Stockard Channing, celebrated for her transformative performances, including Rizzo in the 1978 film "Grease" and Abbey Bartlet in "The West Wing," has spoken about how her role as the leader of the Pink Ladies nearly ended her career.
Channing, who was 33 at the time of filming "Grease," took the part because she needed the money, but committed herself fully to the role, stating she would "work my ass off on this thing and treat it like I am playing Lady Macbeth." Despite her dedication, the film's success led to an unexpected backlash in Hollywood. Channing recounted that after "Grease" was released, studios turned their backs on her, making it difficult to even secure an audition. "I couldn't even get an audition," she stated.
This career downturn led Channing to pursue smaller roles before returning to her first passion, theater. Her theatrical work eventually led to her casting as Abbey Bartlet, the First Lady in Aaron Sorkin's acclaimed series "The West Wing." She recalled being terrified on her first day of filming, having been offered the role over the phone while hiking. When she asked creator Aaron Sorkin why he cast her, he replied, "talent." Channing humorously responded, "I don't have time for flattery." Sorkin and Channing subsequently collaborated to develop the character into the confident and witty figure she became on screen.
Channing, now 82, is preparing for her directorial debut at the Edinburgh Fringe with Samuel Beckett's "Krapp's Last Tape." The play explores themes of memory, aging, and perspective. She also noted that she moved from the United States to London in 2019, citing a desire to leave "certain things going on in America that I wasn't crazy about," with Donald Trump's victory encapsulating those concerns for her. She continues to visit the U.S. several times a year to see friends.
Despite her earlier struggles, Channing's career has seen a resurgence, including a role in the upcoming sequel to the 1998 film "Practical Magic." She acknowledged the cult following of the original film and how fan demand can influence major studio decisions. "It is strange that fans can make a major film studio invest millions of dollars on another film," she commented.
Channing also discussed her upbringing on New York's Park Avenue and her early experiences in experimental theater at Harvard. She reflected on her marriages, having been married four times, and her long-term relationship with cinematographer Daniel Gillham, who died in 2014. She has no children and does not express regret over this aspect of her life.
Her ability to imbue characters with depth and nuance, often referred to as the "Stockard Channing effect," has led to her enduring presence in film, television, and theater. "Krapp's Last Tape" is scheduled to run at Upstairs at the Roxy in Edinburgh until August 31.