Joan Cusack calls Jessie in 'Toy Story' the 'most important thing' she’s ever done

Cusack has voiced the fan-favourite character since 'Toy Story 2' premiered in 1999

Joan Cusack says voicing Jessie in the Toy Story franchise remains the most meaningful work of her career, more than 25 years after the spirited cowgirl first galloped onto screens.

Speaking to People ahead of the release of Toy Story 5, the 63-year-old actress reflected on her decades-long connection to the character and said playing Jessie is “the most important thing I've done in my whole life”. Cusack has voiced the fan-favourite toy since Toy Story 2 premiered in 1999.

The actress explained that being part of stories that entertain children while also teaching important lessons has made the experience especially rewarding. She said there is something powerful about creating films that families can enjoy together and that leave a lasting emotional impact.

Cusack also praised the evolution of Jessie over the years, noting that the character has grown into a brave and fearless leader. In Toy Story 5, Jessie takes on an even larger role as the toys confront the growing influence of technology on children. The new film explores themes of friendship and the balance between traditional play and screens.

Although she has starred in films including Working Girl, In & Out and School of Rock, Cusack has largely stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight in recent years, preferring a quieter life in Chicago with her husband, Richard Burke, and their two sons. She recently returned to the red carpet for the Toy Story 5 premiere, her first major public appearance in more than a decade.

The latest instalment in the beloved Pixar series, released on June 19, 2026, sees Jessie at the centre of the story as Bonnie becomes increasingly attached to a tablet called Lilypad. The film reunites Cusack with returning stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen while introducing new voices including Greta Lee, Conan O'Brien and Bad Bunny.

Looking back on the role that has defined much of her career, Cusack said she never expected Jessie to have such a lasting legacy. Yet after more than two decades, she still considers the yodelling cowgirl to be the work she is proudest of and one that has touched generations of children and parents alike.