The Sam Sanders Show Is It Ever OK to Lie? w/ June Squibb
Sep 26, 2025
June Squibb, a legendary actress known for her Oscar-nominated role in Nebraska, shares her journey to stardom in her 90s. She discusses her experience in Broadway's Gypsy, her latest film Eleanor the Great, and the ethical nuances of lying. June reflects on the diverse roles she's embraced, her thoughts on aging in Hollywood, and her conversion to Judaism. She emphasizes the importance of community and staying active, revealing that Pilates keeps her fit. This conversation is a delightful blend of wisdom, humor, and genuine life lessons.
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Broadway Breakthrough In Gypsy
- June Squibb shared her Broadway origin story, recounting joining Gypsy in 1959 and learning the stripper number 'You Gotta Get a Gimmick.'
- She toured six months in New York and six months on the road, which she enjoyed but was glad to finish.
Plot Summary Of Eleanor The Great
- June described Eleanor the Great: an older woman moves to New York, accidentally enters a Holocaust survivor class, and claims a friend's story as her own.
- The lie draws her close to a grieving journalism student and eventually leads to being found out.
When Small Lies Protect Feelings
- June Squibb says some lies are used to protect others or spare hurt feelings and become easier with age.
- She treats small social lies as practical kindnesses, like praising a friend's costume to be supportive.