John Cusack

John Paul Cusack, born on June 28, 1966, is a prominent American actor known for his diverse roles across various genres. Emerging in the 1980s, Cusack made his mark in coming-of-age dramedies like Sixteen Candles (1984), The Sure Thing (1985), Stand by Me (1986), and the iconic Say Anything... (1989). Transitioning to independent cinema, he showcased his versatility in films such as Eight Men Out (1988), The Grifters (1990), True Colors (1991), and Money for Nothing (1993).
As his career progressed, Cusack ventured into leading roles, starring in notable productions like Bullets Over Broadway (1994), Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), The Thin Red Line (1998), and the surreal Being John Malkovich (1999). He further solidified his status as a leading man with memorable performances in High Fidelity (2000), America's Sweethearts (2001), Max (2002), and Runaway Jury (2003). Additionally, he showcased his talent in diverse projects such as The Ice Harvest (2005), The Contract (2006), and the chilling thriller 1408 (2007).
Cusack's repertoire extends to various genres, including comedy with roles in War, Inc. (2008) and Hot Tub Time Machine (2010), as well as mystery and suspense in films like The Raven (2012) and The Frozen Ground (2013). His international appeal was further demonstrated in the action-packed Dragon Blade (2015).
Throughout his illustrious career, Cusack has garnered multiple award nominations, including a Golden Globe nod for his standout performance in High Fidelity. He clinched the 2014 Canadian Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor for his compelling portrayal in Maps to the Stars. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, Cusack is the son of filmmaker Dick Cusack and the younger brother of renowned actresses Joan and Ann Cusack.


John Cusack was born into an Irish Catholic family on June 28, 1966, in Evanston, Illinois. His father, Richard J. "Dick" Cusack (1925–2003), was a writer, actor, producer, and documentary filmmaker originally from New York City. His mother, Ann Paula "Nancy" Cusack (née Carolan; 1929–2022), hailed from Massachusetts and was a former mathematics teacher and political activist. John's older sisters, Ann and Joan, both pursued successful careers in acting. He also has two other siblings, Bill and Susie.
The Cusack family originally resided in Manhattan, New York, before relocating to Illinois. They were closely associated with activist Philip Berrigan. John completed his high school education at Evanston Township High School in 1984, where he crossed paths with fellow actor Jeremy Piven. Afterward, he attended New York University for a brief period but ultimately decided to drop out, citing an overwhelming passion and drive that steered him away from formal education.

John Cusack's acting career took off in the early 1980s, with notable roles that showcased his versatility and talent. His breakout performance came in Rob Reiner's The Sure Thing (1985), followed by a memorable turn as Lloyd Dobler in Cameron Crowe's directorial debut, Say Anything... (1989). In Stephen Frears' neo-noir film The Grifters (1990), Cusack portrayed a cunning con artist, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.
Establishing New Crime Productions, Cusack ventured into screenwriting and co-wrote the screenplay for and starred in George Armitage's crime film Grosse Pointe Blank (1997). In this film, he played an assassin navigating the complexities of a high school reunion and a rekindled romance. Another standout role came in Spike Jonze's surreal fantasy film Being John Malkovich (1999), where Cusack portrayed a puppeteer who discovers a portal into the mind of actor John Malkovich.


Cusack's diverse filmography includes critically acclaimed performances in High Fidelity (2000), adapted from Nick Hornby's novel, and 2012 (2009), Roland Emmerich's epic disaster film. He also delved into portraying historical figures such as Edgar Allan Poe in The Raven (2012) and graced the screen in David Cronenberg's Maps to the Stars (2014).
In addition to his mainstream successes, Cusack ventured into video-on-demand films, showcasing his range in projects like Grand Piano (2013), Drive Hard (2014), and Cell (2016). Despite his achievements, Cusack has been vocal about his concerns regarding the state of Hollywood, criticizing the dominance of mega-corporations and the emphasis on franchises over original storytelling. He has expressed disillusionment with the industry's commercialization, referring to it as "a whorehouse" where creativity is often overshadowed by profit-driven motives.


Cusack honed his kickboxing skills under the tutelage of former world kickboxing champion Benny Urquidez for more than two decades. His training began in preparation for his role in Say Anything... and he has achieved the level of a level six black belt in Urquidez's Ukidokan Kickboxing system.
In March 2008, police apprehended Emily Leatherman outside Cusack's residence in Malibu, California, for stalking him. On October 10, 2008, Leatherman entered a plea of no contest and was sentenced to five years' probation, mandatory psychiatric counseling, and instructed to maintain a distance from Cusack, his residence, and place of business for the subsequent 10 years.

References

1.  (28 June 1996). Today's birthdays, Santa Cruz Sentinel, ("Actors John Cusack is 30")
2. a b c "Cusack, Richard J.[obituary]". Chicago Tribune. June 3, 2003. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2010. Richard J. Cusack, writer/producer/actor, beloved husband of Nancy, nee Carolan; loving father of Ann, Joan (Richard) Burke, Bill, John and Susie
3. ^ Alstead, Robert (December 16, 2003). "John Cusack Takes Five [interview]". UK: iofilm. Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2017. Born into an Irish Catholic family in the Chicago suburb of Evanston in 1966, Cusack's father, Dick, was an actor and documentary maker and his mother, Nancy, a teacher. His sisters, Joan and Susie are actors....
4. ^ "John Cusack Interview-Max Movie". About.com Hollywood Movies. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2015. I was raised Catholic....
5. ^ "ANN CUSACK OBITUARY". Legacy.com.
6. ^ "Miss Carolan, Newton Centre, Is Bride of Richard Cusack". Daily Boston Globe. February 14, 1960.[permanent dead link]
7. ^ "Newton Girl Plans February Wedding". Daily Boston Globe. December 6, 1959.