The Sam Sanders Show Is It Ever OK to Lie? w/ June Squibb
Sep 26, 2025
June Squibb, a legendary actress known for her Oscar-nominated role in Nebraska, shares her journey to stardom in her 90s. She discusses her experience in Broadway's Gypsy, her latest film Eleanor the Great, and the ethical nuances of lying. June reflects on the diverse roles she's embraced, her thoughts on aging in Hollywood, and her conversion to Judaism. She emphasizes the importance of community and staying active, revealing that Pilates keeps her fit. This conversation is a delightful blend of wisdom, humor, and genuine life lessons.
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Aging Population Drives Better Roles
- June attributes more roles for older actors to an aging global population and rising interest in stories about aging.
- She argues film and writing now reflect longer lifespans and people want to see older lives represented.
Early Exposure To Holocaust Images
- June recalled first seeing Holocaust images in Life magazine around age nine and later reading extensively about the era.
- That lifelong interest informed her approach to playing a Holocaust survivor in Eleanor the Great.
Conversion And A Rabbinic Friendship
- June described converting to Judaism while at the Cleveland Playhouse before marrying a Jewish man, driven by personal interest rather than demand.
- She studied with a young reform rabbi and formed a close friendship during her conversion.