Stockard Channing (born February 13, 1944, New York City) is an American actress whose career spans stage, film and television across more than five decades. She became a cultural touchstone as Betty Rizzo in Grease (1978), then earned an Academy Award nomination for Six Degrees of Separation (1993) and won Emmy Awards for The West Wing and The Matthew Shepard Story (both 2002). On Broadway she holds eight Tony nominations and a 1985 win for A Day in the Death of Joe Egg.
Channing's directorial debut production of Krapp's Last Tape ran at the Edinburgh Fringe (Upstairs at The Roxy, 5-31 August 2026), with proceeds benefiting the Wembley to Soweto Foundation.
Channing reprises her role as Aunt Frances Owens in Practical Magic 2, released in cinemas on 18 September 2026 alongside Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
Channing spoke publicly about living as a 'recluse' in London since the death of her long-term partner Daniel Gillham, in a rare interview published in August 2026.
The Krapp's Last Tape production was announced for the Artsdepot autumn 2026 season, extending its UK run after Edinburgh.
Channing appeared on the London stage in Elektra at the Duke of York's Theatre in 2025, opposite Brie Larson.
