Joan Cusack Reveals Why She Stopped Acting for Years Joan Cusack, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in Working Girl and In & Out, has shared the reasons behind her extended hiatus from Hollywood. At the premiere of Toy Story 5, the 63-year-old star made a rare public appearance, explaining that she chose to step away from acting for much of the past decade to prioritize a balanced, ordinary life. Cusack emphasized her decision to focus on family and personal fulfillment, stating, “It’s also great to live your life and raise your kids and be in Chicago and be a normal person.” She described the experience as “kind of priceless,” highlighting her satisfaction with the choice to leave the spotlight behind. The event marked her first major red-carpet appearance in 11 years and her return to acting after a six-year absence. Her return to the screen came through her role as Jessie, the beloved cowgirl character in Toy Story 5. Cusack, who first voiced Jessie in Toy Story 2, admitted she never anticipated continuing to portray the character over 25 years later. “I just thought they cast me because they thought it was gonna be funny to have a cowgirl with the Chicago accent,” she recalled. She described her involvement as limited to a few lines and scenes, a far cry from her earlier expectations. Beyond her work on Toy Story, Cusack has remained active in her hometown of Chicago, where she has operated the Judy Maxwell Home gift shop since 2014. The business, named after her mother, has become a local fixture, reflecting her commitment to community engagement. Cusack’s filmography spans over four decades, including iconic roles in Sixteen Candles, Addams Family Values, School of Rock, Runaway Bride, and the acclaimed series Shameless.#chicago #toy_story_5 #joan_cusack #judy_maxwell_home #working_girl
