June Squibb | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone. This is Amy Puller. 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. Um, but I have. the great June Squib 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 um Eleanor the Great, her. new movie that premiered at Can. 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 in Inside Out. Um, and and.

we're going to just talk about her. incredible career and what it's like. being 95. Uh, 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.

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all your gifts this season. [Music]. Hello. How are you, >> Will Forte? It looks like you're in a. trailer. >> I am in a trailer. >> Where where are we talking to you from? >> I'm I don't even know. I'm in I'm. outside of Atlanta somewhere. I'm like. an hour south. Mcdana, I think it's. called Mcdana, Georgia. >> Um, we are talking to June Squib today.

>> 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 cuz 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. I in fact, I think 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 in New York." And I would. say, "Okay.". >> Yeah. >> Because I cannot remember. >> Somebody asked me the other day if I met. Oprah Winfrey. And I I couldn't answer. And I'm like, I love Oprah. I would You. would think that I would know if I met. her or not. I can't remember.

Um, where when do you remember meeting. June? >> I met June for the first time uh about a. week before we started shooting. Nebraska. Um, we got together to do some. little rehearsals and she was just very. instantly. charming and made me put me right at. ease because I was very nervous about. the experience. She was just so so. wonderful. >> What um what were you nervous about at. the time? I just had never really done.

a, you know, something that was more on. the dramatic side, even though it's kind. of a a comedy and a drama, but uh, you. know, to do it on that scale with, uh, you know, with the director, Alexander Payne, and then, you know, Bruce Stern and June Squib, it was it. was daunting. >> And do do you how would you say June. works? How does she like to work? Does. she like to rehearse? Is she loose? that. she really. >> from what I remember. June had the entire.

script memorized before we even started. 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. >> Wow, that's so pretty. >> I'm like I'm somebody who really like I. try hard to to make sure that everything. is memorized. that 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 a that's a lot to. memorize. >> Yeah. And she just was amazing. It's. such a pro and at the same time so warm. and just you you just love being around. her. You'll you'll see. You know what. I'm finding is so many people, I bet the.

you've seen this too, like people 90 and. over, non-agenarians or whatever, people. tend to either speak to them like. they're little kids, like say like, "How. are you?" Like, "Are you having a nice. day?". Or they assume that they've got a ton of. wisdom that they want to share. like. they assume like they're, you know, tell. us your secrets. Like, and what I've.

noticed about when I've done some. research on June is June does not, you. know, she's so 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. >> Yeah. I mean, she has that wisdom for. sure, but isn't like she doesn't hit you. in the face with it. She's just like. she's just she's per she's like the. perfect person because she's like super. sweet but got a little a little spice to.

her also. It's it's it's just a a. perfect combination. >> Did she ever like did she ever get give. you some wisdom? >> A few times. Few times. Did she ever what? >> Did she ever give you any wisdom or did. she ever give you or did she ever like. have a little sharp tongue like little. spice that you saw while you were. working together? >> Well, that's the thing is like she's so. sweet but then she she the part that she. plays in the movie is, you know, she's.

defending the family and 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? >> Question. June, my question is, what is. your favorite food and why? And will you. please tell me in song? Answer the question in song, an existing. or madeup song. >> Well, I mean, hopefully we can get the.

rights to whatever thing she sings, but that's a perfect question, Will. >> Okay. Okay. >> Let's You want to take it one more time? Yeah. And and and just play around with. it. Have fun. >> What is the uh Oh my god. Okay. >> And no pressure, but we are we are. getting ready to break for lunch, so. let's whenever you're ready. >> Oh, 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. What is your favorite food and why? And.

please answer this question in song. Uh, and that song must be in the public. domain. Thank you. >> Perfect question. Um, fore do you think. you're going to live to 95 and do you. want to? >> 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 figure out a. way like whoever makes it through those.

Final Destination movies, I'm going to. be that guy and I I will make it to 95. I believe it. >> How about you? >> I hope so. I definitely won. I want to. make it to 100 and I 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. >> I I She's. >> She is an amazing role model and I'm I'm. with you. >> Yeah, I uh 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 get to. talk to her for so long. Thanks, buddy. But tell her hi for me. >> Talk to you. >> Love you. Bye. >> Bye. >> 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. So whether your. fridge is empty and 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.

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touch of vanilla that's perfect for the. holidays. So whether you're treating. yourself or checking someone off your. gift list, shop holiday favorites at. joealone.com or at a Joe Malone London. store near you. >> Juna, I'm so happy to have you here. Well, I'm thrilled to be here. >> You know, someone asked me today. They. said, "Have you have you met June?" And. I said, "Well, we've met in that like. Hollywood way where we've just like seen. each other at events, but we haven't. really been able to show.". >> I remember Scarlet and I saw you at the.

rehearsal for the Oscar presenters. >> That's right. 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. events and rehears them. Yeah. which is. kind of good because you have to see. where to walk and. >> Oh, I would have been, you know, I had. never done it before. I'm sure she has, but I I hadn't. And so it was all. completely, you know, new to me about. where you go, what you do, everything.

>> You were in a new movie right now that. Scarlet directed. >> That Scarlet directed. Yes. >> Helen the Great. >> Her directing debut. feature, excuse me. Do you like working. with first-time directors? >> I do. And I've worked with quite a few. I really have. >> What do you like about it? >> Um, I I find if they're good, they're good, you know, if they know what they're. doing. And firsttime 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 a a style or a. way that you like to be directed? Do you. like more thoughts right away? Do you. like rehearsal? Do you like Do you like. Do you like Do you have a way to prep in. a way that you like? >> I certainly prep in a certain way. Yeah, I 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 forward by the time. I get on set. I really do. I I I just I. just feel. >> 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. Yeah. So, it is. there's a difference, but basically with. theater, God, did we ever learn the on. time thing, you know, which is so. everybody preaches in film all the time, too. >> Yeah. I feel like I I I mean 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. And I I felt. I breathed really fully for the first. time in my life. >> And I had 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? >> Uh we lived 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 uh we lived in a funny apartment. that they took down for Lincoln Center. >> Oh wow. >> Yes. We we lived there for two or three.

years and then they sort of bought us. out. >> and uh then we moved though to a very uh. a duplex in the va in the va village and. it oh Albi moved in after we did. >> Edward Albby. >> Edward Albby. >> the playright. >> Yes. Wow. >> It was a wonderful apartment. Had a. garden and everything. >> Do you remember what the rent was back. then? I think it was about $200. >> Yeah. >> And that was humongous to us, of course,

at the time. It was like, we can't. afford this. Three of us, you know. >> What was the vibe in being in New York. in that time? Cuz like what was, you. know, the postwar. boommy vibe of the 50s in New York? What. did it feel like? >> Um, I I think it it I think it was very. up. I remember that. And of course we. were seeing a lot of theater and we saw.

all the big musical. We saw the original. Fair Lady, >> the original Music Man. >> Uh the the we saw Westside Story in its. second or third week of playing. >> Who was on stage then? Do you remember? >> Well, uh. >> was it Cheetah? >> Cheetah. >> And I knew a lot of the dancers at the. time and I don't remember their names. >> Wow, that's so cool. But it was it was a. wonderful time. >> in musical 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 and um. >> I remember we we wrote. >> I wore a 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, they they and this was before Cabaret. and we did it in our act. >> What happened to the that partner? Do. you. >> Barry Denon? Well, we actually broke up. the act because he was offered Cabaret. in London. >> as the MC and I was offered Happy Time.

>> for Broadway. So, we both felt we wanted. to keep working singly. So, we we broke. up the act. >> Wow. >> But we did very we did some television. We did little. >> Yeah. What did you do? What television. did you do back then? I mean, your IMDb, June, is incredible. I feel I feel like. I could shout out a million shows to. you. You'd be like, maybe I was on it, maybe I wasn't. >> But what did you what television did you. do? >> It was some review thing. I don't even. remember what it wasn't. I think it was. local.

>> Yeah. >> But we also we did u the some of the. small clubs in New York. >> Wow. I I just I just feel like I it. would be so cool to time travel back to. that time. >> It was wonderful. I mean, and I think. that everybody was like eager to be. there. I mean, it was like the place to. be in the world. >> to all of us, you know. >> 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 Well, I lived there for 65. years before moving out here. >> Yeah. Wow. Um, your family um, your mom. had had a job that is it's such a great. job because it's it just doesn't exist. anymore, which is your mother. What was. your mother's job? >> My mother played piano for silent films.

>> How did she start doing that? and. >> 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 Vanelia Illinois and there. was another store in Centriia Illinois. that he owned. So he they were big in. the music and I'm sure that's how it. happened. >> So were you was your mom teaching you. how to sing and play from an early age?

No, she she played the piano and she. taught piano. >> and um because she taught piano and. played piano. I didn't want to have. anything to do with the piano and they. she tried to teach me and it didn't work. out. So she sent me to another teacher. in Bandelia 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, she came back. 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. This is it." I mean. it it's 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. Yeah. >> Um and. >> did you what did they think about you.

being an actor moving in? Like were they. supportive? Were they. >> They were not support 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? I I don't think so. And I was married. again. I mean, you know, it was. ridiculous. But in her mind, yeah, I was. I might decide to come home again. >> 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. >> Oh, yeah. >> Uh, you know, uneven profession. Many. people didn't make it. I mean. >> I I have been lucky with my career and I. I would think you feel the same way. >> Absolutely. Yes. And so many really. talented people. I don't I mean it's a.

very difficult you know it's a difficult. >> career to to want let alone to. >> what I see you do that I feel like I. relate to is like I've always wanted you. know um kind of diversity and longevity. in my career and half the battle is. hanging in there like just kind of in. 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 was 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 Murman with Gypsy. Uh. and I was with that show eight eight. months in on Broadway and then eight. months on the road with her. And um she. was an amazing woman, an amazing woman. And everybody loved her that was in the. company. She was very much a house fra. 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. getting ready. I was behind a scrim. I. was so I was doing my light bulbs and. she was getting ready to come on and she. would sidle up behind me. June tune. And. then she would tell me a dirty joke. >> right before your queen. What do you. mean doing your light bulbs? >> Well, I had uh a costume.

>> and you had to do your own light bulbs. >> Yeah. >> Oh, wow. >> And the on the on the front and in the. rear and the crotch. I had bulbs that. lit up. >> and you did the but you did. >> 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 doing my light.

bulbs like sounds like it could be an. old Broadway term like he he was u he. was fired for trying to do my light. bulbs. >> Do my light bulbs. Well, I had that a few times too. >> I mean I bet you did. I mean, Judy, you. have I mean, you could probably write a. book about how the how so much has. changed in the industry and I can only. imagine that you had to deal with. >> a lot of, you know,

>> inappropriate behavior. It was it was a. completely different time, right? >> Well, you know, it's funny because I. have friends and we were both dancers. I. mean, I danced a lot and we used when. the me too thing started, >> we we looked at each other and said, "Me. too. What I 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 you 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, you know, >> but I I I feel you like when I when when. 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 that you did put up with. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Who's your favorite dancer?

>> Uh. Jacques Dambo. Oh, >> and I've seen him dance up close. I. mean, you were real, not just television. or film. >> You have? Where did you Where. >> I I I saw him. He was a guest at um a. theater in. I guess it was Kansas City. or no, Dallas too. All these big. theaters. I worked a lot in those. and.

>> and um he was doing a a leading role in. one of them and I saw I saw the. rehearsal of it. >> Wow. >> But I just think his career I mean and. he's still. >> going. >> He is. >> He he has. >> How old is he now? >> A group Well, I'm sure he's in his 80s. or 90s now. >> Everybody's in their 90s now. >> 90s, right? Yes, they are. I I'm glad. you said that. >> It's really true. So many people in. there non non-aggenarians.

>> We're all living so much longer. >> I mean I you can't get rid of it. >> It's fantastic. I mean it's a I mean. there are there's so many people in. their 90s now. >> It's fantastic. I mean you know my my. dear friend who passed um Norman Lear. who. >> Oh yes. um he made it to 101. and he uh and Carl Riner and um who. passed and um Mel Brooks who's still. like there's just a lot of.

>> I mean. >> it's almost like to 100. Okay. I mean, you know, >> do you want to make it to 100? >> Oh, sure. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's a great number to make. >> My agents say I'll still be working, so. I don't know about that. Um, I I I know you love Singing in the. Rain. You also love Jean Kelly, too, right? I know. I I. >> I loved his dancing. >> Me, too. I loved him as a dancer. >> I think it's some of the best dancing. and and I love Donald Connor. I thought.

he was. >> His dancing was rather in underrated. really. I think he was so much better. than many people realized. >> And Debbie was good. Debbie was very. good in it. Yeah, >> 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 I can't remember her. character name, but it was the. >> Jean Hagen. >> Jean Hagen. Yeah. Was she was so funny. You grew up in the Midwest. >> and uh. uh I 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 uh you know a real. sense of um community. >> and forthrightness. Do you think that.

that is true? Do you do you find that to. be true? Like do you. >> Yeah, I think um the forthrightness. is I think because everybody just sort. of always says what they think. >> Yeah, I think it's. >> it's true. Yeah, I think they do. Even. to the detriment of perhaps the person. listening, but they say it. >> Yeah, I think that there's a. straightforwardness that 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 travel in.

any of your work or. >> Oh, very much so. Yeah, I think it did. very much. I I think there's a. stickuitous tuitousness. and I I think that that's very. Midwestern. >> Agree. >> 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 you have to. do it. I spent some years in Chicago. I. just feel like there Yeah, there was a. sense there of um. >> of exactly what you just said, one foot.

in front of the other. >> There wasn't a ton of 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 I think. that's something that, you know, has. 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. I 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. >> Interesting. So by the time I went into. New York, it was more, >> you know, it wasn't as southern. >> It was like voice voice lessons to. flatten that out. Yeah. >> Or not flatten it out. Maybe take. >> not flatten it out. Lemon.

>> Which one? >> Lemon. That's lemon. >> Gotcha. Lemon. >> Lemon. >> Lemon, brothers. >> Lemon. >> I had lemon in my tea. >> Lemon. Lemon. >> Lemon. >> Oo, that's a good one. Do you remember. any other ones? Leman. Leman. >> 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 Wreck where I had to say the word. I. still have to swallow before I say it.

>> Government. >> Government. >> Something about my Boston accent makes. me want to say. >> government. >> Oh, yes. I. >> get rid of that. But it's government. >> Government. >> Government. That was a hard one for me. >> Yeah. Um, and when you get does your. accent come back at all when you're with. people? >> If I get tired, it does too. I I get. very southern if I get tired. Picture. >> Picture. >> Picture. Yeah, that's another one.

>> Do you like doing accents? >> I don't. I 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 or read that or. something. >> Have you ever had to do an accent in a. film or a part that was challenging? >> Yeah, I do. I I can do Irish fairly. well. I've done that on stage and in. film and uh but I I'm just not I don't.

have that kind of ear. I really don't. >> know what you mean. I think you either. have it or you don't. It's amazing to. watch like real mimics, people who can. pick it up fast. >> And I I mean, you know, it it amaz Some. people could just read and do it. I. mean, you know, oh, 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 it, you know, you can't.

just throw something like that at me or. I can't do. >> 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. >> Having come from musicals, are you. hoping to do more musical stuff? Like, do you want to ever have you been able. to do anything musical. >> lately? I did a Glee and I we I I think. I did three numbers in it. >> What did you sing? Do you remember?

>> Memories from Cats. Chris Kouler and I. sang that. >> You guys are buddies. Yes, we are heavy. duty buddies. Uh, and we did another we. I don't I can't even remember what what. numbers it was, but memories was the big. one that we had. >> What uh what do you what's so great. about Chris? What do you What do you. love about Chris Kouler? Seems like a. peach. >> Oh, well, I met him on Glee and he had. written the 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 it. we worked together so closely and I. think we were shooting there. 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 um. so we we started then having dinner. together and he has a great partner Will. Shared 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? >> Because I 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 from me in any way. >> Yeah. And I feel like people really. project on that on on people that are. older that that they have something they.

want to share when in my my experience. younger people teach me stuff all the. time. Like I learn a lot from them. What. do you learn from people like Chris and. your other I know you have a lot of. younger friends. >> Yeah. Um. I don't know. I mean I I I I just if I. like someone I don't think I ever think. in terms of how old they are. you know, if if I feel an affinity, you know, that. there's something here that I want to. >> to be more a part of, you know.

>> Yeah. >> I mean, why would I tell anyone what to. do? >> Well, because I I think people in their. 90s are treated like astronauts. I think. people are like, you you're you got to. go somewhere. You're there and what are. you bringing back? like they 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 uh. people want to know the secret. They.

want they 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 sort of on an even keel, you. know? Keep me happy or forget it. >> What age do you feel you are? 35. 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. >> I deeply remember my 35th birthday, too.

Yeah. >> Maybe. >> Where were you when you were 35? What. year was that? Where were you? >> Well, I was in New York. I don't know. I I I don't remember why 35 is so. important. I think it's because I. remember my mother at 35. >> 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. and we meet very old, wise 25 year olds. and we meet really like all over the. place, hectic 95year-olds. We meet all. of those people. Like the age doesn't. have a lot to do with where you're at. >> No, it really doesn't. >> Yeah.

It makes me think about um what we're. talking about kind of makes me think. about. what we worked on together, this film, Inside Out. Inside Out 2, because. >> it's kind of there's some themes in. there too about the idea of time. passing. And. >> for people who haven't re who haven't. recognized June's voice yet as they've. been listening to it, but you played. nostalgia. >> Nostalgia. What I loved about nostalgia. when she comes in and she's drinking her. tea is that it's it was kind of it's.

kind of Buddhist what nostalgia does cuz. nostalgia kind of says remember. >> remember basically remember when we were. all getting along but she but she she. comes in she keeps coming in during. chaos. >> to like kick everybody back to. >> um let's just take a minute and remember. which is like it feels very like I don't. know. >> but because they keep pushing her out. all the time. >> I know. It's kind of interesting why. they don't want to get nostalgic in that.

moment. How what did you what is your. relation? Are you a nostalgic person? >> Not terribly. >> Yeah. >> I'm really not. >> Yeah. >> I I've always been like, "What's going. to happen?" Even as a young person, I. was like that. >> Yeah. What's next? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And do you think that's one of the. reasons why you've worked so much and. had such a long career as you've been. thinking? >> I think it probably has a lot to do with. a career. Yeah. >> Yeah. And you the the working so much I.

mean you know when I started out I would. 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 where wherever you are or. Chicago cuz there's a big group there. >> Um you have to do everything. you you. can't say no to anything. >> because it's it's working keeping that. thing going that that is going to save.

you you know. >> I know you describe yourself as a. character actor. >> and that and I love the way you talk. about how you approach you know I you. know you're 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 um part of. an ensemble, part of a like and you talk. a lot about how you treat them the same. >> I do. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Why? >> Well, I to be honest with you, I feel if.

I'm doing it, it's the most important. thing in the film. >> I've always felt that. >> And that just carries through. I mean, you know, and I I think too, you know, you've seen films where somebody comes. in and does one scene and you, Wow, who's that? I mean, you just don't know. >> Yeah. >> And and I just I like the work. I enjoy. doing what you do to get get it up there.

on the screen. >> When you worked on your performances in. about Schmidt and Nebraska are so good. Your Thelma is so great. You and Fred. are so great in that together. And then. Ellen are great. When you work on films. like that with directors like and you've. got you 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?

I think it's more shaped as as it goes. on and you know and I think I know a lot. >> but I I also work. with no idea of what I'm going to do. I. have none. >> Yeah. >> So the 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 you. there was a a vibe that was really.

working. >> Uh well, Richard Roundtree and Fred in. Thelma. I think they were both kind of. amazing. >> Yeah. Um and and Elellanar u. Aaron as the young girl that we have so. much together. >> and um well Jack Nicholson I mean he was. 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 beer. >> Yeah. Well, but you know, I came in and. and uh he could he could so easily have. been I'm Jack Nicholson and you're not. You know that one of those and he never. ever that I I I appreciate that so much. with him. >> Love to hear that. >> Um did you ever have a a young actor in. their first role or film and you've. thought, "Oh, they're very good." and.

then see them, you know, ascend over. like do does anyone come to mind? >> Uh, I did sendable woman. and oh god, what is his name? >> We can look it up. We've got Albuccino, Chris O'Donnell, Philip Seymour, >> Philip. >> Wow. Oh yeah, >> it was so funny because I had a a I had. a scene with both Chris and and. Philillip and I came home and I said, "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." I knew. it immediately. >> What did you see? What did you remember. seeing in him? >> I don't know what it was. There was. something about him and he he was he was. 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.

But you knew I I knew just the minute I. worked with him. >> He was such a talented actor. >> Yes. >> Did you get to work with him again? >> No, I never did. 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, cuz 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. >> Um who what you're a big sports fan in. general? >> Not 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. >> You didn't have the. >> I I could have stopped anything. I was. really good at it. >> That's cool. Wow. And and and do you. were you a sporty kid? Were you? >> Yeah, I ran. I I was pretty good runner. And uh the tumbling, you know, that you. do in the gym and I was a cheerleader. You had to be sort of sporty for that. >> Yeah. >> And um a drum majorette.

>> Yeah. >> And they're all sort of sporty. It's more or less. And like in your, you. know, 70s, 80s, and 90s, what do you, how do you stay? I mean, you're very physically fit. What do you. do? >> Uh, I do Pilates. uh once a week for an hour. >> on the reformer or on floor. >> Some on that, but some just stretching. and and weight stuff. >> Yeah. Um I have two different massagers,

masseuses. and um I try to walk. I try not to just. sit all the time. Now you have a you we. spoke a little bit about your late. husband who was an acting teacher and. who taught I thought this was really. wonderful. >> taught uh worked with Margot. Martenddale's. >> husband or and you got you and Margot. were neighbors. >> neighbors. >> and are still remain very good friends. >> and Margot is such a terrific actress. >> She's heaven.

>> and um is this a true story that she got. the script for. >> Nebraska? 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." And she said, "You've got to tell. your agents about it." She said, "You. should be doing this role." And uh 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." So that sort of. started it. And so I tal I I talked to. the my agents about it and they kept up. and since I had already done uh about. Schmidt with with Alexander and the. thing was that they didn't Alexander and. the casting director both thought I was. wrong for the 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 the. script or send some scenes and have her. send a a uh tape in." So that's what. happened. >> Wow. >> And Alexander again said, >> "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.

>> from somebody out here and I 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. 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 the greatest? >> I adore him. >> I know. And he and he adores you. >> Yes. >> And he was on set of a new movie in a. trailer and we got him on Zoom to um to. tell us what it was like working with. you and then just to give you a. question. um uh 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.

I'M A COMIC. I'M A COMIC." And we all. No, 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 he went to can the. first time I went, he and I and Bruce. >> D. 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. >> Um, so Will wanted me to ask you, um, this was his question for you.

and and he wanted me to tell you, June, I love you. Um, I I love everything. about you. Um, what is your favorite. food? And could you tell us about it in song? So, no no pressure, Jane. >> Well, my favorite food are papooseas.

I have a I have a cook who's from s one. of the islands that she her mother makes. papooseas for me all the time. >> Sounds like a good title of a song. >> Let me see. Papooseas. Papooseas. Papoo says, "I love you.". >> Yes. >> There Will Forte the one of the lost. songs from South Pacific.

Oh, that's beautiful. Um that's like the. new um um Peaches song that Jack Black. sang. Um. >> so the the other thing I wanted to ask. you about is I'm the mother of boys. You. have a son and he is a in the business. too, right? writer, director. Um, what. was it like? You know, uh, you were a. working mother, uh, in the 70s. What was. it like being a working mother in the. 70s? It's much different. >> He was born in 70s. >> He was born in 70. So, you were 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. And. >> Oh, yeah. You guys were in New York. Yeah. >> And, um, >> do you ever work together? Do you? >> Yes, I did. I did some films for him. I. did in New York and out here both. >> And um. >> gosh, he would I don't know. It was just. a little family of three, you know. >> And I went off, but he had his dad there.

always. And um. >> and you and uh 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. you know my work as a per as a performer. really in musicals and I mean I. considered myself pretty realistic and. and I was considered one of the more. realistic actors doing musical theater.

but u 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 you're doing. >> And he was right. I mean, >> and he. I remember going into his class. >> 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 the c the 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. >> Well, honestly, it seems very. passionate. >> It was. I mean, 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 we worked together. then for years and I was auditioning for. a um regional theater a a a script that. I liked a lot and wanted to do and uh he. always helped me at home and I said you. know I I have this audition. He said I'm. not going to help you. 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 and no 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. He refused again. He died about 6 months. later. >> Wow. >> And 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. >> June that's wild. He maybe he sensed.

something. >> some I think so. >> 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 I. felt you know I couldn't do it if he. didn't help me set me straight. >> Yeah. >> And he just and that was he just refused. and he never once helped me after that. >> And how old were you when he passed? >> Uh 99. 1999. >> Right. So, >> how old was I have no idea.

>> I mean, I can't do that. I mean, let's. not do it. Let's not even try it. That's. outrageous. And did your you ever um. consider dating or did you date after. that? >> I did date a little bit, but I dated a. little bit in New York and I dated some. out here. >> What's What's dating like in your 80s? >> Uh, not very interesting. >> It really wasn't. Yeah, >> I did, you know, no, 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, do you feel like what like I I ask a lot. of my guests this, but you have. friendships now, especially female. friendships that probably, you know, they span many decades. What do they. what have they continue to do for you. even, you know, into your 90s? Well, I. think mentally I think without them I. would, you know, um I need that. I think.

you know the the mental push, >> the mental excitement. >> Yeah. Yeah. And someone who kind of. knows your story. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> 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. Um, what are you what are you doing. right now? What do you listen to, watch, read that makes you laugh?

You know, when you want to laugh, when. you want to check out. >> Well, I watch Saturday Night Live or. what? >> 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? >> Uh, I love Colin. I mean, I just think. he's he and Michael Chay together just. knocked me out. >> But so you like sketch comedy. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And I did it, you know, so I. really sort of. >> I I have a thing. I understand it, you.

know. >> Were you a big like uh What kind of. shows did you like in the comedy? Were. you like a Monty Python fan? Were you. >> I love Monty. I liked laughing. >> Yeah. >> 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 Province Town. >> Tell me about that. What was Ruth Buzzy. like? >> Well, uh, she and I worked in the same. little group. >> 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. >> Buzzy. >> And um, so we worked together. We did a. ship. We did a a cruise ship together. and we did some nightclubs in New York. together. And then she had gone to. Province Town the year before and they. needed someone the summer coming. It was. 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? That to me is. >> with Max Greenfield? >> Yes. >> And uh Cedric? >> Yes. >> Yes. So funny. >> They are funny. They're really funny. Max is so funny. And I 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. standups together. And he was so funny. >> That's a good So I I'm I'm amazed at.

him. I watch him on the show. >> Yeah. >> Because of how he. 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 um that got arrested on stage? Uh. >> oh, I know who you mean. >> Okay, let's play this game. Let's see. how long. Okay, I heard that for memory. you shouldn't look things up. You should. try to. >> visualize putting Okay, we're going to. do it. Putting the um. >> Lenny Bruce.

>> BRUCE. got. Lenny Bruce. Oh, >> 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 and that. and I mean I think that's had 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 I. keep thinking I can remember being. worried about things and again it passed. and I hope that's what happens with us. now. It too will pass but I don't know. >> 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 pass. Let's just say.

this. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, I love our time together, June. Thank you for coming and doing. this. >> It's been so great. I I mean, I just I. think you're such an incredible talent. >> Thank you. >> And 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, >> if 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 considerate. I'd love. for us to be new friends. >> Yeah. >> And I know it's awkward. I'm asking you. on this podcast. I mean, what are you. gonna do? Say no. What if June just. hands me June hands me her card and it's. just 555 555. >> I'll call you next week. >> Thank you so much for doing this. This. has been the best. I hope you had a good. time. >> I did. I had a great time. Great.

>> And I got a mocha. >> Oh gosh, your mocha. We didn't even sip. it. Sip some of that mocha. It's going. to be watery now. >> It's still good. >> Thank you so much, June Squib, my new. best friend. You heard it here. She. can't take it back. Uh we recorded it. June, you're the best. Uh so such a. great artist and and person. Thank you. so much for coming in. And um June. talked about a lot of exciting musical. theater. So, for today's Polar Plunge, I. just want to just take a moment to say.

that Westside Story. was so important to me um as a young. person and that being able to even. picture the original musical uh 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. Um, I'm sure there uh. are productions, local productions. happening right now. Um, the original. film with um with the from the 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. I am. anyway. Thank you for listening. Um uh and uh see you soon. >> You've been listening to Good Hang. The. executive producers for this show are. Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss Berman, and me.

Amy Polar. The show is produced by The. Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Cat Spelain, Kaia McMullen, and Alia Xanerys. For. Paperkite, production by Sam Green, Joel. Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miles. wasn't really good at.