The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Episode Featuring June Squibb

Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction and Welcome

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes Academy Award-nominated actress June Squibb. Known for her stellar performances in films like About Schmidt and Nebraska, Squibb takes center stage to discuss her latest project, the action-comedy film Thelma.

Discussion About Thelma

Colbert kicks off the conversation by delving into Squibb's role in Thelma. Squibb explains that the character Thelma is inspired by the writer's great-grandmother, a 104-year-old woman who becomes a victim of a scam. This personal family experience fuels the narrative of revenge and action in the film.

• Stephen Colbert (02:38): "You're getting a lot of acclaim about this, which is your first starring role. You're the lead. You are Thelma in this. Congratulations."

• June Squibb (02:42): "Thelma was the writer's grandmother... she was scammed... what she does to get her money back."

June's Stunt Performance

A highlight of the interview is Squibb's discussion about performing her own stunts in Thelma, a feat that earned her the "Best Stunt Performance" award from the Alliance of Women Film Journalists. Colbert praises her courage and shares a clip from the film featuring Squibb alongside Richard Roundtree.

• Stephen Colbert (03:12): "I know this because there are action sequences and physical comedy. And you were awarded, quote, best stunt performance from the alliance of Women Film Journalists."

• June Squibb (03:30): "And Richard didn't know I was going to do it... I just zoomed off and I kept thinking, oh, I hope they got that on camera."

Fearlessness and Early Life

The conversation shifts to Squibb's fearless nature, tracing back to her childhood antics. She reveals a history of adventurous behavior, such as jumping off sheds, which even concerned her parents.

• June Squibb (04:38): "When I was a little girl, I jumped off of sheds... I was always climbing on sheds and jumping off."

• Stephen Colbert (04:44): "How did your team... teachers and parents feel about this?"

• June Squibb (04:53): "My parents thought I was not a very good girl... we had some problems."

Acting Career and Audition Anecdotes

Squibb shares amusing and insightful stories from her extensive acting career. She recounts an audition for La Plume de Matante, where she lied about her ability to dance en pointe—only to have to improvise when confronted by a stage manager.

• June Squibb (07:24): "I lied once at an audition... I had told them, my agent had told them, yeah, she could do pointe."

• Stephen Colbert (07:45): "So I went downstairs as Gypsy as burlesque."

• June Squibb (08:05): "I did."

This anecdote highlights the challenges and improvisations actors often face in auditions, showcasing Squibb's adaptability and commitment.

Wisdom and Advice for Aspiring Artists

Reflecting on her long and successful career, Squibb offers valuable advice to young performers. She emphasizes perseverance and the importance of enduring the hardships inherent in the entertainment industry.

• June Squibb (08:59): "Just keep going... it's a hard business. If you have to do it, it's going to take years."

Age and Personal Insights

Addressing the topic of age in Hollywood, Squibb humorously admits to frequently lying about her age—typically subtracting five years—to navigate the industry's ageism.

• June Squibb (09:26): "I always took five years off... When I was doing Nebraska, Wikipedia outed me. They truly did."

• Stephen Colbert (09:54): "So you're actually 100?"

• June Squibb (09:57): "No, I stopped with the five years."

This candid revelation underscores the pressures actresses face regarding age and the lengths to which they may go to secure roles.

Conclusion

Stephen Colbert wraps up the interview by expressing his admiration for Squibb and promoting her film Thelma, now streaming on Hulu. He also encourages listeners to follow more of his work on the Late Show YouTube channel.

• Stephen Colbert (09:57): "June, thank you so much for being here. It's such a pleasure to meet you. The film Thelma is streaming on Hulu."

June Squibb's appearance on The Late Show Pod Show offers a blend of humor, behind-the-scenes insights, and heartfelt advice, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen Colbert (02:36): "Lovely to meet you."

• June Squibb (04:38): "When I was a little girl, I jumped off of sheds... I was always climbing on sheds and jumping off."

• June Squibb (09:26): "I always took five years off..."

• Stephen Colbert (08:59): "What wisdom can you impart to young people out there just starting off in show business?"

• June Squibb (08:59): "Just keep going... it's a hard business."

This episode seamlessly blends humor with insightful discussions, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into June Squibb's illustrious career and the making of Thelma. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her work, Squibb's stories and wisdom offer valuable takeaways for anyone interested in the performing arts.