from Hollywood star dad to four actor siblings

Richard John “Dick” Cusack first began his career as an advertising executive before pivoting into acting. However, his first acting role didn’t come until 1980’s My Bodyguard, the same year his son John made his own debut in a short film. He continued acting for the next two decades, mostly playing authority figures in films like Class (1983, his son’s major film debut), The Fugitive (1993), While You Were Sleeping (1995), and High Fidelity (2000).

He also owned a production company, through which he made documentary films, and worked as a playwright in Chicago. He was also responsible for the Piven Theatre Workshop in Evanston, where all his kids trained in their craft. Dick passed away in 2003 at the age of 77, survived by his four kids and longtime wife Nancy.

Ann Cusack, born in 1961, the oldest of the five siblings, was actually the one who inspired all of them to give acting a shot. However, she got her own start in the craft much later, making her screen debut in 1992’s A League of Her Own after working in the theatre. Her most prominent film roles include Multiplicity (1996), Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), America’s Sweethearts (2001), Nightcrawler (2014), and Sully (2016).

She’s had more success on the small screen, appearing in lead or recurring capacity in shows like The Jeff Foxworthy Show, Maggie, The Unit, Private Practice, Better Call Saul, Castle Rock and The Boys. In 2021, she became lead singer of the band Ann Cusack and the Generation Jones Band. Since 2023, she has been married to fellow actor Jim Piddock.

Joan Cusack, born in 1962, made her screen debut in My Bodyguard as well, but first rose to prominence as a cast member on Saturday Night Live in 1985-86 season. Her profile grew throughout the ’80s, culminating in her first Oscar nod for 1988’s Working Girl. She earned a second nod for 1997’s In & Out. Her other most notable roles include Broadcast News (1987), Addams Family Values (1993), Runaway Bride (1999), School of Rock (2003), and the Toy Story franchise (1995-present).

She was a recurring star on the show Shameless for five years, earning five Primetime Emmy nominations, winning once in 2015. Joan lives her life out of the spotlight, although continues to act. She has been married to Richard Burke since 1996 and shares two sons with him.

Bill Cusack, born in 1964, made his screen debut in 1989 in a short named Elvis Stories. His career has since included several other minor roles in high-profile films, many of which also involve his siblings, like The Fugitive and Grosse Pointe Blank, plus other prominent credits like Ed Wood (1994) and Con Air (1997).

His most recent credit was the 2020 series Red Leaf Complex, and he has since continued to actively work on and behind the stage. He has been married to actress LaFern Watkins since 2008, sharing one child.

The youngest Cusack, Susie, was born in Evanston in 1971. Little is known about her compared to her siblings, although she is also an actress. She made her screen debut in 1992’s Hero and had a minor role in John’s defining project High Fidelity. Per her IMDb page, her last on-screen appearance was the 2003 film The Company.