Joan Cusack made a rare red carpet appearance Tuesday night at the premiere of “Toy Story 5″ at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
For good reason — the actress returns to the fifth installment of the beloved franchise as Jessie.
Cusack explained to me why she has largely remained out of the Hollywood spotlight for some time now. “Toy Story 5” marks her return to acting in six years and her first time on red carpets in 11.
“I feel so honored to be able to work in this industry for a long time, but it’s also great to live your life and raise your kids and be in Chicago and be a normal person,” she said. “It’s kind of priceless.”
Cusack has owned and operated a gift shop, Judy Maxwell Home, in her native Chicago since 2014.
Cusack has played Jessie in all of the “Toy Story” movies since the franchise launched more than 30 years ago in 1995. She admits she never thought she’d still be playing Jessie in 2026. In fact, she didn’t think the part would amount to much when she was first cast.
“I just thought they cast me because they thought it was gonna be funny to have a cowgirl with the Chicago accent,” Cusack said. “I’d have a couple of lines be in a couple of scenes, and that would be it.”
Cusack also made an appearance in late May during a “Toy Story 5” launch event in London.
Joan Cusack and Greta Lee attend the “Toy Story 5” launch event at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on May 28 in London.
WireImage
Taylor Swift’s new end credits song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” for the film was inspired by Jessie’s story. “Hopefully, it’ll make more people come to the movie,” Cusack said of Swift’s involvement.
“Toy Story 5” sees Woody and Buzz reunite to save Bonnie from her new Lilypad smart tablet. They team up with Jessie, Forky, Slinky Dog, Hamm, Trixie and an army of Buzz Lightyears to stop technology from taking over kids’ lives.
“Toy Story 5” will be in theaters June 19.
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