On this beautiful weekday afternoon, June Squibb is ready to confront some issues. The 94-year-old actress playfully challenges Robert Downey Jr. while filming a fun social-media campaign for her new action comedy «Thelma» (in theaters Friday).
Later, she looks at her longtime assistant, Kelly, with a smile and a shrug: «It’s hard to believe that older people are actually doing this, right?»
In the film, she portrays a determined elderly woman who falls victim to a deceitful phone scam, losing $10,000 to a caller pretending to be her grandson. Inspired by her determination and armed with a mobility scooter, Thelma embarks on a daring quest to reclaim her stolen funds, reminiscent of a thrilling action movie.
The film is written and directed by Josh Margolin, and is loosely inspired by his own grandma Thelma, who is nearly 104 years old. She had a close call with a similar scheme that almost defrauded her. Witnessing her being exploited in that manner was a harsh realization, Margolin remembers. “I started imagining what might have happened if she sent the money and went back to get it.”
June Squibb, the star of ‘Thelma’, is experiencing a surge in demand at the age of 94.
Margolin had initially chosen Squibb to portray Thelma. «She’s really skilled at using a charming and innocent demeanor to her advantage,» he says. Luckily for him, she read the script and was immediately interested.
«It’s such a fantastic role,» Squibb exclaims. She received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress for her performance in «Nebraska» in 2013. «Thelma» represents a remarkable achievement in the career of someone in their nineties: She is finally getting her chance to shine as the main character in a film, over 30 years after her first appearance in Woody Allen’s 1990 romantic comedy «Alice» at the age of 61. Since then, she has appeared in supporting roles in films such as «Scent of a Woman,» «In & Out,» «Far from Heaven,» and «The Age of Innocence.»
«My career has definitely been fulfilling,» Squibb says. It’s quite remarkable to be 94 and still actively working, especially in a role like this! I’m really happy that I can still do the things I love and that I’m in good health.»
She has nothing but praise for her past collaborators, describing Martin Scorsese as «wonderful,» Adam Sandler as «a leader,» and Jack Nicholson as «such a gentleman.» She expresses her deep gratitude to Alexander Payne, the director of both «Nebraska» and «About Schmidt.» According to Squibb, he had a significant impact on her career. «After «Nebraska,» I didn’t have to audition again!»
Born in 1929 in Vandalia, Illinois, Squibb moved to Cleveland in her early 20s and starred in local theater. She tied the knot with the esteemed Charles Kakatsakis, an acting teacher who has since passed away. Together, they were blessed with a son named Harry. In 1951, they relocated to New York and she had her first appearance on Broadway as the character Electra in the original production of «Gypsy» alongside Ethel Merman.
During her off time, she decided to take on some part-time gigs. One of her favorites was working as Santa’s helper at Lord & Taylor during the Christmas season. She would don a red velvet dress and happily assist customers with directions. Additionally, she had the opportunity to showcase her talent through modeling for various magazines and book covers. “It was awful stuff like romance and true crime,” Squibb recalls. «But it made income for me!»
She became a member of the Screen Actors Guild in 1985 and has consistently pursued acting in both film and television. Out of her impressive 101 screen credits, a remarkable 51 have been achieved within the past decade. «I never felt any of the Hollywood ageism that people talk about,» Squibb says. «However, I entered the scene much later than the majority, which might have worked to my advantage.»
Squibb thinks that if she didn’t pursue acting, she would have chosen a career in law enforcement. «I believe I would have excelled as a detective,» she confidently states. There was a time when my husband had plans to enroll me in classes at John Jay (College of Criminal Justice), but unfortunately, I had to decline due to a job opportunity that came my way.
Squibb also makes a brief appearance in Disney/Pixar’s «Inside Out 2,» lending her voice to the character Nostalgia. She has watched the film three times already, and it has evoked a sense of nostalgia within her. «I really miss being able to do physical activities that are currently beyond my reach,» Squibb expresses. «I’ve been dancing for years and it was quite a demanding endeavor. However, now that it’s no longer a part of my life, it’s quite challenging.»
Recently, she has discovered a newfound appreciation for socializing and cherishes the time spent with others, which she didn’t prioritize in the past. «As time goes on, I’ve unfortunately had to say goodbye to many friends,» Squibb reflects. «When that starts to happen, you realize, ‘Wow, I really value those I have.'»
She will be celebrating her 95th birthday in November and has already made plans to visit Bamboo Cuisine, a beloved Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles. «Their food is absolutely amazing — I’ve been a loyal customer for two decades,» Squibb enthusiastically praises. «I’m confident that I’ll have a group of 25 or 30 people accompanying me, and together we will have a joyous celebration.»
Squibb recently had the opportunity to film Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, «Eleanor the Great,» and it seems that she has aspirations of one day venturing into the Western genre. The actress reveals that there is no hidden formula to living a long life. She has reduced her meat intake, but still enjoys eating whatever she desires. In addition, «I enjoy engaging in crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and various other games found in newspapers. I really enjoy that; it keeps your mind engaged.»
According to her, staying involved has been a great help for her mental well-being. “People are like, ‘What is going on with her mind?’ And I get it: It’s pretty remarkable to be so sharp at 94. But I don’t know what I’d do other than just keep going.”