Stockard Channing, the iconic actress known for her role in Grease, has opened up about her life as a recluse in London following the death of her partner, Daniel Gillham, in 2014. Channing, who is 82, shared her thoughts in an essay for the U.K.'s Sunday Times, offering a glimpse into her personal journey and the reasons behind her move across the pond.
Channing's essay reveals a profound impact of Gillham's death, describing a shift in her life pattern. She explains, 'Since just before COVID, I've been living in London. 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.'
The actress has lived alone since losing Gillham, embracing a life of solitude. She describes herself as a recluse, stating, 'I've lived alone since I lost Daniel and I'm happy being a recluse. I was married four times before Daniel and they all represent epochs of me.' Channing's previous marriages to Walter Channing Jr., Paul Schmidt, David Debin, and David Rawle were significant chapters in her life, but her relationship with Gillham was unique.
Channing and Gillham never married, a decision she attributes to her past experiences. In an essay for The Guardian in 2006, she reflected, 'What have I learned from my divorces? I know that nobody gets married to get divorced. I don’t think I’ll get married another time. I’ve been living with my partner [cinematographer Daniel Gillham] for over 20 years, so... It would feel quite silly, actually.'
Despite her contentment as a recluse, Channing acknowledges the desire for companionship, especially as she ages. She muses, 'Children were thought about and, yeah, 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.'
Channing's openness about her life choices and relationships is a testament to her courage and honesty. Her decision to live as a recluse in London, following the death of her partner, showcases a unique approach to grief and personal happiness. Channing's story invites reflection on the various paths people take in life and the importance of embracing one's own truth.
