After all these years, Stockard Channing remains the epitome of charisma and relatability as Rizzo in ‘Grease’. However, at 79 years old, Channing’s appearance has changed quite significantly.
Since her breakthrough in the 1978 classic *Grease*, where she delivered a fantastic performance as Betty Rizzo, Stockard Channing has become a household name. No one can forget her powerful singing and iconic portrayal of the rebellious Pink Lady. But today, if you were to pass her on the street, you might not even recognize her.
The Journey of a Remarkable Career
Channing’s success reaches far beyond her memorable role in *Grease*. Many fans also know her from her role as First Lady Abbey Bartlet in the hit series *The West Wing*. Channing’s chemistry with Martin Sheen, who played President Josiah Barlet, was undeniable and captivated audiences. Reflecting on their on-screen connection, Channing said, “It just worked… It was a happy accident.”
Let’s delve deeper into Channing’s illustrious career. Although she hasn’t appeared in major motion pictures since *Grease*, she has continued to act in films and on Broadway. Despite this, Channing seems content with being most remembered for her portrayal of the rebellious bad girl, Rizzo. However, is that the complete truth?
In 1973, Channing had a breakthrough moment starring in the TV-movie *The Girl Most Likely to…*, a black comedy about revenge. “A lot of people talk about the G-word [Grease] and all of that, but back in the day, I had as many people stop me in the street about that one movie… It was a million years ago, and then it was the highest-rated movie of the week. Revenge always works,” Channing stated.
Embracing Her Legacy
Channing, who has received 13 Emmy Award nominations and seven Tony Award nominations, has only watched *Grease* twice. Initially, she felt apprehensive about the film, considering it a “kids’ movie.” However, she now acknowledges its significance, saying, “I’m very proud of it.” Despite the age difference between herself and the character of Rizzo, Channing was able to tap into the complexity of adolescence and capture Rizzo’s isolation.
The role of Rizzo propelled Channing into stardom in the late 1970s. She received the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Motion Picture Supporting Actress. Unfortunately, achieving similar success proved challenging after *Grease*. Two sitcoms, *Stockard Channing in Just Friends* (1979) and *The Stockard Channing Show* (1980), did not achieve the desired success. Nevertheless, Channing never gave up, continuing to work in both highly-praised movies and stage plays. Her most recent big-screen appearance was in *Angry Neighbors*, which premiered in 2022.
A Life of Adventure and Change
In recent years, Channing has been involved in theater production in London, where she currently resides. She previously lived in Maine with her partner of 25 years before moving to England in 2019. During the pandemic, Channing experienced the challenges of living alone, stating, “Living on my own here during the pandemic, I was sort of taking the ride with the rest of the country.”
On a personal level, Channing prefers to keep a low profile. Despite her stunning and ageless appearance, she has no children. She has been married and divorced four times, finding solace in the companionship of her beloved dog.
Embracing Change and Aging Gracefully
In recent years, Channing has garnered attention for her changing look. After appearing on a British breakfast television show in 2017, viewers were shocked by her transformed appearance. Speculations and articles started circulating, questioning the use of plastic surgery. However, it is only natural for a 79-year-old woman’s appearance to change over the years.
To me, Channing still embodies the cool and sexy personality of Rizzo. In a 2011 interview with Out magazine, she shared her dedication to staying in shape, expressing that she does “everything [she] f—ing can”. Channing also humorously addressed playing mothers in her roles, stating, “I really hate bumping up against all these guys’ memories of their mothers, which, trust me, aren’t so hot… I’d like to think the world has changed since then.”
Despite any changes in her appearance, Stockard Channing will always be remembered as an iconic star who brought Rizzo to life in *Grease*. Her remarkable career and undeniable talent continue to inspire and captivate audiences even to this day.
