’ In the film, she played Shirley Baker’s role. Later, she also starred in the 1996 comedy ‘Multiplicity,’ along with Michael Keaton and Andie MacDowell. The same year, she also featured in ‘The Jeff Foxworthy Show,’ where she replaced Anita Barone.
A couple of years later, she became a part of ‘Maggie on Lifetime Television.’ Ann Cusack also made several guest appearances in movies like ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘Scandal,’ ‘One Tree Hill, Charmed,’ ‘Ghost Whisperer,’ ‘The Unit,’ ‘Boston Legal,’ ‘Bones,’ ‘Frasier,’ ‘Criminal Minds,’ ‘Private Practice,’ ‘Castle,’ and so on.
She also had a minor role in ‘Grosse Pointe Blank,’ which co-starred her siblings. Some of her other appearances include ‘Accepted,’ ‘What Planet Are You From,’ ‘Ace Ventura Jr: Pet Detective,’ etc. Besides, we saw her in the sci-fi series ‘Lost Room,’ ‘Fargo’, Clint Eastwood-directed ‘Sully,’ and more!
Susie Cusack is also a well-known sibling of Joan Cusack. We can see them together in ‘Short Cuts,’ ‘High Fidelity,’ and ‘Not Again!
Bill Cusack
Bill Cusack, Joan’s brother, is not only an actor but also a producer. He is best known for movies such as ‘The Fugitive,’ ‘Ed Wood,’ and ‘Grosse Point Blank.’ He has also made multiple appearances in the plays of John’s theatre group ‘New Criminals.’
Now here we indeed have an illustrious family, whose members have all contributed to the world of movies in some way or the other. All the members have made a mark in the industry in some way or the other. A talented bunch of people with a shared bloodline, indeed!
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