Thursday, September 18, 1997

By MAL VINCENT
Knight-Ridder News Service

She has that funny face.

You look at it and you feel like laughing.

It has been both her blessing and her curse.

Joan Cusack was born into a theatrical family and was active in Chicago theater even before movies, but she watched as her brother John became a leading man while she kept getting supporting roles.

Her comedic range has gone from a Raggedy Ann doll opposite Robin Williams in "Toys," to a seductive femme fatale in "Addams Family Values" and an office secretary in "Working Girl."

Her role in "A Smile Like Yours," though, may have been her last supporting part. She has co-star billing playing the would-be bride of Oscar-winner Kevin Kline in "In & Out," which opens Friday.

"My very first lead role in the movies!" Cusack exclaimed with that quirky little look that has stolen scenes from stars in some 20 supporting roles. "I've had the leads in theater roles, but never in a film before. But to think, I lose the guy to Tom Selleck."

Bemused, she adds, "I don't even get to kiss the leading man -- and it's my first leading woman role!"

"In & Out" is the "coming out" comedy in which Kline, as a high school teacher who's engaged to be married, is shocked when one of his former drama students (Matt Dillon) wins an Oscar and, in the acceptance speech, identifies the teacher as being gay. The teacher expresses shock and indignation as the nation's press, including a TV newsman played by Selleck, descend on the town. Kline and Selleck end up sharing a kiss.

Does Cusack feel left out? "Well, my character does get a quite good-looking guy at the end of the movie, so I'm not upset, and ... it's a great part."

On the personal side, she's not clear on whether she would declare her sexual preference if she were lesbian.

"With society the way it is, I'm not sure what I'd do," she said. "America has always been the melting pot of the world. We were the country that became the symbol of freedom, but, yet, we still have prejudices, don't we? I'd have to think about it and what it would mean, personally and to my career."

Born near Chicago, she still calls that city home. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in English but also performed in a comedy improv group.

During the 1985-86 season, she was a regular on "Saturday Night Live." Her movie debut was a bit part in "My Bodyguard" which led to things like "My Blue Heaven" (with Steve Martin), "Nine Months," "Broadcast News," "Say Anything," and dozens of others.

More than not getting kissed by the leading man in "In & Out," she's mildly worried about what Barbra Streisand will think of a particularly blunt statement she makes in the movie.

"My character, finally disgusted with the way Kevin likes Barbra Streisand, says 'Bleep Barbra Streisand.' I've never met Barbra, but I might now. She must know that some of her fans are pretty fanatic. I've loved her since 'What's Up Doc?' -- one of my favorite comedies. I hope she understands."

Copyright © 1997 Bergen Record Corp.