Stockard Channing recalls her chemistry with Will Smith in ‘Six Degrees of Separation’

Stockard Channing looks back with nostalgia on his old days co-starring with Will Smith.

exist The Hollywood Reporter What Happens in Hollywood During the podcast, the 80-year-old actress revealed how she and Smith, 55, hit it off while filming the 1993 film Six degrees of separation.

“I feel very maternal toward him,” Channing said. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Oisha Kitteridge in the film. “I absolutely love him. He’s so sweet, just a sweetheart…natural and easy-going.”

According to Channing, Smith had a real charm and endearing sweetness from the moment they met. They were introduced by film director Fred Schepisi, who took Channing to dinner after seeing her in a British stage version of the play. six degrees.

The meeting occurred just as Smith was beginning his film career after finding success with “DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince” and his long-running sitcom. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Smith’s first major film role was six degrees He played the role of Paul in the screen adaptation.

In the movie, Paul is a con man who becomes involved in the lives of an Upper East Side couple played by Channing and Donald Sutherland.

“He did a lot [of money] From his music, even ‘Fresh Prince,'” Channing told The Hollywood Reporter. But she said there was “no ‘big shot’ thing at all” when it came to her costar. “I remember us talking about it thing. “

Channing added, “He has a real survival instinct that is perfect for this role.”