Defying age and expectations, 94-year-old June Squibb is Hollywood’s latest action star

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As I read through this article about June Squibb’s remarkable career and her experiences in Hollywood, I couldn’t help but be in awe of her resilience and determination. Here is a woman who, at the ripe age of 87, continues to defy expectations and prove that age is just a number.

On a sunny June afternoon in the San Fernando Valley, I find myself cozily seated at a small dining table in my ground-floor apartment, which I share with my two beloved felines. I offer you a plate of freshly baked cookies as I recount how, just three short years ago, I made the unexpected transition from living on the second floor to this more accessible unit. My dear son Harry, ever thoughtful and caring, had convinced me that it was time for an change. And boy, was he right! Moving down here has brought me newfound ease and comfort in my daily life.

In an unexpected twist for an interview with an action star, we find ourselves in a unique situation with Squibb. At 94 years old, her career has defied the norm. After spending decades on New York’s stages, she transitioned to film and television late in life, working with directors such as Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, and Alexander Payne. When she was 84, Squibb received an Oscar nomination for her role in Payne’s “Nebraska” (2013). Now, at an age when most actors have either retired or passed on, Squibb is finally taking center stage with her first leading role.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that in the upcoming comedy “Thelma,” which hits theaters this Friday, the brilliant actress Susan Sarandon plays a tenacious grandmother character who unfortunately falls victim to a deceitful phone scammer, losing $10,000 in the process. Determined to reclaim what’s rightfully hers, she sets off on an adventurous journey around town, commandeering an elderly friend’s scooter – played by the legendary Richard Roundtree from “Shaft.” Tragically, Roundtree passed away due to pancreatic cancer shortly after filming. Directed and co-written by Josh Margolin, who drew inspiration from his own 104-year-old grandmother’s experiences, this film has garnered praise at this year’s Sundance Film Festival for its innovative take on familiar action themes and its heartfelt exploration of the indignities and joys of growing older.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that “Thelma,” distributed by Magnolia Pictures, is making a big splash this summer. With an impressive release on over a thousand screens, it marks the widest opening in Magnolia’s 23-year history. This exciting news comes just a week after Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” hits theaters, where I was fortunate enough to bring the new emotion Nostalgia to life. In my own words, Nostalgia is a charming little character with rosy-tinted glasses.

Squibb chuckles, “They continually tell me, ‘You were first place!’ It’s amusing, really, considering I’ve rarely encountered such situations throughout the years.”

Richard Roundtree and June Squibb in the movie “Thelma.”
(Magnolia Pictures)

When Squibb initially read Margolin’s script, she strongly identified with Thelma’s resolve to stand up against those who had hurt her. Her late husband, Charles Kakatsakis, an acting teacher who passed away in 1999 after a long marriage of 40 years, often believed that Squibb could have excelled as a police officer. “I think he was correct,” shares Squibb, who is fond of police procedural shows and owns numerous shelves filled with Scandinavian crime novels. “I possess a strong sense of justice, understanding what is right and wrong. This belief has been a part of me since childhood.”

When searching for a 90-something actor to portray the role of Thelma, there weren’t many suitable candidates. However, Margolin had already made up his mind about who he wanted. “June is an ideal blend of strength and vulnerability, humor with subtlety,” shares Margolin, who was introduced to Squibb via their mutual friend Beanie Feldstein. “She embodies that indomitable spirit – refusing to give up – which is crucial for Thelma’s character and reflects my own grandmother’s essence. I was determined it should be her.”

“During her role in ‘Thelma,’ Squibb injects thrilling action sequences reminiscent of ‘Mission: Impossible.’ These scenes are tailored for a senior citizen’s capabilities. Much like Tom Cruise, Squibb courageously executed several stunts herself, such as driving a scooter dangerously fast and tumbling on a bed while holding a gun – an impressive feat considering her two knee replacements. With a grin, she shares, ‘I adored the scooters. I must confess, I didn’t do the wheelie, but I did most of my own stunts.'”

Squibb, who grew up in Vandalia, Ill., had long been accustomed to the physical demands of performing as a dancer and singer, having developed these skills since her childhood. Despite her humble background – with her father being an insurance salesman and mother a secretary – she was far from the glamorous world of Hollywood.

“My aunt used to tap dance and whistle through her teeth, which is as close as I’ve ever come,” she explains. “But deep down, I’ve always known who I am – I’m an actress. The thought of doing anything else never crossed my mind.”

“I loved the scooters,” said June Squibb, with passenger Richard Roundtree, in “Thelma.” But, she added, “I have to admit, I did not do the wheelie.”
(David Bolen / Sundance Institute)

In her teenage years, Squibb kicked off her acting career on stages in St. Louis and Cleveland. Subsequently, she relocated to New York City for her Broadway debut in “Gypsy” alongside Ethel Merman in 1959. Reflecting on her past, she shared, “The first two decades of my life were dedicated to musical theater. I covered all the bases: Broadway, off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, and regional productions. My sole focus was to keep working.”

In her late 50s or early 60s, Squibb appeared in Allen’s romantic comedy “Alice,” released in 1990. Known for letting go of those who displeased him, the director once made Squibb anxious about her job security. During filming, she became frustrated with an actor whose lines were proving difficult to deliver. She voiced her concerns to Allen, who responded by criticizing her instead. Upset, Squibb went home and considered her fate: either I’d be let go or the director would grow fond of me. Upon returning to set, she discovered that Allen had expanded her role significantly.

Starting from that moment, Squibb secured consistent employment in Hollywood, featuring in movies such as “The Age of Innocence” directed by Scorsese and “About Schmidt” helmed by Payne, among numerous TV roles. In the year 2013, she shined brilliantly in Payne’s “Nebraska,” portraying Bruce Dern’s tough-as-nails, no-nonsense wife. Her impressive performance gained her nominations for a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Oscar for the Best Supporting Actress category.

Ten years have passed since that memorable moment in her apartment with her son, Harry Kakatsakis, a filmmaker himself. As they watched the Oscar nominations being declared on TV, she heard her name announced. “Mom, you made it — you really did,” Harry exclaimed, and they both wept with joy. Reflecting back, she is still filled with pride when she sees next to her name the title “Oscar nominee.”

“I think things are changing,” says June Squibb, above, in a “Thelma” scene with Fred Hechinger. “We have these wonderful women doing leading roles at [age] 40, 50, even 60. That never would have happened even 20 years ago when I first came out here.”
(David Bolen)

Since then, Squibb has been frequently identified in public places. “At Gelson’s market, there’s usually someone who approaches me and engages in conversation,” shares Squibb, who values her independence and only has an assistant due to her son’s suggestion. “Occasionally, they mistake me for a past teacher or someone they know from long ago. It’s amusing.”

At first, Squibb believed that “Thelma” could be her final acting role. However, she continues to receive numerous job offers. Proving her versatility, she recently portrayed a vampire leprechaun in “American Horror Story’s” latest season and will soon appear in Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, “Eleanor the Great.” In this film, she plays an elderly woman who befriends an 19-year-old girl after relocating to New York.

Although Hollywood often focuses on young actors, Squibb is pleased with the diverse roles she’s receiving that move beyond the typical grandmother character. “Eleanor isn’t like Thelma, and they’re unlike the leprechaun,” she notes. “I believe things are evolving. With actresses taking on leading parts in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s, this was unheard of just two decades ago when I started out here.”

Squibb credits her continued ability to work to a combination of good genetics and an active lifestyle. She shares that both of her parents lived well into their 90s, which was quite advanced for their generation. Additionally, she has always been an avid dancer and, upon moving here, began swimming for an hour each day. Currently, she also practices Pilates once a week. Therefore, I believe these factors contribute significantly to her vitality and ongoing health. In simpler terms, she never stopped taking care of herself physically.

As long as her health permits and she feels capable, she has no plans of halting her actions. She expresses defiance against established norms, asserting, “There are no rules for me.” Her thoughts are focused on the next adventure rather than adhering to what others do.

So what about “Thelma 2”? After all, every action star needs a franchise.

“Squibb comments with a chuckle, ‘Everyone is joking around, saying “If June does it, I will too,”‘ she shares.” or “Squibb jokes, ‘Everyone is making light of the situation, saying they’ll follow if June takes the lead,’ she reveals with a laugh.”

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2024-07-18 18:54