June Squibb (1980)

June Squibb is an Academy Award-nominated actress whose extraordinary career has spanned nearly eight decades, from Broadway and regional theatre to acclaimed performances in Hollywood films. Born November 6, 1929, in Vandalia, Illinois, Squibb developed her talents as a singer, dancer, and actress before making her Broadway debut as a replacement in the original production of Gypsy (1959), starring Ethel Merman.

In 1980, she brought her considerable theatrical experience to Denver’s Historic Elitch Theatre, appearing as Mrs. Puffy in The Streets of New York. The production reunited her with director Tony Tanner, with whom she had previously worked on several productions, including the Broadway musical Gorey Stories (as Mary Rosemarsh.) Her appearance at Elitch’s represented another chapter in a distinguished stage career that included Broadway, Off-Broadway, touring productions, and regional theatres throughout the country.

By the time Squibb appeared at Elitch Theatre, she had already established herself as an accomplished and versatile performer. Her theatrical credits included The Happy Time (1968), in which she portrayed Felice Bonnard, and Gorey Stories (1978).

Squibb’s Bio from the 1980 Elitch Theatre Program:

JUNE SQUIBB (Mrs. Puffy) — is appearing in her fourth production under the direction of Tony Tanner. Her most recent Broadway appearance was in Mr. Tanner’s production of Gorey Stories. Previous Broadway roles include Felice Bonnard in The Happy Time and Electra in Gypsy with Ethel Merman. Most recently Miss Squibb has taken part in a workshop production of John Guare’s Lydie Breeze, played Helen in last summer’s Starlight Theatre tour of Ballroom, and Denise in Michel Tremblay’s Bonjour La Bonjour at Center Stage in Baltimore. Her previous New York appearances include the musical Castaways at the Promenade Theatre, a revival of Rose Franklin’s Another Language at Equity Library Theatre, and Funeral March For A One Man Band at Westbeth. On television Miss Squibb was seen in As the World Turns, Search for Tomorrow, and The Guiding Light, and she appeared extensively in regional, stock, and dinner – theatres throughout the country.

Seasons at the Theatre

1980

Productions/Roles:

1980: The Streets of New York — Mrs. Puffy

Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:

1959, Broadway, Gypsy. Electra [Replacement] and 1961, 1st National Tour, Gypsy. Electra
1968 — The Happy Time: Portrayed Felice Bonnard (as understudy) in the Broadway musical, which received multiple Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical.
1978 — Gorey Stories (Broadway): Played Mary Rosemarsh in the Broadway production directed by Tony Tanner.
1990 — Alice: Made her feature-film debut in Woody Allen’s romantic comedy, beginning a successful screen career that would include roles in The Age of Innocence, Meet Joe Black, and numerous other films.
2002 — About Schmidt: Portrayed Helen Schmidt opposite Jack Nicholson in Alexander Payne’s acclaimed comedy-drama.
2013, Squibb starred opposite Bruce Dern in the road comedy-drama film Nebraska.
2024, her first leading role was in the action comedy film Thelma.
2025, Squibb starred in another leading role in Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut film Eleanor the Great.
2025–2026 — Marjorie Prime (Broadway): Portrayed Marjorie in the Broadway revival, earning a 2026 Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play and becoming the oldest acting nominee in Tony Awards history at age 96.

Elitch Theatre Connections:

1990 — Alice — Bernadette Peters (HET 1966) and Cybill Shepherd (HET 1982). All three actresses appeared in Woody Allen’s comedy. Squibb played Hilda, Peters portrayed the Muse, and Shepherd played Nancy Brill. This represents two separate alumni connections within the same film.
2016 — Clarence, “Cloris” (Animated TV episode) — Cloris Leachman (HET 1983). Squibb and Leachman both provided guest voices in the same episode, which aired November 15, 2016. Squibb voiced Rose, while Leachman voiced the title character, Cloris. This is a confirmed same-episode collaboration.