5 Things You Didn't Know about John Cusack

The new John Cusack movie Hot Tub Time Machine comes out today. It remains to be seen if this time travel film will go down in history with classics like Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Back to the Future or into the recyling bin with clunkers like Somewhere in Time and Kate & Leopold. But, one thing is for sure, you can count on John Cusack being great.

Although we're doubtful Hot Tub Time Machine will be his Academy vehicle, we are firm believers that Cusack is completely underrated. He's been in some of our favorite films from the ’80s classic Say Anything... to the recent tearjerker Martian Child.

And unlike some of his acting peers, Cusack has managed to avoid the media spotlight and keep his private life to himself. But we did dig up a few things you may not know about John Cusack.



1. Jeremy Piven's Parents Taught Him How to Act
While still in elementary school John and his sisters Joan and Ann, went to the Piven Theatre Workshop in Evanston, Illinois. The Pivens had a son names Jeremy who would grow up to be the Entourage star and John Cusack's best friend. He and Jeremy have done ten films together including The Grifters, Grosse Pointe Blank, and Runaway Jury. Several years ago rumors were flying about rift in the friendship but reports were not confirmed.

2. John Loves Kickboxing
Former world kickboxing champ Benny "The Jet" Urquidez trained Cusack for his role as Lloyd Dobler in Say Anything... and John was hooked. The Jet has been his personal trainer and friend for over twenty years and Cusack holds a rank of Level Eight black belt in Urquidez' Kickboxing system. John also has acted with The Jet in two movies Grosse Pointe Blank and 1408.

3. Fall Out Boy Wrote Him a Song
Cusack is the subject of Fall Out Boys' tune Honorable Mention on their 20003 debut album Fall Out Boy's Evening Out with Your Girlfriend. They say, "In the movie of my life starring you instead of me... I can be your John Cusack."

4. The Boom Box was Playing Fishbone not Peter Gabriel
In the famous boom box scene at the end of Say Anything... while they filmed the scenes, the music actually being played was supplied by John Cusack on set — Fishbone's Bonin’ in the Boneyard. The Peter Gabriel In Your Eyes track was added in post. Fishbone is one of Cusack's favorite bands (you'll see him in a Fishbone shirt during the film) along with The Clash, The Specials, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Costello.

5. Acting is in his Blood
Other than his mom, who was a schoolteacher, everyone in Cusack's family is in the business. His father Dick is an actor and documentary filmmaker. And his sisters Joan (the most well-known), Ann, Susie, and brother Bill all act as well. He once said that they once put on Cinderella in their living room. Ann played Cinderella, Joan was the Ugly Stepsister, Bill took on Prince Charming, and John played the dog. He sure has come a long way.