In her final interview as host of CBS Mornings, Gayle King sat down with one of Hollywood’s most celebrated stars, Scarlett Johansson, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about her long-awaited directorial debut, Eleanor the Great. The discussion was as much about art as it was about life—about aging, resilience, and the beauty of second chances.
A Story of Loss, Healing, and Rediscovery
Eleanor the Great, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, tells the story of Eleanor Morganstein, a 94-year-old woman who must rebuild her life after losing her closest friend. Played masterfully by June Squibb, Eleanor’s journey leads her from grief to growth, as she relocates to the city, reconnects with estranged family, and joins a support group for Holocaust survivors.
But what begins as a gentle story of healing soon takes a surprising turn. When Eleanor tells a small, well-intentioned lie, it unravels in ways that test her relationships and force her to face long-buried truths. Through humor and heartbreak, the film explores how even at 94, the human spirit continues to evolve.
Scarlett Johansson’s Leap from Actor to Director
For Johansson, Eleanor the Great represents the realization of a lifelong dream. Speaking with Gayle King, she traced her directorial ambitions back to her childhood. “I thought I would act until I was an adult and then I would direct,” Johansson reflected. She credits a pivotal experience at age 12—working with Robert Redford on The Horse Whisperer—for planting the seed. “Watching Redford command a set with such grace and clarity made me want to tell stories from behind the camera.”
Johansson dedicated the film to her grandmother, whose strength and humor inspired the project. With this film, she steps into a new creative role, shaping a deeply personal narrative that bridges generations.
June Squibb: A 95-Year-Old Leading Lady Who Steals the Show
At 95, June Squibb delivers one of the most moving performances of her storied career. Known for her roles in Nebraska and About Schmidt, Squibb brings warmth, wit, and humanity to Eleanor. Speaking about Johansson’s direction, Squibb was effusive: “She did beautifully. God, such a leader.”
The actress noted that Johansson’s experience as a performer gave her a rare empathy for her cast. “The director sets the tone,” she told King. “Scarlett made it feel like everyone’s voice mattered.” Squibb also shared that she saw Eleanor’s “central lie” not as deception, but as an “emotional truth” — a human impulse to connect and heal in unconventional ways.
A Film That Blends Laughter, Tears, and Real History
What makes Eleanor the Great truly stand out is its blend of emotional honesty and authenticity. Johansson worked with real Holocaust survivors to ground the film’s support group scenes in lived experience, lending the story a layer of poignancy that resonates deeply.
“The script was a showcase for June,” Johansson explained. “I wanted to make a little gem of a movie that lets people cry it out in a dark room full of strangers. That’s why we go to the movies.”
She also praised Squibb’s natural comedic timing, recalling how the crew often had to suppress laughter during filming. “June is so hilarious as Eleanor,” Johansson said, smiling. “She’s impossible in the most endearing way—you can’t help but love her.”
A Celebration of Life, Art, and Reinvention
As the interview drew to a close, Squibb—brimming with optimism—shared her plans to return to Broadway, declaring, “Life is good. Back to Broadway.” Her words perfectly captured the spirit of Eleanor the Great: that no matter your age, life still holds opportunities for renewal and joy.
For Scarlett Johansson, this directorial debut marks a new chapter in an already remarkable career. For Gayle King, it was a fitting farewell—an interview that celebrated storytelling, womanhood, and the power of reinvention.
In the end, “Eleanor the Great” isn’t just a film—it’s a reflection of the creative courage shared by Johansson and Squibb. Both prove that greatness, like art, has no age limit.