John Cusack's Podcast Appearance Sparks Plastic Surgery Rumors and Career Reflections

Actor John Cusack's recent appearance on the "Happy Sad Confused with Josh Horowitz" podcast has drawn attention, not only for his career reflections but also for his noticeably taut appearance, which has fueled online speculation about plastic surgery. Cusack, 60, known for his roles in 1980s and 90s films like "Sixteen Candles," "Say Anything," and "Con Air," presented a new look that prompted comments from viewers comparing him to figures like Barry Manilow and Liza Minnelli.

While some viewers speculated about cosmetic procedures, others defended the actor, noting his age and commenting on his perceived calm and politeness. The Daily Mail has reached out to Cusack's representatives for comment.

During the podcast, Cusack also addressed a long-standing rumor that he turned down the lead role in the acclaimed series "Breaking Bad." He explained that he spoke with series creator Vince Gilligan, who confirmed that the offer was never made. "Some of those things are so weird, because there was this whole riff that I had turned down Walter White," Cusack said. "And I never ever remembered that, and I was like, did that happen and I blacked it out? Did I lose time?" He recounted asking Gilligan, who replied, "No."

Cusack, who has been more selective with his projects in recent years, previously told The Guardian in 2020 that he had difficulty getting projects financed in Hollywood. He mused that this could be a result of aging or the industry's perception of him, stating, "I haven't really been hot for a long time."

The actor is known for his outspoken political views, particularly his opposition to former President Trump and his support for Palestine. While his last American film role was in 2025's "Fog of War," he has appeared in Chinese films such as "Dragon Blade" and "Decoded." Cusack also offers personalized video messages on the online marketplace Cameo, with recordings priced at $199 and up.