Stockard Channing Embraces Solitude in England
Stockard Channing has opened up about her peaceful life after moving to England, expressing contentment in her reclusive lifestyle. The famous ‘Grease’ actress relocated to London just prior to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. This move came on the heels of her husband, producer Daniel Gillum, passing away in 2014, which, truthfully, made her consider such a change long before she actually did it.
“Since losing Daniel, I’ve lived alone and I’m happy to be a recluse,” Channing reflected in an essay, adding that she had been married four times prior, with those relationships marking significant eras in her life.
In a related note, actress Heather Locklear shared her own experiences of living far from Hollywood, feeling increasingly isolated from society. It seems many are finding solace in stepping back from the spotlight—maybe now more than ever.
Channing continued with a personal connection to her past, noting how her upbringing in the ’60s helped shape her views on the restrictive morals of the ’50s, much like how Lizzo has expressed herself today. She noted her concerns for her children, feeling that despite their occasional selfishness, having someone look out for you is comforting.
In what she described as a surprising and life-altering event, she commented on Gillum’s death: “It hit me harder than I expected. Jet lag didn’t help, either.”
Describing the move from Maine to London, Channing remarked on how her life began to shift, coinciding somewhat awkwardly with political changes in the U.S. “When I took on the role of First Lady Abbey Bartlett in ‘The West Wing’ back in 1999, we were witnessing a transition into the second Bush administration. It felt like there was a level of honesty in political discourse back then that’s a bit absent today.”
“People will watch ‘The West Wing’ and think, ‘Wasn’t it refreshing when politicians had some integrity?’” she mused, reflecting on her character Abbey, who she felt mirrored aspects of her own personality. On meeting director Aaron Sorkin, she recalled initially being impatient with his compliments, asserting she wasn’t in the mood for flattery that day.
It’s interesting how her superstar status seems distant nowadays. Channing shared snippets of her daily routine, mentioning that her day usually starts at 7 am thanks to her dog. After the pup’s breakfast and her own strong cup of coffee, she often finds herself going back to bed—her ideal morning, she claims.
“I get a bit of exercise in by 10, though let’s be honest: I’d rather play games,” she confessed, humorously acknowledging that while she knows she should prioritize workouts, her brain sometimes concocts excuses. Lunchtime is her first meal of the day; nothing fancy, and if a recipe flops, well, that’s dog food.
Channing’s approach to style is refreshingly laid-back. “I comb my hair when I leave the apartment. Designer clothes? Sure, I have some—but they’re from the ’80s and ’90s. I mean, should I care about how I look? Many actors do, but I guess I just embrace being me.”
Interestingly, she mentioned never considering herself beautiful or identifying strictly as a celebrity. “I’m just me, take it or leave it,” she said. Her multifaceted fan base remembers her through various beloved roles—be it in ‘Practical Magic’ for the younger audiences, ‘The West Wing’ for adults, or, of course, ‘Grease’ for everyone in between.
“I think movies are like songs,” Channing concluded. “They often transport you back to a time in your life, maybe a more innocent time. Isn’t that something?”
