The Rom Com Hall of Fame – Joan Cusack

While putting together this entry for The Rom-Com Hall of Fame, I found myself wondering—why doesn’t Joan Cusack get the same kind of attention as the rom-com BFF the way Judy Greer does? By my count, she’s appeared in sixteen romantic comedies*! And in nearly every one, she’s a total standout.

Joan has absolutely nailed the “best friend” role over the years, but it’s wild to think she never got a rom-com lead of her own. She’s ridiculously talented and has long been one of the most underrated actresses in Hollywood. Her comedic timing is flawless, but she also brings a surprising depth—she can say more with one look than most can with a whole monologue. She always holds her own, even alongside big-name co-stars, and her performances are so memorable, you’ll find yourself rewinding just to catch her scenes again. Honestly, she more than earns her place here in The Rom-Com Hall of Fame.

Joan Cusack was born on October 11, 1964 in New York City to Nancy, a math teacher, and Dick Cusack, an advertising exec, writer, and actor. The performing gene clearly runs in the family—her siblings Susie, John, Ann, and Bill Cusack are also actors. 

Growing up, Joan’s parents encouraged her creative side. As a kid, she joined the Piven Theater Workshop and later trained in improvisation at the Story Theater and The Ark. She eventually studied English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also took on a few small film roles. After graduation, Joan joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, where she would perform impersonations of people like Jane Fonda, Queen Elizabeth, and Brooke Shields. Her time on the show may have lasted only one season, but it established her as a fresh comedic talent in Hollywood.

In 1987, she made a splash in Broadcast News, and just a year later, she earned critical acclaim and her first Oscar nomination for her role in Working Girl. She has since built an incredible résumé, with highlights including Addams Family Values (1993), Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), and In & Out (1997), which earned her a second Oscar nomination. She also voiced Jessie in Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, and Toy Story 4, bringing heart and humor to the role. 

In television, Joan received five consecutive Emmy nominations from 2011 to 2015 for her work on Shameless, finally winning the award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy in 2015.

Regarding romantic comedies, Joan has carved out a special place for herself, often stealing scenes with her offbeat charm and impeccable comedic timing.

From the adorably frazzled bridesmaid in Runaway Bride, to the fiercely loyal friend in Working Girl, to the dedicated assistant in Grosse Pointe Blank, Joan has a way of elevating every film she’s in. Her characters never feel like throwaways—she makes them fully real, relatable, and memorable. It’s that authenticity that makes her such a beloved staple in the rom-com world.  

Joan Cusack is a scene-stealer in any genre, a comedic genius, and a powerhouse performer—and it’s about time she got the rom-com credit she deserves.

* (some may argue that one or two of the list rom-coms aren’t technically a rom-com, and that’s fair!)