At 96, June Squibb Is Busier Than Ever

A Thriving Career Against All Odds

While many slow down in their later years, June Squibb defies expectations. At 96, the acclaimed actress maintains an extraordinary pace, balancing her Broadway performance in “Marjorie Prime” with film projects like Netflix’s powerful drama “Eleanor the Great.” Her decades-spanning career continues to reach new heights.

The Joy of “Eleanor the Great”

Squibb immediately connected with “Eleanor the Great,” declaring, “I loved the script when I first got it. It was a joy to shoot.” Filming entirely in New York City—her home for 65 years before moving to Los Angeles—felt like a homecoming. “It’s always good to be back. We shot everything right here, parlour and were very well taken care of,” she reflects warmly.

A Meaningful Collaboration

The project introduced Squibb to director Scarlett Johansson, sparking an unexpected bond. “We really hit it off,” Squibb shares. “We liked each other so much, and we’ve maintained our relationship, which you don’t always do after a film.” This connection deepened the creative experience beyond typical professional interactions.

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Ensemble Synergy

Surrounded by co-stars Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht, and Rita Zohar, Squibb describes a uniquely harmonious set. “It was just a really great cast,” she emphasizes. “Those don’t come along every day.” This chemistry contributed significantly to the film’s authentic atmosphere.

Broadway Homecoming

When not filming, Squibb returns to her roots: the stage. Her deliberate choice to resume Broadway work in a lead role fills her with gratitude. “I loved working on stage my whole life, and I hadn’t been doing it recently. It’s just been wonderful,” she says. Despite the physical demands, the joy outweighs the fatigue.

The Physical Realities of Theater

“It’s fun, but it’s tiring,” Squibb admits. “Much more tiring than filming. You don’t get any time off at all.” Performing eight shows weekly requires strategic energy management, especially during harsh New York winters.

Energy Management Secrets

Prioritizing Rest

Squibb’s solution is straightforward: “I rest.” During rehearsals, she slept up to 12 hours nightly. Now in performance mode, she maintains nine hours of sleep nightly and strictly adheres to a 9 PM bedtime. “I think you get your body used to it,” she explains.

Evening Wind-Down Rituals

Post-show routines are deliberately low-key: tea, pretzels, or Japanese mochi ice cream—”little things like that.” She unwinds with crossword puzzles or Sudoku, avoiding stimulation. “Nothing too stimulating,”