AceShowbiz - Joan Cusack has returned to public appearances in June 2026 after an 11-year absence from Hollywood events, marking her comeback by promoting the highly anticipated film Toy Story 5. She attended the movie’s premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, reconnecting with fans and industry peers on the red carpet.

Toy Story 5 is set to hit theaters on June 19, 2026, with Cusack reprising her role as Jessie, the spirited cowgirl toy. The film reunites beloved characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear as they join Jessie in a new adventure to protect Bonnie from her new Lilypad smart tablet, highlighting a battle against technology overshadowing childhood imagination. Cusack’s presence at both the London launch event in late May and the Hollywood premiere underscores her return to acting after stepping away to focus on family life in Chicago.

Joan Cusack is a celebrated actress and comedian known for her memorable supporting roles, including Cyn in Working Girl (1988), which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She has voiced Jessie throughout the Toy Story franchise since 1999, appearing also in the third and fourth installments. Beyond film, she earned multiple Emmy nominations for her work on the TV series Shameless. Since 2014, Cusack has been living in Chicago, running a gift shop and dedicating time to her family, which includes her husband Richard Burke and their two sons.

This return is significant as Cusack had not publicly appeared on the red carpet in over a decade and had taken a substantial break from Hollywood to embrace a quieter, family-focused lifestyle. Her involvement in Toy Story 5 not only revives one of her iconic roles but also brings renewed attention to the franchise, especially with Taylor Swift’s contribution of an original end credits song inspired by Jessie. Cusack’s comeback highlights the enduring appeal of her character and adds a heartfelt dimension to the film’s message about balancing technology and play in children’s lives.