Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson: Episode Summary

Guest: June Squibb
Episode Title: Doing Stunts in ‘Thelma’ and Manifesting a Romcom with Robert De Niro
Release Date: January 21, 2025

1. Introduction of June Squibb

Jesse Tyler Ferguson opens the episode by introducing June Squibb, highlighting her illustrious career spanning seven decades. June's recent Oscar nomination for her role in Nebraska is emphasized, along with her fascinating background in Broadway, notably her performance alongside Ethel Merman in Gypsy. Jesse expresses his admiration for June's vibrant presence and the infectious exuberance she brings to every room.
Notable Quote:
Jesse Tyler Ferguson [02:36]: "You had this giddy, can you believe this is happening to me? Exuberance that was just completely intoxicating."

2. Celebrating June’s 95th Birthday

The conversation shifts to June’s recent 95th birthday celebration. June shares details about the grand party hosted by friends, where she was the center of attention, regally seated by the pool. Jesse recounts a humorous anecdote about encountering a fan wearing a "June Squibb" hat at an airport, leading to a playful exchange about obtaining the coveted hat.
Notable Quote:
June Squibb [07:22]: "I invited about 40 people of my own, and then there were about 150 others there. And I sat regally by the pool, and people came to me."

3. Career Reflections and Stunts in Thelma

June discusses her role in the action film Thelma, where she took on the challenge of performing her own stunts. She shares her determination to execute physical scenes herself, rejecting the initial plan to use a stuntwoman. This decision led to authentic and memorable moments on screen, such as the scooter incident with Richard Roundtree.
Notable Quote:
June Squibb [12:07]: "I really did most of it. And that was not what they had planned because they had thought, well, we'll just tell June to start these things stop, and we'll get a stuntwoman. And I felt that was not a good idea."

4. Broadway Beginnings and Early Life

Delving into her early career, June reminisces about her Broadway debut and her time performing in Gypsy with Ethel Merman. She recounts her unconventional first performances tap dancing on bar counters to earn free beer, a testament to her passion for performing from a young age.
Notable Quote:
June Squibb [22:14]: "My grandparents used to take me around to local bars because I loved tap dancing. I would get on the bar and tap dance, and they would get free beer."

5. Transition to Film at Age 61

June narrates her unexpected transition to film acting at the age of 61. Her first film audition led to roles in Woody Allen’s Alice and Martin Scorsese’s Age of Innocence. This sudden influx of film opportunities marked a significant shift from her established stage career.
Notable Quote:
June Squibb [26:30]: "I went to my agent and said, I think I should be doing some film work. A week later, I had an audition for Woody Allen."

6. Nebraska and Big Break at 83

At 83, June landed the pivotal role in Nebraska, which served as her big break in cinema. She shares how the entire crew felt the significance of the project, fostering a special environment during filming. The role not only garnered critical acclaim but also revitalized her career, proving that remarkable achievements aren't confined by age.
Notable Quote:
June Squibb [30:12]: "This wasn't just me. I think Bruce felt it. We all felt this was something very special."

7. Upcoming Projects and Aspirations

Looking ahead, June reveals her excitement about Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut, where she plays the lead role. She also expresses a desire to explore new genres, particularly Westerns and romantic comedies. June whimsically mentions Robert De Niro as her dream co-star for a romcom, highlighting her playful side and enthusiasm for diverse roles.
Notable Quote:
June Squibb [34:24]: "My love interest? Oh, God. I guess Robert De Niro wouldn't be that very… He’s very funny."

8. Personal Insights and Legacy

June reflects on her enduring passion for acting and her continuous relevance in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of feeling purposeful and vibrant, regardless of age. Jesse commends her for being an inspiration, showcasing that it's never too late to pursue one’s passions and achieve remarkable success.
Notable Quote:
June Squibb [38:03]: "It's wonderful to feel relevant."

Conclusion:
In this heartfelt and engaging episode, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and June Squibb delve deep into the remarkable journey of an actress who has continually reinvented herself across different mediums and genres. From her early days on Broadway to her dynamic roles in film, June's story is one of resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. Her insights offer inspiration to listeners, demonstrating that success knows no age limits and that embracing new challenges can lead to fulfilling and unexpected accomplishments.