Reclusive ‘Grease’ Star, 82, Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance
The Emmy-winning actress said earlier this month that she had become “a recluse” after her partner died in 2014.
Paramount Pictures
Grease star Stockard Channing made her first red carpet appearance in over two years.
The Emmy and Tony-winning actress, 82, posed with her Practical Magic 2 costars at the film’s European premiere in London on Wednesday. The film, a sequel to the magical 1998 cult classic, will be released on September 10.
During the rare appearance, Channing wore her thick, highlighted hair in a side part with loose curls. Her makeup included rose-pink lips and subtle false lashes.
Stockard Channing made a rare red carpet appearance at the European premiere of “Practical Magic 2” in London, Britain, on August 26, 2026.
Dylan Martinez/Reuters
The West Wing star wore a deep blue pantsuit, with the blazer sleeves rolled up just enough to show the sleeves of the white buttoned dress shirt beneath.
The look’s main attraction was the statement jewelry: silver earrings that nearly reached her collarbones, a chunky silver chain necklace, and a massive ring with a turquoise stone.
On Wednesday, Stockard Channing wore a navy blue suit to the “Practical Magic 2” European Premiere in London, England.
Karwai Tang/WireImage
Channing also carried a black purse and wore black platform shoes.
Sign up to receive news and updates from The Looker
By clicking “Sign Up” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The next day, on Thursday, August 27, Channing appeared at a London photocall for the film.
She posed alongside her original costars Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, and Dianne Wiest, as well as new cast members Maisie Williams and Joey King.
Maisie Williams, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Nicole Kidman and Joey King at the photocall for “Practical Magic 2” on August 27, 2026, in London, England.
Kate Green/Getty Images
For this event, Channing wore her hair and makeup similarly to Wednesday, although she chose a glossier lip.
Channing kept the asymmetrical chain necklace from the night before but opted for a monochromatic outfit. She paired bright green high-waisted, wide-legged green pants with a long-sleeved dark green utility shirt.
On Thursday, Stockard Channing attended a photocall for “Practical Magic 2” in London, England, wearing an all-green outfit.
Kate Green/Getty Images
Channing has mostly steered clear of red carpets since 2018, making only rare appearances for theater and musical opening nights. Her latest red carpet appearance was in July 2024 in London when she attended a press night for the musical “Hello, Dolly!”
In August, Channing told The London Times that she had been living alone for over 10 years, ever since the death of her partner of over two decades, cinematographer Daniel Gillham.
Dianne Wiest, Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, and Stockard Channing in the 1998 cult classic “Practical Magic.”
Warner Bros. Pictures
Channing had gone through four divorces when she began dating Gillham in 1990.
“My partner, Daniel, died in 2014 and it was more devastating than I realized; it had a lag effect. The pattern of my life shifted, so I shifted my life from Maine,” she wrote, adding that she has resided in London since 2019.
Stockard Channing and Daniel Gillham in New York City in 1993.
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
“I’m happy being a recluse,” Channing, who never had children, wrote.
“Children were thought about,” she admitted. “I think about them now because it’d be great to have someone taking care of me. But hey, children can be just as selfish as everybody else out there.”
In January, she told The Sunday Times that she had no interest in another romantic relationship: “I think that would be such a pain in the a--. I’m consolidating, thank you very much. I’m very happy with the friends I have. No. Life is good. Life is very good.”
Unlock a year of full access to The Looker and The Daily Beast for $35.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Looker and The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Sign in
Login dialog
Sign in or create an account
Login dialog
Loading comments…