Stockard Channing, who famously portrayed Betty Rizzo in the 1978 musical film "Grease," has voiced her long-held dissatisfaction with her animated depiction in the movie's opening credits. The 82-year-old actress described the illustration as her "nightmare vision of self" and agreed with fans who felt she was "done a little bit dirty" by the sketch.
Channing's primary objection centered on the exaggerated features of the drawing, particularly her cheeks. "That’s even worse than I remember. Look at that!" she exclaimed when shown the image. She noted that the depiction was so unappealing to her that it contributed to her reluctance to watch the film, despite its enduring popularity.
![Stockard Channing as Betty Rizzo in the movie "Grease."]( "Stockard Channing as Betty Rizzo in the movie "Grease." )
While Channing remains proud of "Grease" and her role in it, she revealed that she has only seen the film twice: once at its 1978 premiere and again two decades later. "I do not watch it. That’s it. I’m afraid," she stated.
Channing's comments came during promotional activities for "Practical Magic 2," her upcoming film with co-stars Dianne Wiest, Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Maisie Williams, and Joey King. Her appearance at the film's premiere in London marked her first red carpet event in two years. She has largely retreated from the public eye, finding happiness living as a "recluse" in London following the loss of her partner, Daniel Gillham, in 2014.
Channing's career includes acclaimed roles in "The West Wing" and "Six Degrees of Separation," the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination. However, her "Grease" character and the film's iconic status have kept it in the public consciousness for nearly five decades.