Joan Cusack, 63, made a return to the red carpet at the Toy Story 5 premiere in London on May 28, speaking about her decision to remain based in Chicago despite her Hollywood success. according to the source report, she emphasized the value of a normal life outside the spotlight, citing her parents' influence and her childhood in the city. Cusack's choice places her among a small number of A-listers who have opted to leave Los Angeles for other U.S. cities.

Joan Cusack's 63-year commitment to Chicago roots

The report notes that Cusack grew up in Chicago and her parents thought it was a good place to raise kids. Staying in the Midwest is a deliberate counterpoint to the industry norm . As the source states, she reflected on her dad as a funny man who loved comedy and made home movies, grounding her sense of family.

This lifelong connection to Chicago is rare in an industry where proximity to studios and casting directors is often seen as essential . The source article highlights that several A-listers like Chrissy Metz have relocated, but Cusack's is a longstanding choice, not a recent move.

The Hollywood exodus: Why Chrissy Metz and others left Los Angeles

The source explicitly mentions Chrissy Metz, who moved from Los Angeles to Nashville after her role in This Is Us. This is part of a broadder pattern of celebrities seeking lower cost of living, more privacy, or a different pace. Cusack's case is distinct because she never left Chicago in the first place .

According to the report, Cusack's decision is unusual, but it has not impeded her career—she continues to land major roles like her iconic voice work in the Toy Story franchise. The exodus from Hollywood is a growing trend, yet Cusack's story flips it: she never bought in.

Toy Story 5: A franchise anchor for a low-key actress

The premiere for Toy Story 5 brought Cusack back into the international spotlight . She arrived at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London wearing a white button-up and long black skirt. The event marks her continued involvement in a billion-dollar franchise, as per the source.

This raises the question of how she maintains such a prominent role while living far from the industry's epicenter. The answer, the report suggests, lies in the voice-acting nature of the role and the strong family values she prioritizes. Cusack's red carpet appearance was a triumphant reminder that star power is portable.

What remains unknown about Cusack's balancing act

The source does not detail how Cusack manages her schedule between Chicago and film commitments, nor does it name any other celebrities who have similarly stayed put. It also leaves unclear whether her decision has ever limited her role options. According to the report, only one other example (Chrissy Metz) is provided—but a broader survey of celebrities who have left Hollywood would add context.

Another open question is the impact of her parents' influence on her siblings? The source mentions her father's humor but not her brother John Cusack, also a prominent actor with ties to Chicago. How the Cusack family's comedic roots shaped both siblings' careers remains an intriguing thread for future reporting.