You know that high-pitched, energetic "Yee-haw!" that immediately brings a smile to your face? That’s Jessie. She’s the heart of the Toy Story sequels, a yodeling cowgirl with a tragic past and a nervous energy that makes her feel more human than almost any other plastic toy in Andy's room. But have you ever stopped to think about the vocal gymnastics required to bring her to life?
When Pixar introduced Jessie in Toy Story 2 (1999), they didn't just need a female counterpart to Woody. They needed someone who could swing from manic excitement to soul-crushing sadness in a single frame. They found that in Joan Cusack.
The Voice of Jessie: It’s All Joan Cusack
Joan Cusack is the primary actress who voices Jessie in Toy Story.
If you grew up in the late 90s or early 2000s, you probably recognize her face from classics like Working Girl or In & Out, but her voice work as Jessie is arguably her most enduring legacy. Cusack has voiced the character in every major film installment, from her debut in the second film through Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4.
It’s a performance defined by breathiness. Think about it. Jessie is claustrophobic. She spent years in a dark box. Cusack brings that trauma to the surface through quick intakes of breath and a voice that always sounds like it’s on the verge of either a laugh or a panic attack. It’s brilliant. Honestly, it's one of the most physically demanding-sounding voice roles in animation history.
The Singing Voice: A Different Story
Here is where things get a bit more nuanced. While Joan Cusack handles the dialogue and the iconic "Yee-haws," she didn't actually sing the heart-wrenching "When She Loved Me."
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That was Sarah McLachlan.
Pixar often splits the "acting" and "singing" duties for characters if the song requires a very specific emotional texture. McLachlan’s melancholic tone was exactly what the sequence needed to explain Jessie’s abandonment by her original owner, Emily. If you didn't cry during that montage, you might actually be a robot.
Why Cusack Stuck Around for Decades
Voice acting isn't just about talking into a microphone. It’s about matching the "squash and stretch" of the animation. Jessie moves fast. She flips, she spins, she hides in boxes.
Joan Cusack’s natural comedic timing—the same timing that earned her two Academy Award nominations—allows her to keep up with the frantic pace of a Pixar movie. She’s been consistent for over twenty years. That’s rare. Usually, in long-running franchises, you see actors drop out due to scheduling or budget, but Cusack has remained the anchor for the cowgirl.
But wait.
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There is an exception. While Cusack is the movie star, she isn't the only person to ever record lines for the character. In the world of high-budget animation, there are often "voice doubles" for toys, video games, and smaller projects.
- Mary Kay Bergman: She provided Jessie's yodeling in Toy Story 2. Tragically, Bergman passed away shortly after the film's release.
- Kat Cressida: If you’ve played Disney Infinity or certain Toy Story video games, you’re likely hearing Kat Cressida. She is the official "voice match" for Joan Cusack when the A-list actress isn't available for interactive media.
The Evolution of the Cowgirl
In Toy Story 2, Jessie was a broken character seeking validation. By Toy Story 4, she was the one Woody trusted to take over the group.
This transition is audible.
If you listen to the films back-to-back, you’ll notice Cusack lowers the pitch of Jessie's voice slightly as the character becomes more confident. She’s less "screamy" and more authoritative. It’s a subtle shift that many viewers don't consciously notice, but it's why the character feels like she’s actually grown up.
A lot of fans often confuse Jessie’s voice with other actresses who have a similar "spunky" energy. I’ve heard people swear it was Holly Hunter or even Annie Potts (who voices Bo Peep). Nope. It’s all Cusack. She brings a specific Midwestern quirkiness that is impossible to replicate perfectly.
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Surprising Fact: The Yodeling
Did you know that the yodeling is actually a combination of voices? While Mary Kay Bergman did the initial heavy lifting for the yodels in the second movie, the production team has since used various recordings to ensure the "cowgirl" vibe stays authentic. It's a patchwork of talent that creates one seamless toy.
What’s Next for Jessie?
With Toy Story 5 officially on the horizon (Disney confirmed this for a 2026 release), the question of "who voices Jessie" becomes relevant all over again.
There hasn't been any official word that Joan Cusack won't return. In fact, it's almost certain she will. The chemistry between her, Tom Hanks (Woody), and Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear) is the foundation of the entire franchise's success. Replacing her would be like replacing the voice of Mickey Mouse—people would notice the difference immediately.
If you are looking to dive deeper into the world of Pixar voice acting, pay attention to the "Shorts." Many of the Toy Story Toons like Hawaiian Vacation or Small Fry feature the original cast, showing just how dedicated these actors are to these plastic personas.
Actionable Takeaways for Pixar Fans
To truly appreciate the craft behind Jessie, try these steps next time you sit down for a Disney marathon:
- Listen for the Breath: Watch the scene in Toy Story 2 where Jessie is stuck in the packing foam. Listen to how Joan Cusack uses sharp, shallow breaths to convey claustrophobia without saying a word.
- Compare the Games: Boot up an old Toy Story game or watch a clip of Disney Infinity. See if you can spot the subtle differences between Kat Cressida’s "match" and Cusack’s original performance.
- Check the Credits: Always look for the "Additional Voices" section in Pixar films. You'll find that many legendary voice actors fill in the gaps for the "yodels" and background noises that make the world feel alive.
- Follow the News: Keep an eye on the 2026 casting announcements for Toy Story 5. While the core cast is expected to return, the inclusion of new characters often changes the vocal dynamic of the entire group.
The magic of Jessie isn't just in the plastic or the animation; it's in that gravelly, energetic, and deeply emotional voice provided by Joan Cusack. She didn't just play a toy; she gave that toy a soul.