In an industry often obsessed with youth, moments like this feel especially powerful. At 96, June Squibb is proving that talent, passion, and perseverance only deepen with time, making history as the oldest acting nominee ever at the Tony Awards. (Image: Instagram/@broadwaycom)
Squibb has earned her very first nomination for her role in Marjorie Prime, a milestone announced with the 2026 Tony nominations. With this, she surpasses the previous record held by Lois Smith, who was nominated, and won, at age 89 in 2020 for The Inheritance. For Squibb, this isn’t just a personal first; it’s a defining moment that highlights longevity and resilience in the performing arts. (Image: Instagram/@people)
In Marjorie Prime, Squibb takes on the deeply emotional role of an elderly woman grappling with dementia and memory loss. The story explores the intersection of memory and technology, as her character interacts with an AI-generated version of her late husband, offering a poignant look at love and loss. The play, written by Jordan Harrison, has long been praised for its thoughtful storytelling, and Squibb’s performance has been widely celebrated as one of its most moving elements. (Image: Instagram/@2stnyc)
Her fellow nominees in the category include powerhouse performers like Laurie Metcalf, Aya Cash, Betsy Aidem, and Marylouise Burke, making it one of the most competitive lineups this year. (Image: Instagram/@thetonyawards)
Squibb’s journey to this moment began long ago. She made her Broadway debut in 1959 in Gypsy and went on to build an impressive theatre résumé with productions like The Happy Time and Waitress. Beyond the stage, she became a familiar face in film and television, appearing in projects such as Nebraska, which earned her an Academy Award nomination, About Schmidt, and the series Shameless. (Image: Instagram/@realjunesquibb)
Even in her 90s, Squibb continues to push creative boundaries. She recently starred in Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, proving that age is no barrier to artistic evolution. (Image: IMDb)
