Oscar Nominee June Squibb Recalls a Transformative first Flight in First Class
NEW YORK – Veteran actress June Squibb, currently garnering critical acclaim for her role in Eleanor the Great, recently shared a vivid memory of her first experience flying first class, a journey that left a lasting impression on the young performer.Squibb recounted the flight, from New York to St. Louis to visit her parents in southern Illinois, as a pivotal moment of youthful wonder.
“I was flying from New York into St. Louis to visit my mother and father in southern Illinois, and for some reason, god knows why, I decided I was going to go first class,” Squibb explained. “I think I had a job that gave me some money, so I spent it there.”
The flight occurred during a time when in-flight smoking was permitted, and Squibb readily admitted to indulging. “We smoked like crazy in the cabin, which you could do then, but it was marvelous. I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is so great.’ I loved it. I was a young kid who didn’t know what to expect.”
Beyond the novelty of smoking, Squibb was notably struck by the unexpected luxury of a served meal. “I remember I was amazed when they served me a meal. I was changed forever.” The experience,she said,fundamentally altered her expectations of travel and hospitality.
Squibb, who lived in New York for 65 years before relocating to Los Angeles, has continued to travel extensively throughout her career. She recently filmed scenes for eleanor the Great in Coney Island, describing the location as “perfect for the first day” of shooting. She also expressed a fondness for Hawaii’s Big Island, a destination she has visited four times and where she finds the most relaxation. While enjoying both pools and the ocean, Squibb confessed a preference for swimming pools, finding the ocean “cold” even in summer.
