Stockard Channing Says Bond With Will Smith On “Six Degrees Of Separation” Was “Motherly”
In a recent revelation, veteran actress Stockard Channing reminisces about her experience working alongside Will Smith in the iconic film Six Degrees of Separation.
Stockard, known for her role as Ouisa Kittredge in the 1993 movie, shared insights about her bond with Will during an episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s It Happened in Hollywood podcast. She fondly recalled the immediate “chemistry” she felt with Will, describing him as “absolutely adorable” and “a sweetheart.”
In her words, “I felt very motherly towards him. I liked him a lot. He was absolutely adorable, just a sweetheart… natural and easygoing.”
The actress, who earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance, reminisced about their initial meeting, where Will, accompanied by director Fred Schepisi, took her to dinner after watching her perform in the U.K. stage version of Six Degrees.
In the film adaptation, Will portrayed Paul, a con artist entwined in the lives of an Upper East Side couple, portrayed by Stockard and Donald Sutherland. Despite the I, Robot actor’s rising success in music and television, Stockard noted his humility and lack of pretense on set.
Stockard praised Will’s portrayal, noting his “real survival instinct” that perfectly suited the role. The film, adapted from John Guare’s Broadway play, explored themes inspired by the true story of scammer David Hampton.
Addressing Will’s previous admission of romantic feelings towards her during filming, Stockard clarified that their relationship remained strictly professional. According to her, “there was nothing [romantic] that was between me and him.”
Will, in his memoir Will, reflected on the emotional turmoil he experienced during filming, confessing to developing feelings for Stockard amidst personal challenges in his marriage to Sheree Zampino.
“I found myself desperately yearning to see and speak to Stockard. I got a taste early of the dangers of going too far for a character. The movie was over and I went home, and I was dying to see Stockard. I was like, ‘Oh no! What have I done?’” the actor shared.
