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Celebrating June Squibb: A 95th Birthday Bash for the Ages
Recently, Leonardo DiCaprio marked his 50th birthday in November with a lavish celebration at the San Vicente Bungalows in Los Angeles. However, it was the party of June Squibb, renowned for her role in “Thelma,” that captured widespread attention.
Squibb, who celebrated her 95th birthday on November 6, witnessed an outpouring of admiration and affection during her birthday gathering. The event drew attendees from all age groups, highlighting the actor’s remarkable appeal across generations. Celebrities like Kumail Nanjiani, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Kathryn Newton were spotted mingling at the private venue. A heartwarming 16-minute video tribute featured messages from notable figures such as Scarlett Johansson and John Goodman, along with a humorous proposal from Squibb’s “Glee” co-star Chris Colfer and his husband Will Sherrod, suggesting a quirky theme park called “Junerassic Park” in her honor.
Colfer has playfully teased Squibb over the years about extravagant birthday plans. Reflecting on past celebrations, he shared, “For her 90th, I threatened to take her to Magic Mike in Vegas, and for her 95th, we planned a skydiving trip.” As for her upcoming centennial, he quipped, “Naturally, having her cloned is the only appropriate way to celebrate her 100th.”
At the heart of the festivities was Squibb herself, embodying a radiant spirit and impressive vitality for someone of her age. “My birthday party was a joy,” she reflected. “Everyone loved it, and I had so much fun. I talked to everyone.” Open about her age, Squibb playfully admitted to having previously shaved a few years off until a revelation during her role in “Nebraska” caused her to embrace her true age. “Wikipedia outed me,” she laughed, recalling how the database uncovered her real birth year.
Guests at the celebration received a trendy souvenir: a June Squibb baseball cap, which made its debut during the Sundance Film Festival premiere of “Thelma.” Originating as a simple idea from the film’s producer’s sister, the caps became a fashionable hit among attendees and beyond. “I see them often now,” Squibb remarked. “At first, I thought it was just people I knew, but I even spotted one at a grocery store and heard about someone on a flight to Tokyo who was eager to find out where they could get one.”
Squibb’s year has largely been a celebration of her work, particularly her portrayal of the titular character in the comedy “Thelma.” In the film, she plays an elderly woman who falls victim to a scam and sets out on a mission with her friend, played by the late Richard Roundtree, using a scooter to hunt down the culprits. The movie artfully balances humor, realism, and action, drawing praise from audiences and critics alike.
The film’s creator, Josh Margolin, based the character on his own grandmother, Thelma Post. The low-budget indie film made waves in the festival circuit and was well-received, grossing over $12 million at the box office. Squibb’s performance has already earned her a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award, and she is a frontrunner for an Academy Award nomination, which could cement her place as the oldest nominee in Oscars history.
Determined to cast Squibb in the film, Margolin reached out to her with the support of Beanie Feldstein, his friend and “The Humans” co-star. Margolin expressed admiration for Squibb’s ability to bring authenticity to her roles: “June infuses every performance with truth. Whether she’s being humorous, serious, or outrageous, she grounds it in a realness that draws you in,” he explained. “Her talent is akin to a magic trick that captivates from the first frame to the last.”
While the accolades for her lead role in “Thelma” are exciting, it’s worth recognizing that Squibb has always been a remarkable talent. Her film career began late, with standout moments throughout her diverse background in theater and various film roles, including a poignant scene in “Scent of a Woman” and memorable lines in the comedy “In & Out.” Though she entered the film scene at 61 with Woody Allen’s “Alice,” her extensive experience in theater—from performing on cruises to touring with “Gypsy” alongside Ethel Merman—prepared her for the screen.
It was her role in Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska” that truly garnered the attention of audiences. Squibb portrayed the no-nonsense character Kate Grant, capturing hearts and bringing depth to the film. Although she was initially apprehensive about being seen in that light, Payne later noted that Squibb’s audition revealed her versatility. “She didn’t overdo anything; she played it naturally,” he remembered. The director emphasized the importance of Squibb’s audition, stating, “When you tape your own audition, do it two different ways, just like June did.”
Squibb’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. In addition to her role in “Thelma,” she features in two films set for release in 2024: “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead” and the highly anticipated “Inside Out 2,” where she voices the character Nostalgia. She will also star alongside Martin Sheen in “Lost & Found in Cleveland” and lead the title role in “Eleanor the Great,” directed by Scarlett Johansson. Reflecting on working with Johansson, Squibb exuberantly stated, “I can’t wait for everyone to see what a remarkable director she is.”
Her directors and collaborators hold her in high regard, often praising her talent and demeanor. “June Squibb is one of the most graceful and fearless actors I’ve ever worked with,” said Payne. “Besides her talent, she is an utterly delightful person.” Margolin also shared insights on their connection, stating, “Thelma, the real-life inspiration for the character, adores June. Their meeting this year was wonderful, filled with laughter and shared interests.”
“June has always been a phenomenon,” Colfer added. “It just took Hollywood 95 years to catch up to her.”
Source
variety.com