June Squibb and Chris Colfer’s improbable, 61-year-spanning friendship—sparked by their ‘Glee’ episode—proves the most powerful TV bonds aren’t just scripted, but lived. Their story bridges generations, revives fan nostalgia, and redefines what Hollywood friendships can mean.
Some of television’s greatest friendships are born in the writers’ room, but the magical connection between June Squibb and Chris Colfer proves that real-life chemistry can create stories that outlast even the most beloved series arcs. More than a decade after their acclaimed episode of ‘Glee’, Squibb, now 96, and Colfer, 35, remain “heavy-duty buddies”—a testament to the enduring power of shared creative experience and intergenerational respect.
How “Old Dog, New Tricks” Cemented a Real-Life Bond
The friendship began in 2014 during the celebrated Glee episode “Old Dog, New Tricks.” In this Colfer-penned storyline, Squibb played Maggie, a retirement home resident drawn into Kurt Hummel’s (Colfer) heartfelt production of Peter Pan. The episode is now recognized by fans as one of the show’s most sincere and emotionally layered, spotlighting both actors’ versatility and warmth.
Squibb reflected on the origin of their bond during Amy Poehler’s recent Good Hang podcast, saying, “Yes, we are heavy-duty buddies… I just sort of got to know him and liked him a lot.” After long shoots and big scenes together, their connection grew beyond the scripted lines. Dinners with Colfer and his partner Will Sherrod soon followed, transforming a working relationship into a genuine, lasting friendship.
Why This Friendship Captivates the Fan Community
Glee fans have long been drawn to the show’s celebration of found family and inclusiveness, themes reflected in Squibb and Colfer’s real-world connection. Their friendship acts as a living extension of the values that made “Old Dog, New Tricks” so resonant. The 61-year age difference isn’t just a trivia point—it’s a model of how generations can learn from and uplift each other, whether on screen or off.
For many fans, this duo represents what makes Glee’s legacy so powerful in retrospect: the ability to spark meaningful connections and reveal personal growth for cast and audience alike. Colfer’s own Instagram, often featuring snapshots and tributes to Squibb, has become a hub for fan nostalgia and admiration.
Moments That Prove Their Bond Is the Real Deal
- Dinners and celebrations: Even after the cameras stopped rolling, Squibb and Colfer remained close, sharing regular dinners and welcoming partners into the fold.
- Public encouragement: Colfer celebrated Squibb’s leading turn in the indie action-comedy Thelma at its Sundance premiere, lauding her daring stunts and spirited performance on social media.
- Red carpet reunions: The pair attended the Los Angeles premiere of Thelma in June 2024, further fueling “chosen family” admiration from longtime Glee fans.
Squibb and Colfer: Challenging Hollywood’s Friendship Stereotypes
Hollywood seldom spotlights friendships that transcend generations, genders, or titles—but that’s exactly what makes Squibb and Colfer stand apart. Their bond, forged not in Hollywood’s manufactured celebrity circles but through honest collaboration, offers a needed counterpoint to the industry’s penchant for fleeting alliances. It’s telling that, when asked whether she gives life advice to younger friends, Squibb deflects, saying, “They know they’re not going to get it. So, they don’t ask.” It’s humility and authenticity, not hierarchy, that roots their friendship.
Why This Still Matters: Legacy, Representation, and Real Inspiration
To fans still cherishing ‘Glee’’s message, this ongoing relationship is a living example of how television can plant seeds of lasting unity. The Squibb-Colfer connection also provides rare visibility for deep platonic love across age and orientation—a theme largely unexplored in Hollywood and one of particular importance to LGBTQ+ and elder-ally communities.
The episode’s impact, and their real friendship, continue to spark online discussions, celebrations, and hopes for more intergenerational storylines in future TV and films. For those who crave sincerity in an age of viral soundbites, seeing this friendship endure serves as a blueprint and an aspiration.
The Takeaway for Fans
The best behind-the-scenes stories aren’t about feuds or rivalries, but about the lasting, transformative connections that happen between artists. The journey of June Squibb and Chris Colfer encourages us—not just as fans, but as people—to root for unexpected bonds and to celebrate friendships that expand our understanding of both Hollywood and our own lives.
For more insight into the enduring resonance of this friendship and its impact on the Glee legacy, see reporting from Entertainment Weekly and the original broadcast on Good Hang.
