94 and Leading: June Squibb's Hollywood Renaissance

At 94, most people would consider themselves lucky to simply be alive, let alone starring in a major motion picture. But for actress June Squibb, this milestone marks not just a personal triumph, but a potential shift in Hollywood's perspective on age and female representation.

Squibb's latest film, "Thelma," is a comedic action-adventure that sees her play a feisty senior who, after being scammed over the phone, embarks on a scooter-powered quest for revenge. "Thelma" is not just a fun ride; it carries a powerful message about society's often-dismissive treatment of its older members, with Squibb's character serving as an inspiration for those who might feel overlooked.

"For me, it's what you don't do – you don't listen to all those people who say you can't do things," Squibb shared, embodying the spirited, "to hell with it" attitude that defines her character. Squibb, a veteran of both stage and screen, feels a deep connection to Thelma, finding common ground in the woman's grit and determination.

"I think in reading the script, I found that this woman was someone that I understood completely," she explained. "And I think I would do the same thing if somebody got money from me, you know, I would say, 'I'm going to go get that back'. I would try, so I really related to her."

Squibb's career, spanning decades, began on Broadway in 1959 and progressed to film with a role in Woody Allen's "Alice" in 1990. Her impressive resume includes credits in "Nebraska," which earned her an Oscar nomination, and animated films like "Toy Story 4" and "Inside Out 2."

Her journey through Hollywood has witnessed significant shifts in attitudes towards women and age. "I do think that the attitude towards women has changed," she observed, "and I think the attitude towards age has changed. We now have some wonderful leading ladies in their 40s, 50s, 60s, probably, and it's not so strange. I mean, I think it's accepted, and I don't think even 20 years ago that that was something that was accepted."

Squibb sees "Thelma" as a testament to this evolving landscape, suggesting that audiences are eager for fresh perspectives and narratives that break free from traditional tropes. With "Thelma" marking her first leading role, Squibb is far from slowing down. She recently completed another film featuring a leading lady in her 90s, suggesting a growing interest in stories that center older characters.

"I think we're getting a different attitude towards ageing," she shared. "I think everybody wants to know more about it just because the population is ageing and so I think it's something that interests people, even younger people. And so I think I'm lucky that I am working still at this time of life."

With her career continuing to blossom, Squibb's bucket list still includes a dream role in a Western. "I would love to do a Western," she shared, "I've never done one, and I just think it would be great, great fun to do. The whole thing of the Western landscape would be great fun to work in."

At 94, June Squibb is not just an inspiration for audiences, she's a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and the limitless potential of a career that knows no age. "Thelma" is now playing in UK cinemas.