While on the occasion of his 25th anniversary in films there have been a few tributes to Scientology's best-known follower, we've decided to instead shine the spotlight on a less famous, less tabloid-plagued but equally, if not more talented actor whose work we've enjoyed for the last quarter century.
John Cusack may be best remembered for his role as Lloyd Dobbler in the 1989 teen classic Say Anything--especially for the film's iconic boombox scene--but since he debuted in 1983's Class, the Chicago native has worked continuously, putting in noteworthy performances in Sixteen Candles (1984), Better Off Dead (1985), City Hall (1996) [alongside Al Pacino], the film adaptation of Nick Horby's music geek classic High Fidelity (2000), Max (2001), and Runaway Jury (2003), among many others. (Interestingly, he has appeared in 10 movies with both his sister Joan, and close friend Jeremy Piven, with all three appearing in the aforementioned Say Anything and 1997's Grosse Pointe Blank. Which begs the question, when will Cusack make an appearance on Entourage?)
So, here's to John Cusack for a solid body of work and for being able to stick around this long with a few classic roles, perhaps a few questionable choices on and off camera--hooking up with Pink, really?--but ultimately for his undeniable talent and not embarrasing himself in the process. (Unlike the supposed film student in the clip below. We would've smacked her upside the head.) Thanks for letting us go along for the ride so far. Cheers, sir.
[Oh, and sorry 'bout the Cubs this year, dude.]
