June Squibb

[00:00] This episode is brought to you by Pure Leaf Iced Tea. Everything is competing for your attention. Your phone, your laptop, that email that says, quick question, and it's not quick. It's never quick. So sometimes step back, take a minute, open something refreshing like Pure Leaf Iced Tea. It's smooth, crisp, and made with real tea. No rush, no drama. So take a moment for yourself and find relief with Pure Leaf. Signature lemon and raspberry flavors are now available in six-pack cans. [00:30] Thank you. [00:30] Hello everyone, this is Amy Poehler. Welcome to another episode of Good Hang. I'm in a different studio today, but don't worry, I have my fake food with me, so no need to panic. But I have the great June Squibb here today. June is a legend. She is an incredible artist and wonderful person, and we talked about a lot of things today. We're going to talk about Eleanor the Great, her new movie that premiered at Cannes. We're going to talk about what it was like being an actor in New York in the 1950s. Her love of sketch comedy, the fact that we were both an [01:00] side out. [01:01] And we're going to just talk about her incredible career and what it's like being 95, which June makes it look real good. So I always like to do this at the beginning of every episode. We talk well behind our guests back and we have someone who has worked with June in a great film called Nebraska. He is SNL alum, an incredible actor and dear friend, Will Forte, joining us from a trailer somewhere on the set of Something. Hi, Will.

[01:34] This episode is presented to you by Walmart. I'd like to say that I'm a pretty good gift giver. And for me, it's about making the extra effort to find the perfect gift. Walmart has the top brands we all love in one place. Nespresso, Nintendo, Apple, you name it. That's why it has to be Walmart for all my gifts this year. Guess Best Gift Giver Award goes to yours truly. Get the brands everyone loves at prices you'll love at Walmart. Who knew? [02:01] season. Hello, how are you? Will Forte, it looks like you're in a trailer. I'm in a trailer. Where are we talking to you from? I don't even know. I'm outside of Atlanta somewhere. I'm like an hour south. McDonough, I think it's called. McDonough, Georgia. We are talking to June Squibb today. [02:31] Get ready. Very excited for you. I'm very excited. You've met her before, right? You know what? We only met once briefly at a Pixar event because we were both there for Inside Out 2. Wait, you came. Didn't you come to the Nebraska screening in New York? Well, I don't remember. I don't. I don't remember things. If you say I was there, sure. But I don't have any memory of that. I think you might have been there, but it doesn't mean you ever met her. Like, like, in fact, she might not have even been there. [03:01] In fact, she wasn't there. If someone tells me something happened, I have to believe them because I if someone could come up to me at this point and say, like, we were roommates.

[03:10] in New York. And I would say, okay, [03:12] Yeah. Because I cannot remember. Somebody asked me, [03:16] The other day, if I met Oprah Winfrey, I couldn't answer. [03:21] I'm like, I love Oprah. You would think that I would know if I met her or not. I can't remember. [03:30] Do you remember meeting June? I met June for the first time in June. [03:35] About a week before we started shooting Nebraska, we got together to do some little rehearsals, and she was just very instantly... [03:45] charming and made me put me right at ease because I was very nervous about the experience. She was just [03:52] So, so wonderful. What were you nervous about at the time? I just had never really done... [04:00] I [04:01] you know, something that was more on the dramatic side, even though it's kind of a comedy and a drama, but, you know, to do it on that scale with, you know, [04:11] And, you know, with the director, Alexander Payne, and then, you know, Bruce Dern and June Squibb, it was daunting. And do you – how would you say June works? How does she like to work? Does she like to rehearse? Is she loose? Is she – [04:27] From what I remember... [04:29] June had the entire... [04:32] script memorized before we even started. [04:36] You can ask her if that's true, but I'm pretty sure that she had memorized every one of her lines before we even started.

[04:45] Wow. [04:46] That's so like I'm somebody who really like I try hard to to make sure that everything is memorized. I don't want to be the person who screws that up. But I mean, I was just blown away by that. Like I that was way over the top. That's I mean, when I've been doing research on her, she's such a formidable actress and started out in the theater and just has like a ton of experience and training. So it's not surprising to me. But that is that's a lot to memorize. [05:16] She just was amazing. It's such a pro. And at the same time, so warm and just you just love being around her. You'll you'll see. You know what I'm finding is so many people. I bet you've seen this, too, like people 90 and over nonagenarians or whatever. People tend to either speak to them like they're little kids or. [05:40] say, how are you? Are you having a nice day? Or they assume that they've [05:49] got a ton of wisdom that they want to share. Like they assume like they're, [05:56] you know, tell us your secrets. And what I've noticed about when I've done some research on June is June does not [06:04] You know, she's so... [06:06] together with it and in the moment like she's not interested in being like this wise person who's learned all these lessons she seems very current I guess is the best way to put it

[06:16] Yeah, I mean, she has that wisdom for sure, but isn't like... [06:21] She doesn't hit you in the face with it. She's just like... She's like the perfect person because she's like super sweet, but got a little spice to her also. It's just a perfect combination. Did she ever like... [06:36] Did she ever give you some wisdom? Make a pass at me a few times. A few times. Did she ever what? [06:44] Did she ever give you any wisdom? Or did she ever have a little sharp tongue, little spice that you saw while you were working together? Well, that's the thing. She's so sweet. But then the part that she plays in the movie is... [06:59] you know, she's defending the family and she gets really spicy. Okay. So do you have a question you think we should ask June? Anything you think you'd want to hear on this podcast? June, my question is, what is your favorite food? [07:14] and why [07:16] And will you please... [07:18] Tell me in song. [07:20] Answer the question in song. An existing or made up song. [07:27] Well, [07:28] I mean, hopefully we can get the rights to whatever thing she sings. But that's a perfect question, Will. Okay, okay. You want to take it one more time? Yeah, and just play around with it. Have fun. What is the, oh, my God. [07:42] Okay. And no pressure, but we are getting ready to break for lunch. So let's, whenever you're ready. Oh, I knew this was going to happen. June, hello. I love you and I miss you. You are one of the most wonderful people I've ever gotten to work with. My question to you is this.

[07:59] What is your favorite food? [08:01] And why? And please answer this question in song. [08:06] And that song must be in the public domain. [08:11] Thank you. [08:14] Perfect question. Forte, do you think you're going to live to 95 and do you want to? [08:19] I know that I have, the Ouija board has said I will be dead at 73 by stabbing, but I think I'm going to... [08:27] Figure out a way, like, whoever makes it through those Final Destination movies, I'm going to be that guy, and I will make it to 95. I believe it. [08:37] How about you? I hope so. I definitely want. I want to make it to 100. And June is aspirational to me. I want to be like June at 95, working occasionally, having fun, having fun with my friends, like being really sharp. [08:52] I, she is an amazing role model and I'm, I'm with you. Yeah. I, I, I can't wait to have her. All right. I love you so much. Thank you so much for getting on and doing this in the middle of your work day. Have fun with her. I'm jealous. You get to talk to her for so long. Thanks buddy. Tell her hi for me. Talk to you. Bye. [09:10] This episode is brought to you by Uber Eats. Big news. Aldi is now on Uber Eats and you get 40% off your first order with code new Aldi 25. [09:22] you're too tired to shop or you just ran out of essential ingredients in the middle of meal prep, don't worry. Fill your fridge in just a few taps and get 40% off your first Aldi order on Uber Eats. For orders over $30, you can save up to $25. Ends December 31st. See app for details.

[09:42] June, I'm so happy to have you here. Oh, I'm thrilled to be here. You know, someone asked me [09:52] way where we've just like seen each other at events, but we haven't really been able to chat. I remember Scarlett and I saw you at the rehearsal for the Oscar presenters. That's right. Yeah. That's right. Scarlett Johansson. Yeah. That's the last time I think I saw you. And we, a lot of people don't know that you have to kind of show up for those. [10:09] events and rehearse on stage. Rehearse them, yeah. Which is [10:12] Kind of good because you have to see where to walk. I would have been, you know, I had never done it before. I'm sure she has, but I hadn't. And so it was all completely, you know, new to me. Yeah. Where you go, what you do, everything. You are in a new movie right now that Scarlett directed. That Scarlett directed, yes. And another great. Her directing debut. Yes, feature. Feature, excuse me. Do you like working with first-time directors? [10:42] I do. And I've worked with quite a few. I really have. What do you like about it? [10:49] I find if they're good, they're good, you know, if they know what they're doing. And first-time directors so often do. And I think that many of them work hard at finding out what to do. You know, if they're confused or not sure, they try to make sure they find out the answers. Do you have a style or a way that you like to be directed? Do you like more thoughts right away? Do you like rehearsal?

[11:19] Do you have a way to prep in a way that you like? I certainly prep in a certain way, yeah. I learn by just going over and over and over. But in doing that, I'm studying the script. So I know that script backwards and forwards by the time I get on set. I really do. I just feel... [11:41] You know, I know everything about it. Do you think it comes from your training? Yeah, I think I was in theater for so many years. And the learning process is different because there you usually learn as you rehearse. And, of course, with film, we learn and then go do it. Yeah. So there's a difference. But basically with theater, God, did we ever learn the... [12:08] on-time thing, you know, which is so... Everybody preaches in film all the time, too. Yeah, I feel like... I mean... [12:17] I don't think enough people know your extensive theater background and where you started. And, you know, you were also married to an acting teacher and you studied a lot and you did a lot of things. And can you tell me a little bit about what it was like in the 1950s to move to New York as an actor? I mean, I have a... It was wonderful. Oh, I loved it. I loved it. I felt I breathed really fully for the first time in my life. [12:47] I had five years at the Cleveland Playhouse. So that prepared me in so many ways for New York. But there was nothing like New York. And being young in New York, being in the theater, and I was one of the lucky ones that started working fairly soon. Where were you living when you first moved to New York? We lived...

[13:07] There were three of us, my first husband and a very dear friend, Jack Lee, who was a Broadway conductor before his career ended. And we lived in a... [13:21] funny apartment that they took down for Lincoln Center. Oh, wow. Yes, we lived there for two or three years, and then they sort of bought us out. And then we moved, though, to a very duplex in the village, and it, oh, Albie moved in after we did. Edward Albie? Edward Albie. The player? Yes. Wow. It was a wonderful apartment. [13:51] It had a garden and everything. Do you remember what the rent was? I think it was about $200. And that was humongous to us, of course, at the time. It was like, we can't afford this. Three of us, you know. [14:06] What was the vibe of being in New York in that time? What was the post-war, boomy vibe of the 50s in New York? What did it feel like? [14:21] I remember that. And of course, [14:24] We were seeing... [14:25] A lot of theater, and we saw all the big musical. We saw the original Fair Lady, the original Music Man. [14:35] We saw West Side Story in its second or third week of playing. Who was on stage then? Do you remember? Well, was it Cheetah? Cheetah. And I knew a lot of the dancers at the time, and I don't remember their names now. Wow, that's so cool.

[14:55] theater and many people don't know this my first 20 years in new york was spent in musical theater that's right i did either musical theater cabaret uh reviews you know some nightclub i had an act with another comic actor you did yes a comic act what was your what kind of stuff would you guys do well we wrote everything yeah and um [15:20] I remember we wrote, I wore an ape head and a beautiful blue dress, just a real frothy dress. And he sang about loving his girlfriend no matter what. Well, and then Cabaret did the same thing afterwards. You know, and this was before Cabaret. And we did it in our act. What happened to that partner? Barry Denon. [15:50] Because he was offered cabaret in London as the emcee, and I was offered happy time for Broadway. So we both felt we wanted to keep working singly, so we broke up the act. Wow. But we did some television. We did a little... Yeah, what did you do? What television did you do back then? I mean, your IMDb tune is incredible. I feel like I could shout out a million shows to you. [16:20] But what television did you do? It was some review thing. I don't even remember what it was. I think it was local. Yeah. But we also did some of the small clubs in New York. Wow. I just feel like it would be so cool to time travel back to that time. Oh.

[16:40] It was wonderful. I mean, and I think that... [16:43] Everybody was like, [16:46] eager to be there. I mean, it was like the place to be in the world to all of us. It still feels that way, though. I have to say, you know, I moved to New York in 96, and it still felt like when you arrived there, at least for me, it felt like some version of your life was beginning. Yeah, basically. Yeah, I felt that. Well, I lived there for 65 years [17:16] had a job that is [17:18] It's such a great job because it just doesn't exist anymore, which is your mother. What was your mother's job? My mother played piano for silent films. [17:28] How did she start doing that? Well, she was a piano player, and my grandfather owned a music store. So they were sort of into all the music that was happening in the area. He had a store in – I grew up in Vandalia, Illinois, and there was another store in Centralia, Illinois, that he owned. So they were big in the music, and I'm sure that's how it happened. So was your mom teaching you how to sing and play from an early age? [17:58] she played the piano and she taught piano. [18:03] And [18:04] Because she taught piano, played piano, I didn't want to have anything to do with the piano. And she tried to teach me, and it didn't work out. So she sent me to another teacher in Vandalia, and that didn't work out. And so the teacher said, I think June maybe should give up on the piano. So she sent me back to my mother. So my mother said, well, I'm going to try again. So she was giving me a lesson, and she went outside for some reason.

[18:34] And I was playing the piano with my feet. I never had to touch a piano again. I got out of it. She saw me and she said, this is it. Yeah. I mean, isn't it funny that it's kind of like the last thing you want to do often is the thing your parents are doing? Your parents are doing, yeah. Yeah. [18:57] What did they think about you being an actor? Were they supportive? Were they worried? They were not supportive. My father was somewhat supportive. My mother was never. She saw me on Broadway doing a supporting role in a big musical and said, well, do you think you'll come home now? [19:17] I don't think so. And I was married again. I mean, you know, it was ridiculous. [19:27] Well, I don't think people remember that, you know, now in this world where everybody is like, you know, creating content and being, you know, famous and trying to be like, I don't think people remember during that time, acting was a very treacherous, you know, uneven profession. And so many people didn't make it. I mean, I have been lucky with my career and I would think you feel the same way. Absolutely. Yes. [19:57] I don't. I mean, it's a very difficult, you know, it's a difficult career to want. What I see you do that I feel like I relate to is like I've always wanted to.

[20:11] you know, um, [20:12] kind of diversity and longevity in my career and half the battle is hanging in there like just kind of getting rejected a lot and just kind of hanging in and believing in yourself because it's it is it can be a really long runway before you feel yeah who is someone that you worked with when you were young and you thought I feel like I'm in the right place I think with Ethel Merman with Gypsy and I was with [20:37] That show ate [20:38] eight months on Broadway and then eight months on the road with her. And she was an amazing woman. [20:47] An amazing woman. And everybody loved her. [20:51] that was in the company. She was very much a housevraue. She loved gossip. She loved to hear everything she could about anybody in the show. And she used to tell me dirty jokes all the time. She would be, we were, [21:09] Getting ready. I was behind a scrim. I was the lecturer, so I was doing my light bulbs. And she was getting ready to come on, and she would sidle up behind me, and then she would tell me a dirty joke. [21:23] Wait, what do you mean doing your light bulbs? Well, I had a costume. And you had to do your own light bulbs? Yeah. On the front and in the rear and the crotch. I had bulbs that lit up. [21:39] I did the buttons like this. I'm sure they do it entirely differently now because it's running on Broadway right now. But then that's what, and these long wires went all the way up. And it was heavy because I had this huge battery in my behind. I mean, that term, doing my light bulbs, sounds like it could be an old Broadway term. Like he was fired for trying to do my light bulbs. He's not doing my light bulbs.

[22:09] Well, I had that a few times, too. [22:13] I mean, I bet you did. I mean, you could probably write a book about how so much has changed in the industry. Oh, God, yes. And I can only imagine that you had to deal with... [22:26] A lot of [22:28] you know, [22:29] inappropriate behavior. It was a completely different time. Well, you know, it's funny, because I have friends and we were both dancers. I mean, I danced a lot. And we use it when the [22:43] We looked at each other and said, me too. What do you mean? You know? I know. And then we talked about it. And, you know, we both said, oh, my God, if we'd had this when we were coming up, you know. But. [22:57] We both said the same thing. We both knew when to say no. I knew when it was going to be not good for me. So that was it. But I feel you when I went. [23:11] When [23:12] My generation kind of looks at the generations below and notices the things that they don't put up with anymore. And it really makes you take stock of the stuff that you put up with. That you did put up with. Yeah. Yeah. Who's your favorite dancer? [23:29] Uh, yeah. [23:31] Shock them, boy. Oh, man. [23:34] And I've seen him dance up close. I mean, you know, real, not just television and film. You have. Oh, yeah. I saw him.

[23:43] He was a guest at... [23:47] a theater in [23:50] I guess it was Kansas City. [23:52] Thank you. [23:53] Or Dallas, too. All these big theaters. I worked a lot in those. And he was doing a leading role in one of them, and I saw the rehearsal of it. Wow. [24:07] But I just think his career, I mean, and he's still... [24:11] He is? How old is he now? Well, I'm sure he's in his 80s or 90s now. [24:20] Everybody's in their 90s now. Yes, they are. I'm glad you said that. It's really true. So many people live in their non-agenerians. We're all living so much longer, Amy. You can't get rid of us. It's fantastic. I mean, there are so many people in their 90s now. It's fantastic. You know, my dear friend who passed Norman Lear. Oh, yes. He made it to 101. [24:49] and Carl Reiner, who passed, and Mel Brooks, who's still like, there's just a lot of... [24:59] I mean, it's almost like, oh, to 100? Okay. Do you want to make it to 100? Oh, sure. Yeah. Yeah. That's a great number to make it to. My agents say I'll still be working, so I don't know about that.

[25:14] I know you love Singing in the Rain. You also love Gene Kelly, too, right? I know. I loved his dance. Me, too. I loved him as a dancer. I think it's some of the best dancing, and I love Donald O'Connor. [25:29] His dancing was great. [25:30] Rather underrated, really. I think he was so much better than many people realized. And Debbie was good. Debbie was very good in it. They all were. And that wonderful woman who was so funny, who played the actress. I have a laptop. I can find out who it is. Look. I can't remember her name. I mean, I can't. June, I can't remember anybody's name. So, okay. Singing in the Rain. She played. [26:00] Jean Hagen. Jean Hagen. Yes. She was so funny. You grew up in the Midwest. [26:07] And, uh, [26:08] Thank you. [26:09] Uh, [26:10] I... [26:12] People think I grew up in the Midwest because I did a show that took place in a fictional town in Indiana. But what I love about people from the Midwest is a real sense of community. [26:24] and forthrightness. Do you think that that is true? Do you find that to be true? Yeah, I think... [26:33] The forthrightness is, I think, because everybody just sort of always says what they think. Yeah, I think they're brave. It's true. Yeah, I think they do. Even to the detriment of perhaps the person listening, but they say it.

[26:47] Yeah, I think that there's a straightforwardness. Yeah, there is. That's very nice to be. I find it very nice to be around. Do you find like as like in your life, did any of that Midwest stuff happen? [26:57] travel in any of your work? Oh, very much so. Yeah, I think it did very much. I think there's a stick to it as [27:06] And I think that that's very Midwestern. [27:12] Agree [27:13] I mean, it's like you've got a job, so you do it. And no matter what that job is, if it's yours, then you have to do it. I spent some years in Chicago. I just feel like, yeah, there was a sense there of – [27:26] So [27:27] of [27:28] Exactly what you just said, one foot in front of the other. There wasn't a ton of... [27:32] I don't know, complaining. You don't complain. Yeah. You just do what you're supposed to be doing. Do you feel you do that? I think I do. Yeah. I think that's something that, you know, has... [27:44] been a part of me. And we were very far south. We were on a line with St. Louis, Missouri, which is considered a southern city, really. And... [27:56] I my accent, I still had a southern I probably still do have a southern sound. And they tried to take I remember when I went to the Cleveland Playhouse, one actor went out of his way to take the Midwest Southern out of my voice. And he did for the most part. [28:16] Interesting. So by the time I went into New York, it was more...

[28:20] You know, it wasn't a Southern. It was like voice lessons to flatten that out. Yeah. Or not flatten it out. Maybe take. Not flatten it out. Yeah. Lehman. Lehman. [28:30] Which one? Lehman. That's Lehman. [28:35] Gotcha. Lehman. Lehman. Lehman brothers. [28:39] Lehman. I had Lehman in my tea. Lehman. [28:43] Ooh, that's a good one. Do you remember any other ones? Lehman. Lehman. [28:47] let's see. I know, I know with my Boston accent, I had a hard time when I would do, when I would, and I had to say it a lot on Parks and Rec where I had to say the word [28:56] I still have to swallow before I say it. [28:59] Thank you. [29:00] Government. Government? Something about my Boston accent makes me want to say government. [29:07] Government. Oh, yes. I get rid of that, but it's government. Government. Government. That was a hard one for me. And when you get [29:16] Does your accent come back at all when you're with people? If I get tired, it does, too. I get very Southern if I get tired. Picture. [29:25] Picture? Picture, yeah. That's another one. Do you like doing accents? Are you good at that? I don't. I'm not great at accents. And supposedly, if you have a southern accent, it's harder for you to do accents. I don't know why. I think it's the slowness that you're, I don't know, but I've been told that or read that or something. Have you ever had to do an accent in a film or a part that was challenging? Yeah, yeah. I do.

[29:55] fairly well. I've done that on stage and in film. But I don't have that kind of ear. I really don't. No, you mean. I think you either have it or you don't. It's amazing to watch. Like, [30:10] A real mimics who can pick it up fast. [30:13] And I mean, you know, some people could just read and do it. I mean, you know, what do you want? Polish? Okay. I mean, I can't do that. I mean, I can do it if I work at it a long time. But, you know, you can't just throw something like that at me or I can't. I won't. I'm not going to throw it at you. Oh, good. We're going to do the rest of this interview and we're going to pretend we're French. French, okay. [30:43] stuff like do you want to ever have you been able to do anything musical um i did a glee um [30:51] And I think I did three numbers in it. What did you sing? Do you remember? Memories from Cats. Chris Colfer and I sang that together. You guys are buddies. Yes, we are heavy-duty buddies. [31:06] And we did another. I can't even know what numbers it was. But Memories was the big one that we had. What's so great about Chris? What do you love about Chris Colfer? He seems like a peach. [31:21] had written a script and was doing the lead. And it was Peter Pan, and I was playing Wendy. It's a whole story. But anyway, so it...

[31:33] We worked together so closely, and I think we were shooting. It was big scenes, and I think we shot like a week and a half or two weeks. It was a long shoot. And I just sort of got to know him and liked him a lot. And... [31:51] So we started then having dinner together. And he has a great partner, Will Sherrod, who I adore, too. So it was just, you know, great fun. What do you what do you get? What do you learn from and get out of people who are younger than you? [32:07] Because, I mean, as an older person, I feel like what happens is people want to ask you for a lot of wisdom. Oh, no, no. They know they're not going to get it, so they don't. They don't ask that at all for me in any way. Yeah, and I feel like people really project on people that are older that they have something they want to share. When, in my experience, younger people teach me stuff all the time. Like, I learn a lot from them. [32:37] I know you have a lot of younger friends. Yeah. Yeah. [32:40] I don't know. I mean, I just, if I like someone... [32:46] I don't think I ever think in terms of how old they are. You know, if I feel an affinity, you know, that there's something here that I want to... [32:56] To be more a part of, you know. Yeah. I mean, why would I tell anyone what to do? Well, because I think people in their 90s are treated like astronauts. I think people are like, you're...

[33:10] You got to go somewhere. You're there. And what are you bringing back? Like, I think people really, you know, I mean, it's people, you know, we're all afraid to die. Mortality is the thing we're obsessed with. And when people are in their 90s, I think there's some... [33:26] People want to know the secret. They want they think you've got something in your pocket. Well, I don't think any of my friends feel that way. Let's just put it that way. We're still on an even keel, you know, keep me happy or forget it. What age do you feel you are? [33:43] Thirty five. [33:45] I always feel I'm 35. I don't know what I felt when I was younger than 35, but as I got older, I kept referring back to 35. I don't know why. [33:56] I deeply remember my 35th birthday, too. Do you? Yeah. [33:59] Mm hmm. Where were you when you were 35? What year was that? Where were you? [34:04] Well, I was in New York. I don't know. [34:09] I don't remember why 35 is so important. I think it's because I remember my mother at 35. Hmm. [34:18] There was something very grand about her at 35, which I did not always find as she got older or even younger than that. But somehow her, my mother at 35 was great. I agree with you that when we meet people, I feel like we meet them differently. [34:37] And we meet very old, wise 25-year-olds, and we meet really, like, all over the place, hectic 95-year-olds. We meet all of those people. Like, age doesn't have a lot to do with where you're at. No, it really doesn't. Yeah.

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[36:43] Are you one of those media strategy people clicking through slides, scrolling spreadsheets? Yes? Good! This is for you. Because on Spotify, there's an audience that's different. Locked in. Loyal. Invested. They're called fans. Fans don't just listen to music. They feel seen by it, like it belongs to them. So when your brand shows up on Spotify, that's who you're talking to. And you're right next to artists like me, Lizzo. So, are you ready to talk to fans? Spotify Advertising. You're among fans. [37:13] Thank you. [37:15] It makes me think about what we're talking about kind of makes me think about [37:22] what we worked on together, this film inside out, inside out too, because it's kind of, there's some themes in there too, about the idea of time passing and, and, [37:33] For people who haven't recognized June's voice yet as they've been listening to it, but you played... [37:38] Nostalgia. [37:40] What I loved about nostalgia when she comes in, [37:43] and she's drinking her tea, is that it's kind of Buddhist what nostalgia does. Because nostalgia kind of says, remember. Yeah. Remember, basically, remember when we were all getting along. But she keeps coming in during chaos to, like, kick everybody back to, let's just take a minute and remember. Yeah. Which is, like, it feels very, like, I don't know. But I usually keep pushing her out.

[38:13] I know it's kind of interesting why they don't want to get nostalgic in that moment. [38:18] What is your relationship? Are you a nostalgic person? [38:22] Not terribly. Yeah. I'm really not. Yeah. I've always been like, what's going to happen? [38:28] Even as a young person, I was like that. Yeah, what's next? Yeah. [38:34] And do you think that's [38:36] One of the reasons why you've worked so much and had such a long career is you've been thinking that way. I think it probably has a lot to do with a career. Yeah. [38:44] And, uh, [38:45] The working so much, I mean, you know, when I started out, I wouldn't have done anything. And I think you have to. I think when you're just starting, you know, either out here in Hollywood or in New York, wherever you are, or Chicago, because there's a big group there. You have to do everything. You can't say no to anything. Mm-hmm. [39:11] Because it's working, keeping that thing going that is going to save you. Well, I know you describe yourself as a character actor. [39:20] And that and I love the way you talk about how you approach, you know, I [39:24] You've obviously done these amazing films in which you've led them and been number one on the call sheet and been nominated for awards. And you've done so much work where you have been part of an ensemble. And you talk a lot about how you treat them the same. I do. Yeah. Why? Well, to be honest with you, I feel if I'm doing it, it's the most important thing in the film.

[39:50] I've always felt that. And... [39:53] That just carries through. I mean, you know, and I think, too, [39:59] You've seen films where somebody comes in and does one scene, and you go, wow, who's that? I mean, you just don't know. Yeah. Yeah. [40:10] And I just, I like the work. I enjoy doing what you do to get it up there on the screen. When you worked on your performances in About Schmidt and Nebraska are so good, you're... [40:25] Thelma is so great. You and Fred are so great in that together. And then Eleanor the Great. When you work on films like that with directors, like... [40:35] And you've got you've memorized your script. Do you like to come in feeling like you know who you are already? Or are you are you hoping that that gets kind of shaped as you're working? [40:47] I think it's more shaped as it goes on. I think I know a lot about. [40:54] But I also work... [40:58] With no idea of what I'm going to do. Yeah. I have none. Yeah. So what happens is what happens hits me. And then that's how I react. Who are some of your favorite scene partners? People where you felt like you were in the scene with them and there was a vibe that was really working. Yeah. [41:19] Well, Richard Roundtree and Fred in Thelma, I think they were both kind of amazing. Yeah.

[41:28] And Eleanor said, [41:31] Erin as the young girl. We have so much together. [41:36] And, well, Jack Nicholson. I mean, he was so great and so wonderful to work with. And he always made me feel like a peer. He never once. Well, he better. You are a peer. Yeah. Well, but, you know. [41:52] I came in and he could so easily have been, I'm Jack Nicholson and you're not, you know, that one of those. Yeah. And he never, ever. I appreciate that so much with him. [42:05] Love to hear that. Did you ever have a young actor in their first role or film and you thought, oh, they're very good and then see them? [42:17] you know, ascend over, like, does anyone come to mind? [42:23] I did Scent of a Woman. [42:26] and oh god what is his name we can look it up we've got al pacino chris o'donnell philip seymour hoffman wow it was so funny because i had a i had a scene with both chris and philip and i came home and i said [42:45] Boy, I just worked with this young kid, and he is going to be so big. I said, this kid's going to be a star. [42:52] I knew it immediately, and I really don't do that very often. I mean, I don't sense that. What did you remember seeing in him? I don't know what it was. There was something about him, and he was never like standing out. He was always a part of. He and Chris, he and the other boys, you know, this. I mean, he didn't push anything. He was amazing.

[43:22] Thank you. [43:22] He was such a talented actor. Oh, God, yes. Did you get to work with him again? No. No. [43:27] They used to tease me because my character's name was Hunsacker, so they called me the Hun. And they would tease me all the time. And we lived in this motel, all of us. [43:41] because we were shooting outside of New York. And he and Chris constantly were trying to get me to go have booze and beer in the bar downstairs. And I would go once or twice, but I was a big Knicks fan. And so I would sit there watching the Knicks, and they'd be up at the bar drinking. Yeah, are you a basketball fan? I am. You're a big sports fan in general? Not much. [44:09] Not hugely. I played basketball in high school, and I loved it. And I started watching the Knicks when I lived in New York. Were you a guard? I mean, you don't have the height. I was a guard. I was a guard. We don't have the height. I could have stopped anything. I was really good at it. That's cool. Wow. And were you a sporty kid? Yeah, I ran. I was a pretty good runner. [44:39] that you do in the gym. I was a cheerleader. You had to be sort of sporty for that. Yeah. And a drum majorette. Yeah. And they're all sort of sporty. It's more or less. And like in your...

[44:54] you know, [44:55] 70s, 80s, and 90s, [44:57] How do you stay? I mean, you're very physically fit. What do you do? I do Pilates. [45:05] Once a week for an hour. On the reformer? Some. Some on that, but some just stretching and weights. [45:13] stuff. Yeah. Um, I have two different massagers, masseuses, and, um, [45:21] I try to walk. I try not to just sit all the time. Now, you have a... We spoke a little bit about your late husband, who was an acting teacher, and who taught... I thought this was really wonderful. Taught... [45:34] worked with Margot Martindale's husband, and you and Margot were neighbors. Neighbors, yeah. And still remain very good friends. And Margot is such a terrific actress. Oh, she's heaven. And is this a true story that she got the script for? [45:52] Nebraska. Yes, it is true. What's that story? I was coming out of my apartment and she was coming out of hers. And she said, Hey, she said, Have you heard about this new film, Nebraska? And I said, No. She said, You've got to tell your agents about it. She said, You should be doing this role. And she said, They sent it to me. But she said, I'm too young. She said, I really am too young. And she said, It's a wonderful role. [46:22] That sort of started it. And so I talked to my agents about it, and they kept up. And since I had already done about Schmidt with Alexander, and the thing was that they didn't.

[46:39] Alexander and the casting director both thought I was wrong for Nebraska. And I said, they think I'm that little lady from About Schmidt. And that's exactly what it was. And my agents kept at them to the point where they finally said, have her send, you know, we'll send a script or send some scenes and have her send a tape in. So that's what happened. Wow. [47:09] again said [47:11] The minute I saw it, I knew you should do it. But he said it was so funny because for about Schmidt, he had cast it. [47:20] from somebody out here. And [47:24] I was in New York and my agents kept pushing me, pushing, pushing me. Finally, they again said, just tell her to send a tape in. I'm sure they thought that would be the. And Alexander told me, he said, I saw that tape and knew you had to do it. [47:37] Well, we do this thing on this podcast where we have people talk to me before I talk to the guest and give me a question to ask. And we kind of try to talk well behind people's back. So I was talking with Will Forte earlier. Isn't he a great artist? I adore him. I know. And he adores you. Yes. And he was on set of a new movie in a trailer, and we got him on Zoom to tell us what it was like working with you and then just to give you a question. [48:07] to give me a question to ask you um what was it like working with will oh he's great and he was so scared because you know he kept saying i'm a comic i'm a comic and we all know you're an actor now will just shut up and do it you know and so that you know he was wonderful he was so great oh god and then he went to can the first time i went he and i

[48:32] And Bruce Dern. Yeah. What was it like working with Bruce? Oh, Bruce is great. This is one hell of an actor. He really is a great actor. Yeah. You guys were great together. Yeah. [48:42] So Will wanted me to ask you, this was his question for you. [48:47] And he wanted me to tell you, June, I love you. [48:52] I love everything about you. [48:55] What is your favorite food? [48:58] And could you tell us about it in song? [49:07] So no pressure, Jean. Well, my favorite food are pupusas. [49:18] I have a cook who's from one of the islands. Her mother makes pupusas for me all the time. Sounds like a good title of a song. Let me see. [49:28] Papoosas, Papoosas, Papoosas, I love you. [49:36] Yes! There, Will Forte. One of the lost songs from South Pacific. [49:46] That's beautiful. That's like the new Peaches song that Jack Black sang. [49:54] So the other thing I wanted to ask you about is I'm the mother of boys. You have a son and he is in the business, right? Writer, director.

[50:06] and [50:07] uh in the 70s what was it like being a working mother in the 70s much different he was born in 70 he was born in 70s so yeah so 80s i guess the 80s what was it like well by then he was i think in high school so he was pretty you know in new york he was pretty loose oh yeah you guys were in new york yeah yeah and uh do you ever work together do you yes i did i did some films for him i did in [50:37] and um [50:39] Gosh, I don't know. It was just a little family of three. Yeah. And I went off, but he had his dad there always. And your ex-husband Charles was an acting teacher. Did you work with him on your stuff? That must have been really interesting. What did you learn from him? Well, everything, truly. Because my work as a performer, really, in musicals, [51:09] considered myself pretty realistic and I was considered one of the more realistic actors doing musical theater. But Charlie, when I met him and we met doing a musical in stock and he said, you could be a really fine actress if you really do what you were doing. And he was right. I mean, and I remember going into his class.

[51:37] And it was hard because, I mean, it was like tearing down everything that I believed or thought I was doing, you know, and to put something else in there. And I was crying and he was yelling at me and all the kids in the class were laughing. They thought, oh, this is pretty funny. So we went through this awful screaming and yelling and everything. But, I mean, truly, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if it were not for him. Honestly, it seems very passionate. It was. [52:07] He was determined, almost more determined than I was to do it. He was determined I was going to do it. That must have been nice to have someone in your corner like that. And it was interesting because I... [52:20] We worked together then for years, and I was auditioning for a regional theater, a script that I liked a lot and wanted to do, and he always helped me at home. [52:35] And I said, you know, I have this audition. He said, I'm not going to help you. [52:40] Thank you. [52:41] And I said, no, I need help. And he said, no, you know what you're doing. You do it. This is very exciting foreplay that you're talking about. And yeah. No, I know it wasn't. It was like, you know, but we kept. And then I got the role and I said, you've got to help me. Yeah. He refused again. He died about six months later. Wow. Wow. [53:05] Do you think he knew? I think he knew somehow that he had to, like, push me out, out of the nest, is what he did. Wow, June. That's wild. He probably maybe sensed something? I think so. Yeah.

[53:19] So do you feel like in the early days you were kind of dependent on his? Oh, very much so. Yeah, I couldn't. I felt, you know, I couldn't do it if he didn't. [53:27] Help me, set me straight. Yeah. And he just refused. And he never once helped me after that. And how old were you when he passed? [53:39] 99. [53:41] 1999. [53:43] Right. So I have no idea. I mean, I can't do that. Let's not do it. Let's not even try it. That's outrageous. And did you ever consider dating or did you date after that? I did date a little bit, but. [54:00] I date a little bit in New York, and I dated some out here. What's dating like in your 80s? [54:06] Not very interesting. [54:11] It really wasn't. Yeah. You know, nobody came along that really excited me. And I was working all the time, you know, so it just sort of went by the wayside. Well, you know, and I mean... [54:27] Do you feel like what, like I ask a lot of my guests this, but you have friendships now, especially female friendships that probably... [54:34] You know, they span many decades. What are they what are they continue to do for you? [54:39] Even, you know, into your 90s? Well, I think mentally, I think without them, I would, you know... [54:46] I need that, I think, the mental push, the mental excitement. Yeah, yeah. And someone who kind of knows your story. Yeah. Yeah.

[54:57] Yeah, yeah. [54:59] And we still, I mean, I have two female friends that I'm very, very close to. And I see them all the time. So it's great. Yeah. [55:09] Um, what are you, what are you doing right now? What do you listen to? Watch? [55:16] Read. [55:17] that makes you laugh, right? [55:19] You know, when you want to laugh, when you want to check out. Well, I watch Saturday Night Live. Do you? Oh, yes. Every week? Not every week, but a lot. So good. Who are some of your fave performers on that show right now? I love Colin. I mean, I just think he and Michael Che together just knocked me out. But so you like sketch comedy? Yeah. [55:42] And I did it, you know, so I really sort of, I have a thing. I understand that. Were you big, like, what kind of shows did you like in the comedy? Were you like a Monty Python fan? Were you Laugh-In? I love Monty Python. I liked Laugh-In. Yep. Buzzy was a really good friend of mine. Ruth Buzzy was a friend of yours? We worked together in reviews in New York. Actually, in Provincetown. Tell me about that. What was Ruth Buzzy like? [56:12] I love that you called her Buzzy. Yeah. Yeah. Sorry. That's what everybody calls. I didn't know that. I always called her Ruth Buzzy. Ruth Buzzy. No, Buzzy. Buzzy. And, um... [56:23] So we worked together. We did a ship. We did a cruise ship together. And we did some nightclubs in New York together. And then...

[56:32] She had gone to Provincetown the year before, and they needed someone to, [56:39] The summer coming up is a summer job, and she suggested me. So they talked to me, and then they hired me. So we had the whole summer together. Oh, that's fun. Yeah. Do you ever watch The Neighborhood? [56:52] That to me is funny. Oh, with Max Greenfield? Yes. And Cedric? Yes. Yes, so funny. They are funny. They are really funny. Max is so funny. And I used to watch Cedric, the entertainer. He used to be part of those, like, comedy, Def Jam, where there'd be like a bunch of stand-ups together. And he was so funny. That's a good show. I'm amazed at him. I watch him on the show. Yeah. Because of how he... [57:22] And he knows he's going to do it, and it's comedy, but he's just sort of like, I don't know, he's wonderful. Did you ever see – that got arrested on stage. Oh, I know who you mean. Okay, let's play this game. Let's see how long – okay, I heard that from memory – [57:38] You shouldn't look things up. You should try to visualize. Okay, we're going to do it. Putting the. Lenny Bruce. Lenny Bruce. Oh, gotcha. Lenny Bruce. [57:53] I did see him in Chicago. I knew you would see him. What was that like? Do you remember seeing him? Yes, I remember that everybody. Oh, you know, because he would say these things. Yeah, he was an interesting guy.

[58:08] Going back to where we started our conversation, there's something about I would have loved to have been and it must have been so cool to have been in the city during that time in the 50s and 60s when everything was just starting to unravel in an interesting way. You know, I keep thinking I can remember being worried about things. [58:28] And again, it passed. And I hope that's [58:32] What happens with us now? [58:35] It too will pass, but I don't know. [58:38] Yeah. I don't know. Well, I think that is the one thing that a long life gives you is you get to see. I've seen a lot past. Let's just say this. Yeah. [58:51] I love our time together, June. Thank you for coming and doing this. Thank you. It's been so great. I mean, I just, I think you're such an incredible talent. Oh, thank you. And. [59:03] Um, I'd love to be your friend. And I know this is awkward, but I tend to bully people into being my friend. So you don't have to bully me. Okay, so if it's if you would accept the invite, I would love it. I would love to be considering I'd love for us to be new friends. Yeah. [59:22] And I know it's awkward. I'm asking you on this podcast. I mean, what are you going to do? Say no. No, no. June just hands me her card, and it's just 555-5555. [59:35] I'll call you next week.

[59:41] Thank you so much for doing this, June. This has been the best. I hope you had a good time. I did. I had a great time. Okay, great. And I got a mocha. Oh, gosh, your mocha. We didn't even sip some of that mocha. [59:52] it's still good thank you so much June Squibb my new best friend you heard it here she can't take it back we recorded it June you're the best so [1:00:05] such a great artist and person. Thank you so much for coming in. And June talked about a lot of exciting musical theater. So for today's Polar Plunge, I just want to just take a moment. [1:00:17] to say that West Side Story... [1:00:19] was so important to me as a young person. And that [1:00:25] Being able to even picture the original musical and seeing it on stage in its first week or two that June talked about. I just I don't know if you haven't seen the film. Watch it. I'm sure there are productions, local productions happening right now. The original film with with from the 60s is so beautiful and the music is so beautiful. And I'm sure we can't afford to sing this, but I would like to say. [1:00:55] And everything is I am too. [1:01:04] Thank you for listening. [1:01:08] And see you soon.

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