Ann Cusack was an American actress who made a lasting mark in both film and television. Born on May 22, 1961, in Manhattan, New York, Ann Cusack held the distinction of being the eldest among the talented Cusack siblings—a well-known acting family. She was the daughter of actor and producer Dick Cusack and political activist Nancy Cusack. As it turns out, all of her brothers and sisters—Joan, John, Bill, and Susie—followed in their father’s footsteps, carving out careers in the entertainment industry. Ann Cusack, of course, was no exception.
During her early years, Ann Cusack attended Berklee College of Music alongside her siblings Joan and John—an experience that likely shaped her artistic sensibilities. She made her big-screen debut in 1992, portraying Shirley Baker in the beloved sports comedy “A League of Their Own.” That same year, Ann Cusack began building her presence on television with a role on “The Jackie Thomas Show,” a sitcom created by Tom Arnold and Roseanne Barr that aired on ABC from 1992 to 1993.
As her career progressed, Ann Cusack continued to take on diverse roles. In 1995, she appeared as Sub Girl in the post-apocalyptic comic book adaptation “Tank Girl,” showcasing her range in a visually bold and unconventional film. The following year, she had a supporting part in “Multiplicity,” and in 1997, she played Amy in the dark comedy “Grosse Pointe Blank,” sharing the screen with her real-life siblings John and Joan Cusack—a memorable moment for fans of the Cusack family.
Ann Cusack also stepped into the spotlight on the small screen when she replaced Anita Barone as Karen Foxworthy in the second and final season of “The Jeff Foxworthy Show,” which aired on ABC and later NBC between 1995 and 1997. Over the years, Ann Cusack became a familiar face through guest appearances on popular series, including a 2003 episode of the acclaimed “Frasier” on NBC. She also delivered heartfelt performances in films like “Accepted” (2006), where she portrayed the mother of Justin Long’s character.
In 2009, Ann Cusack took on the role of Melissa Ventura in “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr.,” a character originally played by Courteney Cox in the first film—giving Ann Cusack a chance to put her own spin on a recognizable part. Her TV work remained strong, particularly with her recurring role as Susan Grant on ABC’s “Private Practice” from 2007 to 2013. She went on to play Linda in Jake Gyllenhaal’s intense thriller “Nightcrawler” (2014) and portrayed Donna Dent in Clint Eastwood’s 2016 biographical drama “Sully.”
One of the standout chapters in Ann Cusack’s career came when she landed the role of Rebecca Bois in “Better Call Saul,” the critically acclaimed spin-off of “Breaking Bad.” Airing on AMC starting in 2015, the series gave Ann Cusack greater visibility and allowed her to demonstrate her skill in complex, layered storytelling. Throughout her journey, Ann Cusack consistently brought depth and authenticity to every character she played, solidifying her place as a respected figure in American cinema and television.
When it comes to Ann Cusack’s filmography, one standout performance definitely comes to mind—her role in Nightcrawler (2014), which happens to be her highest rated movie. It’s clear that Ann Cusack brought something special to that project, contributing to its critical success. On the other end of the spectrum, Ann Cusack also appeared in Stigmata (1999), a film that received notably lower reviews, making it her lowest rated movie to date. While the two films differ greatly in tone and reception, both showcase Ann Cusack’s range as an actress. Ann Cusack may not always be the central focus, but her presence adds depth wherever she appears. Ann Cusack certainly knows how to leave an impression, whether in a dark thriller or a controversial supernatural drama.