June Squibb: 96 and Still Stealing the Spotlight

In a world obsessed with youth, June Squibb is rewriting the rules. At 96 years old, the Oscar-nominated actress is having a career renaissance, starring in Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut film *Eleanor the Great* and preparing to command Broadway's stage in *Marjorie Prime*. Her journey proves that talent, resilience, and a refusal to be typecast can create the most compelling comeback stories.

From Nebraska to Stardom

While Squibb first captured hearts in 2013 as the foul-mouthed matriarch in *Nebraska*—earning an Academy Award nomination at age 84—her recent work reveals an artist still pushing boundaries. In *Eleanor the Great*, she portrays Eleanor Morgenstein, a grieving 94-year-old who fabricates a Holocaust survivor story to connect with others. The complex role required vulnerability and grit, qualities Squibb embodies with authenticity.

"I just loved her from the beginning. All the quirks. She’s just so full of everything. I mean, she’s not very nice sometimes, and I like that because it gives you something."

Working with first-time director Scarlett Johansson was a highlight. "She was wonderful. She’s very honest, very open," Squibb shared, noting how Johansson cast real Holocaust survivors like educator Sami Steigmann for authenticity. This dedication to storytelling resonates deeply with Squibb, who witnessed WWII atrocities as a teenager and called the experience "horrifying."

Broadway Bound Again

As Squibb prepares for eight shows weekly in Broadway's *Marjorie Prime* (opening December 8), she returns to the stage where she first made waves in the 1959 original cast of *Gypsy*. Back then, she played stripper Electra, leaving audiences roaring nightly with her rendition of "You Gotta Get a Gimmick." Now, as the title character in Jordan Harrison's Pulitzer finalist play—where AI recreates deceased loved ones—she explores grief and technology with co-stars Cynthia Nixon and Danny Burstein.

Squibb's Broadway roots run deep, spanning *The Happy Time*, *Gorey Stories*, and *Waitress*. Yet she acknowledges how much has changed: "When I first came to New York—it was the 50s—I did *The Boy Friend*, a musical, and I was a big hit. But it was theatre. The film thing is so different." Her dual focus on film and stage at 96 defies industry expectations.

The Secret to Longevity

What's Squibb's secret to enduring success? "Be a looker-ahead," she advises. After losing her husband of 40 years, she channeled her energy into protecting her son rather than dwelling on grief. This forward-thinking mindset propels her through demanding roles: "When my husband died, I was more interested in protecting my son... rather than suffering grief, I was trying to help him get through it."

Her candidness extends to taboo topics. "Everyone thinks older people aren’t sexual but I think about sex," Squibb quipped. "If I see a handsome young man, I recognise that this is a handsome young man." Such refreshing honesty underscores her appeal—she's unapologetically herself, whether discussing politics, sex, or her 70-year career.

A Legacy of Authenticity

Squibb's journey began in Vandalia, Illinois, where she felt "from the time I had any thoughts, that I was an actress." Despite her mother's wish for a conventional life, Squibb pursued theatre, converted to Judaism upon marriage, and never looked back. Now, with her late-blooming fame, she remains grounded: "I think people are interested [in my success], so no, it’s not a bad thing."

Whether navigating ethical dilemmas in *Eleanor the Great* or confronting AI replicas in *Marjorie Prime*, Squibb’s work reflects both her life experience and her refusal to be constrained by age. As she prepares to dazzle audiences once more, one thing is certain: June Squibb isn't just acting her age—she's defining it.