Transcript

June Squibb | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

From Good Hang with Amy Poehler · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 59 min · 10,536 words · 276 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "June Squibb | Good Hang with Amy Poehler", an episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler published November 11, 2025 (59 min, about 10,536 words). It mentions 74 people, works and ideas, including New York, New York, Theater, Nebraska, Broadway, Will Forte.

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 5:00: Nebraska, New York, New York, Inside Out, Walmart
  2. – 10:00: Uber Eats
  3. – 15:00: Theater, New York, New York, Broadway, Cleveland Playhouse
  4. – 20:00: New York, New York, Broadway, Cabaret
  5. – 25:00: Broadway, Mel Brooks, Theater
  6. – 30:00: Midwest, Singing in the Rain, Cleveland Playhouse, Jean Hagen
  7. – 35:00: New York, New York
  8. – 40:00: The Night Before Christmas, About Schmidt, Inside Out, Inside Out 2
  9. – 45:00: About Schmidt, Nebraska, New York, New York, Basketball
  10. – 50:00: New York, New York, Will Forte, Theater
  11. – 55:00: New York, New York, Province Town, Cedric the Entertainer, Max Greenfield
  12. – 59:23: Amy Miles, James & Lucinda Bruce, Jenna Weiss-Berman, The Ringer

Notable quotes from "June Squibb | Good Hang with Amy Poehler"

  • 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…
    about New York, New York · at
  • You, know what?, We, only, met, once, briefly at a Pixar event cuz we were both there for Inside Out 2.
    about Inside Out 2 · at
  • 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…
    about Theater · at
  • 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.
    about Uber Eats · at
  • 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, we, lived, in, a, funny, apartment that they took down for Lincoln Center.
    about Broadway · at
  • I, did, either, musical, theater, cabaret, reviews, some nightclub. I had an act with another comic actor.
    about Cabaret · at
  • You grew up in the Midwest and, I people think I grew up in the Midwest because I did a show that took place in a fictional town in Indiana.
    about Midwest · at
  • When, you, worked, on, your, performances, in about Schmidt and Nebraska are so good.
    about About Schmidt · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Will Forte — Person · 4 mentions · first at
    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.
  • Jack Lee — Person · 1 mention · first at
    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, we, lived, in, a, funny, apartment that they took down for Lincoln Center.
  • Mel Brooks — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Oh, yes., he, made, it, to, 101 and he and Carl Riner and who passed and Mel Brooks who's still like there's just a lot of I, mean it's, almost, to, 100., Okay., I, mean, you know.
  • Jean Hagen — Person · 1 mention · first at
    She, played, I, can't, remember, her character name, but it was the Jean, Hagen.
  • Richard Roundtree — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Well,, Richard, Roundtree, and, Fred, in Thelma. I think they were both kind of amazing.
  • Chris O'Donnell — Person · 1 mention · first at
    We, can, look, it, up., We've, got, Albuccino, Chris O'Donnell, Philip Seymour Philip.
  • Max Greenfield — Person · 1 mention · first at
    That to me is with, Max, Greenfield?
  • Cedric the Entertainer — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Max is so funny. And I used to watch Cedric the Entertainer.
  • James & Lucinda Bruce — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Visualize, putting, Okay,, we're, going to do it. Putting the Lenny, Bruce.
  • Jenna Weiss-Berman — Person · 1 mention · first at
    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…
  • Amy Miles — Person · 1 mention · first at
  • Barry Dennen — Person · 1 mention
  • Bruce Dern — Person · 1 mention
  • Carl Reiner — Person · 1 mention
  • Charles Kakatsakis — Person · 1 mention
  • Chita Rivera — Person · 1 mention
  • Chris Colfer — Person · 1 mention
  • Debbie Reynolds — Person · 1 mention
  • Donald O'Connor — Person · 1 mention
  • Edward Albee — Person · 1 mention
  • Ethel Merman — Person · 1 mention
  • Fred Hechinger — Person · 1 mention
  • Jacques d'Amboise — Person · 1 mention
  • June Squibb — Person · 1 mention
  • Margot Martindale — Person · 1 mention
  • Masseuse — Person · 1 mention
  • Ruth Buzzi — Person · 1 mention
  • Will Sherrod — Person · 1 mention

Books & papers

  • Nebraska — Book · 6 mentions · first at
    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…
  • About Schmidt — Book · 3 mentions · first at
  • Cabaret — Book · 2 mentions · first at
  • Singing in the Rain — Book · 2 mentions · first at
    I know you love Singing in the Rain. You also love Jean Kelly, too right? I know. I, loved, his, dancing.
  • The Night Before Christmas — Book · 2 mentions · first at
    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've memorized your script, do.
  • Eleanor the Great — Book · 1 mention · first at
    And wonderful person, and we talked about a lot of things today. We're going to talk about Eleanor the Great, her new movie that premiered at Can. We're going to talk about…
  • Helen the Great — Book · 1 mention · first at
  • Cats — Book · 1 mention
  • Gypsy — Book · 1 mention
  • My Fair Lady — Book · 1 mention
  • Scent of a Woman — Book · 1 mention
  • The Happy Time — Book · 1 mention
  • The Music Man — Book · 1 mention
  • West Side Story — Book · 1 mention

Companies & orgs

  • Cleveland Playhouse — Company · 2 mentions · first at
    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.
  • The Neighborhood — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Yeah., Do, you, ever, watch, The Neighborhood?
  • The Ringer — Company · 1 mention · first at
    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…
  • New York Knicks — Company · 1 mention
  • Paper Kite Productions — Company · 1 mention

Products & tech

  • Inside Out — Product · 3 mentions · first at
    Being an actor in New York in the 1950s her love of sketch comedy, the fact that we were both in Inside Out. and we're going to just talk about her incredible career and what…
  • Inside Out 2 — Product · 2 mentions · first at
  • Massager — Product · 1 mention
  • Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot — Product · 1 mention
  • SNL — Product · 1 mention

Concepts & topics

Places & events

  • New York, New York — Place · 19 mentions · first at
  • Broadway — Place · 5 mentions · first at
  • Midwest — Place · 3 mentions · first at
  • Province Town — Place · 2 mentions · first at
    Ruth, Buzzy, was, a, friend, of, yours., We worked together in reviews in New York actually in Province Town.
  • Lincoln Center — Place · 1 mention · first at
    Before his career ended and, we, lived, in, a, funny, apartment that they took down for Lincoln Center.
  • St. Louis, Missouri — Place · 1 mention · first at
    That's something that, 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 my accent…
  • Cannes — Place · 1 mention
  • Centralia, Illinois — Place · 1 mention
  • Vandalia, Illinois — Place · 1 mention

Sponsors

  • Walmart — Sponsor · 2 mentions · first at
    This episode is presented to you by Walmart. I'd like to say that I'm a pretty good giftgiver, and for me, it's about making the extra effort to find the perfect gift. Walmart has the top brands we all love in one place.
  • Uber Eats — Sponsor · 2 mentions · first at
  • Nespresso — Sponsor · 1 mention · first at
    Nespresso, Nintendo, Apple, you name it.
  • Nintendo — Sponsor · 1 mention · first at
    Nespresso, Nintendo, Apple, you name it.
  • Aldi — Sponsor · 1 mention
  • Apple — Sponsor · 1 mention
  • Jo Malone London — Sponsor · 1 mention

Full transcript with timestamps

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. This episode is presented to you by Walmart. I'd like to say that I'm a pretty good giftgiver, and for me, it's about making the extra effort to find the perfect gift. Walmart has the top brands we all love in one place. Nespresso, Nintendo, Apple, you name it. That's why it has to be Walmart for all my gifts this year. Guest best giftgiver award goes to yours truly. Get the brands everyone loves at prices you'll love at Walmart. Who knew? Go to walmart.com or download the app to get all your gifts this season.

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 order on Uber Eats. For orders over $30 you can save up to $25. Ends December 31st. See app for details. This episode is brought to you by Joe Malone London, the ultimate gifting destination for people looking to elevate their everyday. There really is something for everyone, like limited edition gift sets, candles, and diffusers. Plus, their scent of the season, sandalwood, and spiced apricot.

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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

Questions about this episode

What is discussed in "June Squibb | Good Hang with Amy Poehler"?

In order: 0:00 Nebraska, New York, New York, Inside Out, Walmart; 5:00 Uber Eats; 10:00 Theater, New York, New York, Broadway, Cleveland Playhouse; 15:00 New York, New York, Broadway, Cabaret; 20:00 Broadway, Mel Brooks, Theater; 25:00 Midwest, Singing in the Rain, Cleveland Playhouse, Jean Hagen; 30:00 New York, New York; 35:00 The Night Before Christmas, About Schmidt, Inside Out, Inside Out 2; 40:00 About Schmidt, Nebraska, New York, New York, Basketball; 45:00 New York, New York, Will Forte, Theater; 50:00 New York, New York, Province Town, Cedric the Entertainer, Max Greenfield; 55:00 Amy Miles, James & Lucinda Bruce, Jenna Weiss-Berman, The Ringer.

What is mentioned in this Good Hang with Amy Poehler episode?

74 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including New York, New York, Theater, Nebraska, Broadway, Will Forte, Inside Out. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "June Squibb | Good Hang with Amy Poehler"?

The episode runs 59 min; the transcript is about 10,536 words in 276 timestamped sections.

More from Good Hang with Amy Poehler

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated November 19, 2025.