After all these years, I still believe there’s never been a more charismatic or relatable Rizzo than Stockard Channing. Her portrayal in Grease remains unforgettable. Channing’s talent and voice in the film were outstanding, but at 80, she looks almost unrecognizable today.
The first movie I ever saw her in was The Big Bus, a comedy that I found hilarious. Back then, I couldn’t have predicted that she would go on to have such a remarkable career. Today, Stockard Channing is best remembered for her iconic role as Betty Rizzo in Grease, the 1978 musical romantic comedy that captivated audiences around the world. Many, myself included, agree that her portrayal of Rizzo is unmatched by anyone who has taken on the role since.
Beyond Grease, many also recognize Channing from The West Wing, where she played First Lady Abbey Bartlet. Her on-screen chemistry with Martin Sheen, who played President Josiah Bartlet, was praised widely. In a 2020 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Channing recalled how natural their connection was, saying, “It just worked. We had this chemistry from the beginning, and it didn’t go away. It was a happy accident.”
While Grease is a career-defining role for Channing, it’s not the only highlight of her impressive career. In fact, she had a notable breakthrough in 1973 with the TV movie The Girl Most Likely to…, a black comedy about revenge. Channing often reflects on this film as one of the most talked-about moments of her career, aside from Grease. “People still stop me on the street about that one movie. It was about revenge, and people felt it deeply,” she once said.
Interestingly, Channing has only watched Grease twice. Initially, she was reluctant to embrace it, dismissing it as a “kids’ movie,” but over time, she grew proud of the role. In a 2019 interview with The Times, she said, “It’s sort of amazing. I’m very proud of it.”
At 33, playing a high schooler like Rizzo presented its challenges, but Channing used her age and experience to deepen her portrayal of the character’s adolescent complexities. She brought raw emotion to Rizzo, tackling themes of isolation, sexuality, and vulnerability, which is perhaps why her performance resonates so strongly with audiences even today.
Despite her success in Grease, Channing’s post-film career had its ups and downs. She starred in two sitcoms of her own, Stockard Channing in Just Friends (1979) and The Stockard Channing Show (1980), but neither took off. Yet, her determination never wavered. With her resemblance to Elizabeth Taylor and her calm confidence, Channing continued acting, taking on a wide range of roles in film and theater. Her latest film appearance was in Angry Neighbors in 2022.
In recent years, Channing has made her mark in London’s theater scene, where she now resides. She used to live in Maine with her partner of 25 years before moving to England in 2019. During the pandemic, she adjusted to living on her own in London, embracing the journey with the rest of the country.
On a personal note, Channing has always kept a relatively low profile. Despite having been married and divorced four times, she has no children. These days, she finds comfort in her constant companion—her dog.
In 2017, Channing’s appearance sparked widespread attention after an interview on the British television show Lorraine. While she was there to discuss her career, viewers were more focused on how much she had changed, leading to speculation about plastic surgery. Some were quick to criticize, but others defended her, pointing out the natural effects of aging. After all, Channing is 80 years old, and changes in appearance are expected over time.
Despite the chatter, I still see that undeniable Rizzo spark in her—cool and confident as ever. Channing herself acknowledges the aging process but refuses to let it define her. In a 2011 interview with Out magazine, she joked, “You get to a certain age, and you start playing a lot of mothers. Maybe if I had children, I’d feel differently, but I really hate bumping up against all these guys’ memories of their mothers, which, trust me, aren’t so hot.”
Even as time passes, Stockard Channing remains an iconic and timeless figure, beloved for her talent, wit, and unforgettable performances.