Joshua "Josh" Cooley (born May 23, 1980) is an American animator, screenwriter, director and voice actor best known for his work with Pixar Animation Studios. He has been involved in story and animation roles on several Pixar projects and gained broader recognition for his work on Inside Out and for directing the short film Riley's First Date?.
Career overview
Cooley joined Pixar early in his professional life and progressed through story and animation departments, contributing to the studio's collaborative development process. Over time he moved into directing, combining visual storytelling skills with a focus on character and emotion.
Notable works
He contributed to the development of Pixar's Inside Out, directing the short follow-up Riley's First Date? and later took the helm as director of the feature film Toy Story 4. The latter continued a long-running franchise and received major industry recognition for its animation and storytelling.
Style and themes
Cooley's storytelling emphasizes emotional clarity, character-driven humor and visual ideas that serve relationships and inner life. His background in storyboarding and animation informs pacing, performance and the integration of visual gags with heartfelt moments.
Other roles and impact
In addition to directing, Cooley has contributed as a screenwriter and provided occasional voice performances. His work illustrates a contemporary approach to animated features that blends broad family appeal with thoughtful explorations of feeling and identity.
For more details on specific credits and interviews, see studio pages and filmographies linked by studios and archives: Pixar, Inside Out materials, and information on Toy Story 4.