Betty Rizzo: Where Is She Today?

Betty Rizzo is a beloved character from Grease, known for her rebellious and edgy personality. Instead of aspiring to be homecoming queen, she prefers to smoke and hang out with her Pink Ladies. The role is played by Stockard Channing, an acclaimed actress recognized for her performances in The West Wing, Practical Magic, and Six Degrees of Separation.

Rizzo’s character stands in stark contrast to Olivia Newton-John’s, showcasing a darker, tougher persona that resonates with audiences, especially through her poignant solo, “There Are Worse Things I Could Do.”

Since her iconic role in Grease and its less popular sequel, Grease 2, Stockard Channing’s career has continued to flourish. She has enjoyed success on Broadway and in film, earning numerous accolades along the way. But what has the real-life Rizzo been up to since her debut in the musical?

Not Just a Teenager in Grease

Stockard Channing was not a teenager when she played Rizzo; she described her casting in Grease as merely a “summer job” that she needed to pay her rent. Despite her past work in films like The Fortune, she found herself seeking opportunities. Channing received the role of Rizzo from Grease author and co-producer Allan Carr, who contacted her late one night. Though she found it unusual for someone of her experience, she accepted the job, thinking it was just another gig.

Interestingly, Channing has only seen Grease twice: once at the premiere and again during the 20th-anniversary screening. She humorously admitted that she hardly watched the original film, joking, “I have other things to do.”

Channing’s Own Shows Post-Grease

After Grease, Stockard Channing starred in her own television shows, The Stockard Channing Show and Just Friends. The latter, released shortly after Grease, followed her character Susan as she relocated from Boston to Los Angeles post-divorce. The show was later retitled The Stockard Channing Show for its second season, which featured a different cast. Channing expressed her discomfort with the title, revealing that she found it embarrassing.

During a Q&A, she reflected on the challenges of working on sitcoms, highlighting that the industry dynamics remain consistent regardless of when they are made. Channing began her theater career at Harvard University in the late 1960s, eventually transitioning to Broadway and taking on significant roles in off-Broadway productions.

Broadway Success and Awards

Channing’s career took off with her role in Joe Egg, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in 1985. She later appeared in Six Degrees of Separation, where she reprised her role in the film adaptation, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.

In 1996, Channing portrayed a villainous character, Mrs. Allworthy, in Moll Flanders, showcasing her versatility as an actress. In this role, she played the headmistress of a brothel, offering a complex portrayal of greed and human nature.

Channing also made a brief yet impactful appearance in The First Wives Club, where her character’s tragic fate motivates the main characters to seek revenge on their ex-husbands.

Returning to the Spotlight with Practical Magic

Many fans discovered Stockard Channing through her role as Aunt Frances in the 1998 film Practical Magic, which has gained a cult following. Alongside Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, Channing’s portrayal added depth to the story about the bond of family and sisterhood.

Channing’s career continued to thrive with her award-winning performance as Dr. Abbey Bartlet, the president’s wife, on The West Wing. Her portrayal garnered her an Emmy Award, and she became a notable figure in the show’s success.

Diverse Roles and Continued Impact

In the 2000s, Stockard Channing took on various roles, including portraying Judy Shepard in The Matthew Shepard Story, a film addressing the tragic murder of a young gay man. Channing’s performance earned her both a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Emmy.

Channing also starred in the short-lived sitcom Out of Practice, which garnered positive reviews but lasted just one season.

Recent Broadway Performances

Channing returned to Broadway in 2008 with a revival of Pal Joey and later appeared in Other Desert Cities and It’s Only A Play. She described collaborating with a star-studded cast as akin to being part of a sports team, emphasizing the collective effort required in theater.

Her role in The Good Wife as Veronica Loy, the mother of Julianna Margulies’ character, is also a standout. Channing brought a captivating presence to the series, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Channing’s Personal Life

Despite her relatively private life, Stockard Channing has been in a long-term relationship with photographer Daniel Gillham for over three decades. They met while working on the set of A Time of Destiny in 1988. Channing has experienced four divorces, and while her previous relationships were tumultuous, she has found stability with Gillham.

Interestingly, Channing adopted her stage name from her first husband, changing it from Susan Stockard to Stockard Channing.

Conclusion

From her unforgettable role as Rizzo in Grease to her extensive work in theater and television, Stockard Channing has proven to be a versatile and enduring talent in the entertainment industry.