No one wears a character, or haircut, like Joan Cusack. Over four decades in film and TV, she’s shapeshifted through some of pop culture's most beloved roles, her hair evolving right alongside her characters.
From the teased perm and power suits in Working Girl to the suburban blowout in Addams Family Values, the chaotic curls of In & Out or the sensible cut in School of Rock, her locks have helped define her roles, and always been as expressive as her performances: witty, heartfelt and offbeat in the best way.
"I was never the ‘babe,’ so I knew I’d never get those big roles. I’d always be the best friend or the quirky sidekick," Cusack once said of her career as a character actress. She brought depth and humour to the so-called side characters who often end up stealing the show. She's also one of those stars who has been in more iconic films than you realise (the mum in Confessions of a Shopaholic, the older sister in Raising Helen, the voice of Jessie in Toy Story).
We take a look back at the evolution of Joan Cusack's hair and career, from the 80s through to today - a reminder of why she remains one of Hollywood's most quietly iconic chameleons.
Circa 80s or 90s, embracing the frizz.
An early appearance as "Geek Girl #1" in Sixteen Candles, 1984
An early portrait, from 1986, with her natural red curls.
Letting her natural red curls free in Broadcast News, 1987.
Working Girl, 1988. Truly embodying the 80s with coiffed voluminous hair and bold makeup. Iconic!
Pink and plastic in the whimsical Robin Williams film Toys, 1992
As Debbie Jellinsky in Addams Family Values, 1993, with the ultimate 90s creamy blonde bob. The perfectly done hair, and pastel wardrobe, contrasted her internal rage.
Electrified hair, also in Addams Family Values.
"I'm a Mess and I'm Starving!" The natural curls return for her Oscar-nominated role in In and Out, 1997
An uptight, brushed back bob and tailoring in Grosse Pointe Blank, 1997.
As a supportive bridesmaid in Runaway Bride, 1999, with the required bridal hair bow (and late-90s blonde highlights).
Voluminous bangs as an undercover terrorist in Arlington Road, 1999
Playing the villain and "Sexy Banker Lady" in It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, 2000, with brunette colour and no-fuss styling.
Flat top and curly sides in High Fidelity, 2000 (which starred her brother, John).
As Principal Mullins in School of Rock, 2003, with mid-length hair that says 'I'm in charge' (and a really great suit).
As the older sister in Raising Helen, 2004. You can tell she's meant to be the 'responsible' one by her tidy bob, versus Kate Hudson's carefree curls.
Gorgeous short blonde curls in The Last Shot, 2004.
A short-haired look as a wealthy LA trust funder with a boho wardrobe in Friends with Money, 2006
'Housewife hair' as Sheila Jackson in the series Shameless, 2011–2015
