After two years away from the red carpet, Stockard Channing chose a fitting project for her return to the spotlight. The actress, 82, attended the European premiere of Practical Magic 2 at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London on Wednesday, August 26.
Her appearance came just weeks after she offered a candid look at the private life she has built in the city.
Why Was Stockard Channing’s Red Carpet Return Significant?
The London premiere marked Channing’s first red carpet appearance in two years. See more photos here:
Getty
Getty
GettyShe stepped out to support a sequel that brings her back to one of her most recognizable roles nearly three decades after the original film.
The outing also followed a period of relative privacy. Channing has continued to work, but she has largely stayed away from the celebrity circuit as she settles into life in London.
Why Does Stockard Channing Call Herself a Recluse?
GettyIn an essay published by The Sunday Times on Wednesday, August 5, Channing reflected on how the 2014 death of her longtime partner, Daniel Gillham, changed her life.
“My partner, Daniel, died in 2014 and it was more devastating than I realised; it had a lag effect,” Channing wrote. “The pattern of my life shifted, so I shifted my life from Maine.”
“I’ve lived alone since I lost Daniel and I’m happy being a recluse,” she added, explaining that she moved from New England to London alone “just before Covid.”
Channing has no plans to seek another romantic relationship.
“No, I think that would be such a pain in the [Expletives]. I’m consolidating, thank you very much,” she told the outlet. “I’m very happy with the friends I have. No. Life is good. Life is very good.”
Who Does Stockard Channing Play in Practical Magic 2?
Channing reprises her role as Frances “Franny” Owens, one of the eccentric aunts who raised sisters Sally and Gillian Owens. Sandra Bullock returns as Sally, while Nicole Kidman is back as Gillian.
Dianne Wiest also returns as Aunt Jet. New cast members include Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod.
The sequel follows the 1998 film Practical Magic, which was adapted from Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel. Channing has noted that different generations recognize her from different projects, including Practical Magic, The West Wing and Grease.
Getty“I guess films are like songs: they take you back to a particular time in your life,” she wrote. “Maybe a more innocent time.”
Is Stockard Channing Planning to Retire?
After promoting Practical Magic 2, Channing plans to direct a production of Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape later this year. What comes next remains uncertain.
“I’m not sure I’ll do anything after that,” Channing wrote. “Acting is like everything in life; you never know what’s going to happen.”
For now, her red carpet return offers longtime fans a welcome sight. Practical Magic 2 arrives in theaters on Thursday, September 10.
