Actress Squibb Brings Authenticity to Role of Elderly Liar in 'Eleanor the Great'

In the upcoming film "Eleanor the Great," veteran actress June Squibb brings a powerful sense of authenticity to her portrayal of the title character. Squibb, who is 95 years old as of November 2025, relates deeply to the struggles faced by the elderly protagonist.

The film, directed by Scarlett Johansson in her feature debut, follows Eleanor, a woman who moves to New York City with her family. Seeking connection, she accidentally attends a Holocaust survivor support group and continues to play the role, telling stories from her late friend, an actual survivor. This is just the latest in a series of lies told by Eleanor, whose other fibs may be more humorous but are never mocked by the film.

Screenwriter Tory Kamen drew inspiration for the character from her own grandmother, with whom she was very close. "My grandma found that it was really difficult to make friends at 95," Kamen said. "She felt like a novelty and nobody cared about her present tense. I thought what must that be like and what could she do to get attention?"

The film features real Holocaust survivors in supporting roles, with Kamen and Johansson working closely with the Holocaust Museum and Museum of Tolerance to ensure an authentic representation. Squibb's performance, which includes using a cane at Johansson's suggestion, has been praised for its emotional depth and nuance.