Joan Cusack and Jessie Take the Lead in ‘Toy Story 5’

Joan Cusack was thrilled to learn that ‘Toy Story 5’ would focus on Jessie, the cowgirl doll she has voiced for 27 years. ‘I was so excited,’ said Cusack during a call from the Pixar headquarters in Emeryville, California. She felt that this film would provide a meaningful story for young girls.

Since Jessie’s introduction in ‘Toy Story 2’ in 1999, Cusack has consistently voiced the spirited cowgirl across multiple films, TV specials, a short film series, video games, and theme park rides. In the new release, now playing in theaters, Jessie leads the beloved toy crew including Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen, and Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, as they face a new adversary, a frog-faced smart tablet named Lilypad.

Jessie’s character has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, she was conceived as a talking cactus named Señorita Cactus, meant to be a sidekick for the Prospector character, utilizing her charm to sway Woody. This concept was described in the 2008 book ‘The Pixar Touch’ by David A. Price. ‘Oh, wow, I didn’t know that!’ exclaimed Cusack, who shares Jessie’s vibrant personality and distinctive Chicago-accented voice.

Outside of her work as Jessie, Cusack is celebrated for her roles in comedic films such as ‘Working Girl’ and ‘In & Out,’ and she was part of the cast on ‘Saturday Night Live’ from 1985 to 1986. She has also chosen to step back from Hollywood to focus on raising her children. Cusack runs a gift shop in Chicago, explaining, ‘I was trying to find something creative to do and still be at home.’

In an interview, Cusack discussed a significant suggestion she made for Jessie’s character in ‘Toy Story 3’ and her decision to leave Hollywood to open a gift shop named after a Barbra Streisand character. She shared insights on her career shift and her enduring connection to Jessie.