Joan Cusack made a rare red carpet appearance at the premiere of Toy Story 5 at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Tuesday night.
The actress is returning for the fifth installment of the popular series as Jesse and for good reason.
Cusack explained to me why she has been away from the Hollywood spotlight for a while. Toy Story 5 marks her return to acting for the first time in six years, and her first red carpet appearance in 11 years.
“I’m so honored to be able to work in this industry for so long, but it’s also great to be able to live my life, raise my kids, be in Chicago and be a normal person,” she said. “It’s kind of priceless.”
Cusack has owned and operated the Judy Maxwell Home gift shop in her hometown of Chicago since 2014.
Cusack has played Jesse in every Toy Story movie since the series began more than 30 years ago in 1995. Cusack admits he never thought he’d still be playing Jesse in 2026. In fact, when he was first cast, he didn’t think the role would be a big deal.
“I thought they cast me because they thought a cowgirl with a Chicago accent would be funny,” Cusack said. “You put a few lines in a few scenes and that’s it.”
Cusack also appeared at an event to celebrate the release of Toy Story 5 in London in late May.
Joan Cusack and Greta Lee attend the Toy Story 5 launch event at Odeon Lux Leicester Square in London on May 28th.
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Taylor Swift’s new end credits song for the film, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” was inspired by Jesse’s story. Cusack said of Swift’s involvement, “I hope this brings more people to the movie.”
In “Toy Story 5,” Woody and Buzz reunite to save Bonnie from a new smart tablet called “Lilypad.” They team up with Jesse, Forky, Slinky Dog, Hamm, Trixie, and an army of Buzz Lightyear to stop technology from taking over the lives of children.
“Toy Story 5” will be released on June 19th.
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