A Look Back At ‘Grease’ Star Stockard Channing’s Stunning ’70s Magazine Cover As She Turns 80

Grease actress Stockard Channing turned 80 on February 13 and a good way to celebrate her is a look back at her career journey, as well as her experience filming the hit musical movie. Channing’s professional career began in 1966 with a part in The Investigation at the experimental Theatre Company of Boston.

Her role as the Rydell High School class tramp, Rizzo, in Grease opened the door to Hollywood stardom as she did the memorable heavy-petting scene with Jeff Conaway’s character, Kenickie. “I felt real funny making love to a married actress,” Jeff once remarked.

Stockard Channing’s ‘70s magazine cover

Channing was a part of the highest-grossing musical ever, which made over $341 million so far. After Grease, she formed a production company with her writer-producer ex-husband, David Debin. They first worked together on TV docudrama Silent Victory where Channing played the deaf stunt woman named Kitty O’Neil.

RELATED: How Much Money ‘Grease’ Star Stockard Channing Has Earned

She then created her short-lived series, Just Friends, which ran for only 13 episodes. “We finished the season on a real up with a tremendous wrap party for Just Friends. Around 3 a.m., some of us— barefoot, tiptoed back into our own sound stage to have a last look. We got real emotional, just like at high-school graduation. I feel good about everything. It’s been a vintage year,” she reminisced.

As Channing ages, there have been debates in the past about the changes in her appearance particularly on if she got cosmetic enhancements. Plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Miller inferred that she may have gotten fillers in her cheeks and fat transfer as well. “She also may have had a mini facelift to keep her jawline smooth,” he told Closer Weekly.

Her rare appearance on the daytime talk show Lorraine caused a frenzy on social media. However, many fans came to her defense saying she was aging and could not possibly look the same. “It’s like, yes, that’s great, but it was such a long time ago. I am the world’s oldest living teenager!” she said, adding that she does not “want to think about that number!” when the host reminded her of how much time had gone by.