Full Breakdown
Joan Cusack Declares Preference for Chicago Over Hollywood Amid Toy Story 5 Promotion
6/26/2026, 1:07:46 PM
Core Event: Actress Rejects Hollywood Lifestyle While Promoting Toy Story 5
During a *People* interview and at the Los Angeles premiere of *Toy Story 5*, 63-year-old Joan Cusack said she dislikes Los Angeles’ climate and aesthetic and prioritizes raising her children in Chicago. She added that the city’s visual culture feels “too beautiful” and “overly sunny” for her.
Background & Context: Career Highlights and Return to Voice Work
Cusack, an Emmy winner, earned Oscar nominations for *Working Girl* and *In & Out*. After a six-year hiatus from on-screen roles, she returned to voice Jessie, the cowgirl she originated in *Toy Story 2*, for the newest installment. In a prior *Variety* interview she said living in Chicago lets her be “a normal person” and separate work from family life. Her filmography includes ten collaborations with brother John Cusack, including *Say Anything…* and *High Fidelity*. The *Toy Story 5* premiere was her first major red-carpet appearance in years.
Key Figures & Groups
Joan Cusack (actress), husband Richard Burke, their two sons, brother John Cusack, Pixar/Disney, *People* and *Variety*, and co-stars Tim Allen and Tom Hanks, who attended the Los Angeles premiere.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 63
- Children: two sons
- Oscar nominations: two (for *Working Girl* and *In & Out*)
- Films with brother John: ten
- Voice-acting return after six years
Why It Matters / Impact
Cusack’s comments provide a concrete example of a high-profile talent who can sustain a leading role in a major studio franchise while residing outside the traditional Hollywood hub. Her perspective adds nuance to ongoing discussions about industry culture, geographic concentration of talent, and the personal trade-offs actors weigh when balancing career opportunities with family priorities.
Official Statements & Responses
In the *People* interview, Cusack emphasized that Chicago offers the environment she values most for raising her children and for living as a normal person. She described Los Angeles as a setting where she feels “out of place,” especially during red-carpet events, and highlighted that the city’s sunshine is overwhelming. She framed her career decisions as guided by family considerations rather than by industry expectations, noting that she can contribute to a major film without relocating.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The articles do not provide detailed professional grievances beyond personal discomfort with Los Angeles’ climate and appearance, and no alternative viewpoints from industry representatives or critics are presented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I never lived anywhere else,” — Joan Cusack, Actress
- “Everyone’s so beautiful. It’s too sunny. I don’t even like the sun, so I couldn’t do it,” — Joan Cusack, Actress
- “I don’t even dress up that much,” the reclusive star admitted.” — Joan Cusack, Actress
- “nothing more important” to her than raising her kids in Chicago. — Joan Cusack, Actress
- “‘I should be home.’ And then I’d be home and I’d be like, ‘I should be at work.’” — Joan Cusack, Actress
What’s Next: Toy Story 5 Promotion Continues
Following the Los Angeles premiere, promotional activities for *Toy Story 5* will proceed, with Cusack’s participation underscoring the film’s link to veteran talent who work from outside the traditional Hollywood base.
