At 95, the indomitable June Squibb continues to defy expectations, not only by embracing a vibrant late-career resurgence but by offering profound insights into Hollywood’s evolving landscape. From her perspective, the industry is finally making meaningful strides in featuring older women on screen, a shift she hopes defines her heartfelt legacy: simply to be known as “a good actor.”
For fans of enduring talent and classic film, June Squibb is a name synonymous with versatility and a captivating screen presence. At 95 years young, the Oscar-nominated actress is not merely looking back at her remarkable, decades-long career but is actively shaping its future, celebrating significant changes she’s witnessed in Hollywood.
Squibb recently opened up about how pleased she is to see the industry moving past historical biases, particularly concerning ageism and the portrayal of women. This shift is especially meaningful to her as some of her most acclaimed work has emerged in her later years.
Hollywood’s Welcoming Embrace of Older Women
Attending the star-studded Academy Museum Gala on October 18 in Los Angeles, Squibb highlighted a notable transformation. She observed that in the past decade, there’s been an unprecedented focus on featuring older generations on screen.
“I think that Hollywood has changed, because I’m a woman who has just done two films about a 90-year-old, and that never happened before, really,” Squibb shared with People. This observation resonates deeply within the fan community, many of whom have long yearned for more diverse age representation in compelling roles.
The actress proudly noted that some of her finest performances, including her Oscar-nominated turn in Nebraska (2013), as well as her recent roles in Thelma and Eleanor the Great, have come later in her life. This late-career flourish underscores the value of experience and continued dedication to one’s craft.
A Legacy Defined by Craft, Not Age
Despite her continued success and packed schedule—with no plans to retire—Squibb has a clear and heartfelt vision for how she wants to be remembered. Her aspiration is elegantly simple, yet profoundly impactful for any artist.
“I just want to be known as a good actor. I mean, you know, I think we all want to feel that we’re doing our best work, and that’s — that’s what I want,” she emphasized. This sentiment is a testament to her dedication to the art form, transcending fleeting fame or specific accolades to focus on the quality of her performance.
Her current workload certainly supports this ambition. Squibb has multiple projects lined up, including the short film It Happened One Night, and she recently told The Hollywood Reporter that she’s receiving more parts than ever. She attributes this surge directly to Hollywood’s growing acceptance of older adults.
“People are really interested in aging now that we’ve got an aging population,” she explained. “I think people understand 90-year-olds. We just have so many more. I have friends that are 100! People want to see aging. They want to know: What do I have to expect?” Her words highlight a broader societal shift that the entertainment industry is finally reflecting.
From Broadway Beginnings to Action Heroine at 94
June Squibb’s journey in entertainment began long before her cinematic breakthrough. Her career launched in the theater, where she performed extensively at the Cleveland Play House and in numerous Off-Broadway productions. She made her Broadway debut at the age of 30 in 1959, starring in the iconic musical Gypsy.
Her career trajectory took an exciting turn in 2024 when, at 94, she landed her first cinematic leading role in the action-comedy Thelma. In a remarkable display of her commitment, Squibb performed her own stunts for the film, which features a grandmother tracking down phone scam perpetrators.
“I always think I could do whatever stunt is necessary in a film,” she told People at the time, recounting stunts like rolling over a bench in a glass shop and crashing her motorized scooter. “I was so proud of myself doing this. The scooter was great fun—it was a joy to be on that.” Such anecdotes only endear her further to a dedicated fan base who admire her boundless energy and professionalism.
Looking Ahead: A Return to the Stage
Fans eager to see Squibb’s talent live can anticipate her return to Broadway this December. She is set to star as the titular character, Marjorie Prime, in Jordan Harrison’s Pulitzer Prize-finalist play.
The science-fiction drama explores themes of memory and loss, with Squibb’s character interacting with a holographic companion designed to resemble her deceased husband. The production, which also features Cynthia Nixon, Danny Burstein, and Christopher Lowell, will begin previews on November 20 before its official opening on December 8 at the Hayes Theater in New York City. This role perfectly exemplifies the complex and rich parts now being offered to seasoned actresses like Squibb, further solidifying Hollywood’s positive evolution.
