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9 Unbelievable Facts About June Squibb's Unstoppable Career Surge At Age 96

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June Squibb's career is not just a testament to longevity; it is a remarkable, unprecedented surge of success that has captivated Hollywood and Broadway alike. As of late 2025, the veteran actress, who turned 96 in November, is arguably enjoying the most prolific and high-profile period of her entire six-decade-spanning career, proving that talent truly has no expiration date. Her recent string of leading roles and major projects has cemented her status as a beloved cinematic icon.

This deep dive explores the latest updates on June Squibb's current projects, from her critically acclaimed lead film role to her return to the New York stage, revealing the secrets behind her unstoppable stamina and her journey from a supporting player to a bona fide leading lady.

June Squibb: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

June Louise Squibb's journey is one of dedication, patience, and a late-career breakout that defied all industry norms. Born in Vandalia, Illinois, her artistic roots run deep, as her father was a silent film pianist and her mother was a talented golfer and musician. Squibb's initial focus was music, but her passion for the stage quickly took over, leading her to a monumental move to New York City.

  • Full Name: June Louise Squibb
  • Date of Birth: November 6, 1929
  • Place of Birth: Vandalia, Illinois, U.S.
  • Age (as of late 2025): 96
  • Spouse(s): Edward Sostek (m. 1953; div. 1959), Charles Kakatsakis (m. 1959; d. 1999)
  • Child: Harry Kakatsakis (son, filmmaker)
  • Broadway Debut: Gypsy (1959), playing the stripper Electra alongside Ethel Merman.
  • Major Film Breakout: Nebraska (2013)
  • Major Awards/Nominations: Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Nebraska), Golden Globe nomination, Satellite Award, and numerous critics' awards.
  • Recent Notable Roles (2024/2025): Lead role in Thelma, lead role in Eleanor the Great, Broadway revival of Marjorie Prime.

The Unprecedented Late-Career Lead Roles: Thelma and Eleanor the Great

The common narrative for veteran actresses often involves a slow down, but for June Squibb, her nineties have been a period of acceleration. After her Oscar nomination for Alexander Payne's Nebraska in 2013, she continued to work steadily, but the years 2024 and 2025 marked a seismic shift: she became a leading lady.

1. The Critical Triumph of Thelma (2024)

In 2024, June Squibb starred in her first-ever leading film role in the action-comedy Thelma, directed by Josh Margolin. The film is a charming, yet thrilling, story about a 93-year-old woman who seeks revenge after being scammed by a phone fraudster. Squibb performs many of her own stunts in the film, which was a massive undertaking for an actress of her age, showcasing her incredible physical stamina and commitment. The performance was universally praised, generating significant buzz for a potential Best Actress nomination during the 2024-2025 awards season, a remarkable achievement for an actress who first gained widespread recognition in her 80s.

2. Teaming Up with Scarlett Johansson for Eleanor the Great (2025)

Squibb's momentum carried directly into 2025 with the release of the film Eleanor the Great. This project is particularly notable as it marks the feature directorial debut of Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson. Squibb plays the title character, Eleanor Morgenstein, a woman in her nineties who, after the death of her best friend, gets caught in an accidental lie that leads to a blossoming new friendship. The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, further cemented Squibb's position as a powerhouse lead, with Johansson praising her energy and dedication on set.

From Broadway to Pixar: The Breadth of Her Work

While her film career is currently dominating headlines, June Squibb has maintained an active presence across multiple media, demonstrating a versatility that few actors can match. Her ability to transition seamlessly between stage, screen, and voice work is a testament to her deep understanding of performance.

3. A Return to the Stage in Marjorie Prime

In late 2025, June Squibb made a triumphant return to the New York stage, starring in the Broadway revival of Jordan Harrison's play Marjorie Prime. Taking on a lead role on Broadway at 96 is an extraordinary feat, requiring a level of physical and mental endurance that few performers half her age possess. Her commitment to live theater, where her career began with Gypsy back in 1959, shows her enduring love for the craft and the stage.

4. Voice Work and Animated Hits

Squibb has also lent her distinctive voice to several major animated features, ensuring her presence in films watched by younger generations. She voiced the character of Gertrude in the Disney animated film Ralph Breaks the Internet. More recently, she was part of the cast for the highly anticipated 2024 Pixar sequel, Inside Out 2, adding yet another major studio credit to her diverse résumé.

5. The Oscar-Nominated Role That Changed Everything

Before Thelma, the role that truly brought June Squibb into the mainstream spotlight and earned her critical acclaim was Kate Grant in the 2013 black-and-white road film Nebraska. Her sharp, hilarious, and deeply human performance as the long-suffering wife of Bruce Dern’s character earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 84. This late-in-life recognition paved the way for the incredible opportunities she is receiving today.

6. The Secret to Her Stamina

When asked about her relentless work ethic and ability to take on demanding roles at 96, Squibb has often attributed it to sheer determination. She famously told reporters, "I just gird my loins and go," emphasizing her natural stamina and her refusal to slow down simply because of her age. Her energy is an inspiration to her co-stars, directors, and fans worldwide.

7. A Legacy of Supporting Roles

For decades, June Squibb was one of Hollywood's most reliable and respected character actresses. Her filmography is packed with memorable supporting roles in major films, often working with director Alexander Payne, who cast her in About Schmidt before Nebraska. Other notable credits include Scent of a Woman, Meet Joe Black, and the recent 2024 comedy Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead.

8. The Influence of Her Early Stage Career

Squibb's foundation in theater is the bedrock of her success. Her Broadway debut in Gypsy in 1959 was a significant stepping stone, followed by years of regional theater, off-Broadway productions, and even USO Tours. This extensive stage experience honed her impeccable timing and powerful presence, skills that she brings to every film and television role, no matter how small.

9. A True Hollywood Inspiration

June Squibb's career trajectory is a powerful counter-narrative to the industry's focus on youth. Her late-career surge sends a clear message about the value of experience, talent, and perseverance. She is a true Hollywood icon, proving that the most exciting chapter of a career can begin long after most people have retired, and her upcoming projects continue to be among the most anticipated in the industry.

june squibb
june squibb

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