At 96, June Squibb shows no signs of slowing down. In a revealing interview, she opens up about starring in Eleanor the Great, returning to Broadway, embracing new roles, and what keeps her going after decades in the industry. Her story is a testament to passion, resilience, and the belief that talent — and heart — don’t retire.
June Squibb at 96: Still Going Strong, Still Hungry for More
When many would consider slowing down, June Squibb is just getting started. The veteran actress, whose career spans theatre, film, and television, recently sat down with TODAY to talk about her latest film role, what draws her to new projects, and how she maintains her energy and drive — even in her mid-90s.
The New Chapter: “Eleanor the Great”
What the Film Means to Her
In Eleanor the Great, Squibb plays Eleanor Morgenstein — a 90‑plus widow whose grief sets off a snowballing chain of lies, forcing her to confront guilt, identity, and the meaning of truth. For Squibb, the role offered more than a character; it offered depth, humanity, and a chance to explore grief and resilience through a very personal lens.
She told TODAY that the part drew her in because of its honesty — not just in humor, but in pain, memory and longing. It’s a role that trusts its audience to feel, not just react.
What’s Changed — and What Hasn’t
Squibb didn’t arrive in Hollywood expecting stardom. Her early years were spent on stage, auditioning, driving to callbacks, and navigating auditions. She once joked that if someone told her 60 years ago she’d be leading films in her 90s, she’d have laughed. But today she smiles — some laughs, some disbelief, full of gratitude.
She credits her longevity not to luck, but to passion. “I never thought of retiring,” she says. “I just never stopped.”
This new phase with Eleanor the Great shows what a seasoned actor can bring: nuance, presence, and emotional honesty that only time — and life experience — can deliver.
Still Connected to the Stage — Broadway Beckons Again
Returning to Her Roots
Squibb’s Broadway debut dates back to 1959, when she performed in the original production of Gypsy. Now, more than six decades later, she’s gearing up to return — this time as the lead in Marjorie Prime.
Her love for theatre hasn’t faded. If anything, she’s more aware now of what it means to perform live: the immediacy, the vulnerability, and the shared space between actor and audience. She admitted that her moves are different now — “not so many bumps and grinds,” as she put it — but the thrill remains the same.
Age, Experience, and the Stage
At an age when many actors quietly retire, Squibb embraces every chance to work. She draws strength from memory, discipline, and a deep respect for the craft. According to her, acting isn’t a job — it’s a calling, and one she’s always answered with all she has.
What Keeps June Going: Mindset, Discipline, and Honesty
“Just Gird My Loins and Go”
That’s how Squibb sums up her attitude towards work — a frank, earthy motto that captures her spirit. She admits there are days when she slows down, when the body aches, when rest calls louder than rehearsal. But then she remembers why she started: the thrill of performance, the alchemy of character, the feeling of being alive on set or on stage.
She also credits her longevity in part to something she calls “stamina of the heart.” Not fame, not craving, but love — love for her art, and love for the people she meets along the way.
Reinvention Matters
In a business often obsessed with youth, Squibb stands out by her refusal to be pigeonholed. She’s taken on roles across genres — comedy, drama, animation, even action — testing boundaries, embracing diversity in character, and showing younger actors that age is no barrier to creativity.
Why June Squibb’s Story Resonates — Today More Than Ever
Representation of Age in Hollywood
In an industry obsessed with youth, Squibb offers a powerful counter‑narrative: one where experience, authenticity, and emotional depth matter. Her success reminds viewers — and creators — that real stories often come with wrinkles, history, and heart.
Inspiration for All Generations
For younger actors: her career is a lesson in perseverance and adaptability. For older viewers: it’s a celebration of resilience, hope, and the belief that life doesn’t end at 50, 60, or even 90.
A Testament to Craft Over Convention
Squibb doesn’t need spotlights or red-carpet glamour to shine. Her craft — honed over decades — speaks for itself. Every film, every role, becomes a chapter in a long, honest story of survival, passion, and dedication.
June, at 96, continues to defy expectations. She doesn’t aim to be a symbol — she aims to be an actress doing what she loves. And somehow, through decades of highs and lows, she proves that sometimes passion doesn’t retire.
Is there a showbiz crowd that tells 96‑year-olds to slow down? Maybe. But for June Squibb, the only crowd she answers to is the one on stage or on set — and she plans to keep showing up.
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FAQs
What is “Eleanor the Great” about?
It’s a film starring June Squibb as a widow whose grief leads her to an accidental lie about being a Holocaust survivor. As the lie grows, the story explores themes of identity, loss, memory and the power of truth.
How old is June Squibb now?
She is 96 as of 2025 — and still actively working in film and theatre.
Is she returning to Broadway?
Yes. Squibb is set to star in Marjorie Prime, marking her return to Broadway more than six decades after her debut.
What keeps her going at this age?
Passion for acting, discipline, love for her craft, and a refusal to let age dictate what she can or can’t do.
Why does her story matter?
Because it challenges stereotypes about aging, highlights the value of experience, and celebrates authenticity and dedication in an industry often driven by youth and novelty.
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I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.
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