**June Squibb Makes History at the Tony Awards**
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At the recent 79th Annual Tony Awards held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, 96-year-old actress June Squibb made her mark by becoming the oldest nominee for an acting award in the prestigious ceremony’s history. Recognised for her performance in the revival of *Marjorie Prime*, Squibb’s nomination also highlights her impressive journey in the world of theatre and film.
Dressed elegantly in a black V-neck dress adorned with floral details, Squibb embraced the spotlight on the red carpet. Her nomination in the category for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play underscores a remarkable achievement, surpassing the previous record held by Lois Smith, who was 89 when nominated in 2020 for *The Inheritance*. Additionally, Cicely Tyson, who received a nomination at 88 for *The Trip to Bountiful* in 2013, held the title prior to Smith.
Squibb expressed her excitement regarding the nomination, stating, “I’m thrilled with what this nomination will do for my career,” in a statement to PEOPLE. The role in *Marjorie Prime*, directed by Anne Kauffman and featuring a talented ensemble cast that includes Danny Burstein and Cynthia Nixon, served as a defining moment in her enduring career.
In a vibrant opening number, host Pink performed an adaptation of “Leading Lady Marmalade,” originally a Grammy-winning collaboration. The performance featured several leading actresses from Broadway, including a memorable cameo by Squibb herself, who humorously sang, “All the parts I’ve played, I slayed them.” The atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie as Broadway luminaries gathered to celebrate their craft.
Squibb faced stiff competition in her category, with contenders including Betsy Aidem (*Liberation*), Marylouise Burke (*The Balusters*), Aya Cash (*Giant*), and Laurie Metcalf (*Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman*). Ultimately, it was Metcalf who walked away with the award that evening.
Danny Burstein, who starred alongside Squibb in *Marjorie Prime*, also received recognition with a nomination for his supporting role. In a heartfelt display of support, Squibb shared her joy for Burstein’s success, saying, “Over the moon for Danny as well! I share this nomination with everyone who worked so hard to bring *Marjorie Prime* back to life.”
The revival of *Marjorie Prime* explores the poignant relationship between a woman suffering from dementia and a holographic companion designed to resemble her deceased husband. The production, which featured performances from Cynthia Nixon and Chris Lowell, debuted in November 2025 and ran until February 2026.
Squibb’s career has witnessed a resurgence in recent years, notably receiving an Oscar nomination for her role in *Nebraska* and starring in the action-comedy *Thelma*. Remarkably, her Broadway journey began in 1959 when she appeared in the original production of *Gypsy*, showcasing her prowess alongside legendary talent Ethel Merman. Reflecting on those early days, Squibb reminisced, “I moved a lot differently then. I was doing a lot of bumps and grinds every night… Not so many bumps and grinds now.”
Burstein, in admiration of Squibb, commented, “I love her so much. She gives me hope. I’m 61. That means I’ve got over 30 years more to go!” Such sentiments echo the broader appreciation for June Squibb’s tenacity and talent, embodying a spirit that resonates deeply within the theatre community.
The 2026 Tony Awards ceremony was broadcast live on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+, allowing fans and theatre enthusiasts to partake in the celebrations and milestones achieved by the nominees and awardees alike. As Squibb continues to chart her course in an industry known for its rigours, her historic nomination at 96 undoubtedly paves the way for future generations of performers.