Lisa Irene Chappell (born 18 October 1968) is a New Zealand actress and musician. She is known for her roles as Chelsea Redfern in Gloss (1987–1990), and as Claire McLeod in McLeod's Daughters (2001–2003), a performance which earned her two Logie Awards, for Most Popular New Female Talent and Most Popular Actress.

Lisa Chappell
Born
Lisa Irene Chappell

(1968-10-18) 18 October 1968 (age 56)
Occupation(s)Actress, singer
Years active1987–present
Notable work
Height1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)[2]
Spouse
Chris Taylor
(m. 2001; div. 2005)
Awards
Websitewww.lisachappell.net

As one of New Zealand's most prominent theatre performers, Chappell made her stage debut in 1991, having appeared in The Merchant of Venice, which led to numerous roles, including Chicago, Hamlet, Design for Living, and The Thirty-Nine Steps. Following the establishment of her own company, Chappell has made appearances in more contemporary works, in addition to producing and writing.

While maintaining her continued success on screen, Chappell has had also appeared in films, such as Desperate Remedies (1993), Jack Brown Genius (1996), and Coffin Rock (2009), and further television roles, in City Life (1996–1998), The Cult (2009), for which she was the recipient of a Qantas Film and Television Award for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress – General Television, and most recently as Michelle Beaufort in the soap opera, Shortland Street (2020–2022).

Early life

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Lisa Chappell was born in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand and grew up in Mairangi Bay.[1] She has two older siblings, a brother, Mark, and a sister, Catherine.[3] Chappell studied acting in the 1980s, and was educated at Rangitoto College, where she took drama classes and performed in school musicals, as well as singing and dancing tuition.[1]

Career

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Television

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Chappell's big break came in the late 1980s when she was a student, and while in Christchurch attending a Fringe Festival, she was lodging with Michelle Hine, who was teaching clown at the time, when Chappell was offered to audition for the upcoming television drama, Gloss. Hine coached her for the part, which she eventually received.[4] Chappell made her on-screen debut in 1987 when she was cast as Chelsea Redfern in the TV2 series which lasted three seasons, until 1990.[5] This was followed by a short stint in the police procedural series, Shark in the Park,[6] and guest roles in shows, such as, soap opera Shortland Street, Mysterious Island, and multiple roles on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. In 1996, she began appearing in a regular role on the short-lived TV2 soap opera, City Life, as Bronwyn Kellett.[7]

In 1998, Chappell had relocated to Australia and completed "The Journey" program at the Actors Centre Australia in Sydney, Australia, graduating in 2000.[8] After which, she auditioned for the role of Claire McLeod on the Nine Network rural drama series, McLeod's Daughters,[9] a role which was originally intended for actor Laurie Foell during which Chappell was in the process of establishing a theatre company; she successfully secured the role following her audition.[10] During production of the series, Chappell gained the skills in how to ride a horse and sheering sheep,[11] and also made the decision to become a vegetarian.[12] She appeared in the series for three seasons, from 2001 to 2003, before her character was killed off in a car accident.[13][14] For her performance, Chappell was nominated for several Logie Awards, receiving two, for Most Popular New Female Talent[15] and Most Popular Actress[16][17] in 2002 and 2004, respectively, and has gained a cult following among both Australian and international audiences.

Chappell continued in Australian television, and would later appear in a recurring role on the police drama, Stingers, as Constable Megan Walsh for its eighth and final season, the television film, Small Claims: The Reunion,[18] the serial drama The Cult,[19] in a role with earned her a Qantas Film and Television Award,[20] and guest appearances in Rescue: Special Ops[21] and Cops L.A.C..[22]

In 2020, Chappell returned to Shortland Street, and was cast in the regular role of Michelle Beaufort.[23][24]

In 2024, it was announced that Chappell would be appearing in a supporting role in the upcoming television film sequel Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, which is set to premiere on Disney+ and Disney Channel in 2025.[25]

Film

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Chappell made her film debut in the 1993 critically acclaimed drama film Desperate Remedies, in a supporting role, alongside Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Kevin Smith.[26] She also appeared in the Jack Brown Genius in 1996, a film written and produced by Peter Jackson,[27] and the 2009 psychological thriller Coffin Rock, with Robert Taylor and Sam Parsonson.[28] Chappell also appeared in the 2017 horror film Out of the Shadows.[29]

Theatre

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Chappell is a well established theatre performer, having appeared in numerous stage productions for more three decades, and has worked extensively in New Zealand, particularly with the Auckland Theatre Company.[30] Early in her career, she appeared in classical theatre productions, including William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice,[2] the musical, Chicago,[2] and Arthur Miller's All My Sons. She has also directed and performed in two plays at Auckland's Rose Theatre – Up the Garden Path and Girl Talk in 1993 and 1994, respectively.[31][2]

Following her graduation from the Actor's Centre Australia, Chappell has performed as the titular character in Educating Rita, which toured Australia in 2007,[32] before returning to New Zealand to appear in productions, such as, Design for Living,[33] The Thirty-Nine Steps,[34] The Importance of Being Earnest,[35] The Vagina Monologues,[36] The Wizard of Oz,[37] and Much Ado About Nothing.[38]

Chappell has, more recently, appeared in roles in contemporary works, including Fallen Angels,[39] The Pink Hammer,[40] That Bloody Woman,[41] Bright Star,[42] and Shortland Street – The Musical,[43] and three plays which she wrote and produced – On/Off,[44] Fred,[45] and Bad Day Insurance.[46][47]

She is a member of Equity New Zealand.[48][49]

Singing

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Chappell's debut album, When Then Is Now,[50] was released on 1 May 2006.[51] She did some minor touring in Australia and New Zealand to support the album's release.

Book

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In 2021, Chappell wrote a children's book, Guardian Angel on Purpose Patrol. It was illustrated by Brad Smith and published by Divine Purpose Publishing. ISBN 978-1-94-881221-4.[52]

Personal life

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Chappell met Chris Taylor in August 2001 when they both attended her McLeod's Daughters co-star, Rachael Carpani's 21st birthday; they married in December 2001, and divorced in 2005.[53][54] She currently resides in Puhoi, New Zealand.[55]

Filmography

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Film
Year Title Role Notes
1993 Desperate Remedies Anne Cooper
1996 Jack Brown Genius Sylvia
2007 Crossbow Mum Short[56]
2008 Beneath The Tides Jane Short
2009 Coffin Rock Jessie Willis
2010 Be Careful... Fi Short[57]
2017 Out of the Shadows Linda Dee
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1987–90 Gloss Chelsea Redfern Seasons 1–3 (main, 55 episodes)[5]
1990–91 Shark in the Park Tanya Seasons 2–3 (recurring, 13 episodes)[6]
1992 Shortland Street Deborah Walters Season 1, episodes 5 & 6
1994 Hercules and the Circle of Fire Daughter #1 TV film
1995 Mysterious Island Jane Morecombe "Last Rites of Spring"
1995 A Twist in the Tale Aunt Linda "The Skeleton in the Cupboard"[58]
1995–99 Hercules: The Legendary Journeys Various Seasons 1–5 (guest, 7 episodes)
1996 Letter to Blanchy Monica "Love Makes the World Go Wrong"
1996–98 City Life Bronwyn Kellett Season 1 (main, 26 episodes)[7]
2001–03 McLeod's Daughters Claire McLeod Seasons 1–3 (main, 73 episodes)[a]
2004 Stingers Megan Walsh Season 8 (recurring, 9 episodes)[59]
2005 Intrepid Journeys Herself "Malaysia"[60]
2006 Small Claims: The Reunion Louise Page TV film[61]
2009 The Cult Sophie McIntyre Season 1 (main, 13 episodes)[62]
2010 Rescue: Special Ops Vivian Walker "Out of the Ashes"[63]
2010 Cops L.A.C. Justine Taylor "The Killer Wore Sneakers"[22]
2011 Emilie Richards – Der Zauber von Neuseeland Daisy TV film
2012 True Crime: Siege Robyn Diver TV film[64]
2013 Agent Anna Marina "Happiness"[65]
2014 Auckland Daze Lisa Season 2, episode 4[66]
2016 Jean Mrs. Shepherd TV film[67]
2016 Friday Night Bites Mum "Guess I'm Coming to Dinner"[68]
2016 Roman Empire: Reign of Blood Faustina "Born in the Purple"[69]
2018 James Patterson's Murder is Forever Dr. Claire Hunter "Murder on the Run"
2018 Tongue Tied Annie Season 1 (main, 7 episodes)[70][71]
2020–22 Shortland Street Michelle Beaufort Seasons 29–31 (main, 194 episodes)
2022 The Brokenwood Mysteries[72] Polly McAlpine "Good as Gold"[73]
2023 Blind Bitter Happiness Helen TV series[74]
2024 My Life is Murder Christine "Tough Love"[75]
2024 Camp Be Better Sloan Season 1, episode 2
2025 Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires Eldress TV film; filming[25]

Theatre credits

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Awards and nominations

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Year Association Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2002[b] Logie Awards Most Popular New Female Talent McLeod's Daughters Won [15]
2003[c] Most Popular Actress Nominated [93]
Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television Nominated
2004[d] Most Popular Actress Won [17]
Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television Nominated
2010 Qantas Film and Television Awards Best Performance by a Supporting Actress – General Television The Cult Won [20]

Notes

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  1. ^ Chappell appeared in 73 episodes of McLeod's Daughters over the first three seasons (2001–2003); however, she was credited for the Season 4 episode, "Fool for Love", although she did not appear.
  2. ^ The 44th Annual TV Week Logie Awards (2002) are nominations relating to Australian television in 2001 – Chappell was nominated for her performance in Season 1 of McLeod's Daughters.
  3. ^ The 45th Annual TV Week Logie Awards (2003) are nominations relating to Australian television in 2002 – Chappell was nominated for her performance in Season 2 of McLeod's Daughters.
  4. ^ The 46th Annual TV Week Logie Awards (2004) are nominations relating to Australian television in 2003 – Chappell was nominated for her performance in Season 3 of McLeod's Daughters.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Shortland Street (Cast)". tvnz.co.nz. Archived from the original on 15 February 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Lisa Chappell" (PDF). johnsonlaird.com. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  3. ^ "Family Album – Catherine Chappell". Stuff. 14 August 2015. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  4. ^ "Snapchat with Lisa Chappell: 'Luke Perry gave a great shoulder massage'". The New Zealand Herald. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Gloss". nzonscreen.com. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Shark in the Park". nzonscreen.com. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  7. ^ a b "City Life". nzscreen.com. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  8. ^ "Alumni News – Lisa Chappell". actorscentre.sitesuite.ws. Actors Centre Australia. Archived from the original on 5 May 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  9. ^ "Lisa Chappell as Claire McLeod". australiantelevision.net. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  10. ^ "Opening Night Show 6 Facebook version". youtube.com. 13 July 2018. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  11. ^ Samways, Ana (6 December 2001). "Lisa Chappell loses Gloss for cowgirl role". australiantelevision.net (original article from The New Zealand Herald). Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  12. ^ Gates, Anita (10 October 2004). "Estrogen Rides Tall in the Saddle in the Australian Outback". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  13. ^ Donnelly, Keryn (23 December 2017). "'Claire' from McLeod's Daughters finally talks about the cliff scene". Mamamia. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  14. ^ Pritchard, Tahlia (19 December 2023). "McLeod's Daughters: It's been 20 years since one of the most traumatic deaths on Aussie TV". Yahoo!. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
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  29. ^ "OUT OF THE SHADOWS". brontepictures.com. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
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  32. ^ a b "2000 Graduate Lisa Chappell". Actors Centre Australia. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  33. ^ a b "Design For Living". atc.co.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  34. ^ a b "The Thirty-Nine Steps". natlib.govt.nz. 10 October 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  35. ^ a b "The Importance of Being Earnest". atc.co.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  36. ^ a b "The Vagina Monologues". Scoop. 26 July 2010. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  37. ^ a b Wenley, James (12 September 2011). "REVIEW: The Wizard of Oz (Peach Theatre Company)". theatrescenes.co.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  38. ^ a b c "Court Theatre's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Stars Lisa Chappell & Roy Snow, Now thru June 9". broadwayworld.com. 19 May 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  39. ^ a b "Fallen Angels". Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  40. ^ a b Moger, Laine (10 October 2016). "Lisa Chappell is joined by 'stellar' female cast on The PumpHouse stage". Stuff. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  41. ^ a b Thomas, Carly (4 May 2018). "That Bloody Woman: Kate Sheppard takes a bow". Stuff. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  42. ^ Pratt, Ciara (12 September 2018). "Lisa Chappell On Turning 50 And Living An Unconventional Life". Now To Love. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  43. ^ a b "Shortland Street – The Musical". atc.co.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  44. ^ a b Lisa, Thatcher (3 December 2013). "ON/OFF – LISA CHAPPELL AND THE TORCH(UROUS) MASKS OF CABARET. (THEATRE REVIEW)". lisathatcher.com.au. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  45. ^ a b Christian, Dionne (6 April 2014). "Theatre review: A tasty touch of the absurd". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  46. ^ a b Meller, Emily (5 August 2014). "Five Minutes With Lisa Chappell, Writer/Actor in Bad Day Insurance". thenrag.com. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
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  49. ^ "Equity New Zealand". equity.org.nz. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
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  52. ^ "Guardian Angel on Purpose Patrol". Booktopia. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  53. ^ Clark, Amy (13 October 2019). "A McLeod's Daughters spin-off is officially happening. Here's what the cast are doing now". Mamamia. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  54. ^ Rohan, Lillie (21 May 2024). "McLeod's Daughters:15 years on from the show, where are the stars now?". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  55. ^ Joynes, Joshua (7 February 2022). "EXCLUSIVE: Lisa Chappell: 'I live in a tiny slice of paradise'". New Idea. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  56. ^ "CROSSBOW". Screen Australia. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  57. ^ "Lisa Chappell will sing on our short film". shootfirst-productions.com. 30 June 2009. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  58. ^ "William Shatner's A Twist in the Tale". Screen Australia. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  59. ^ "Stingers: episode guide Series 8". australiantelevision.net. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  60. ^ "Intrepid Journeys – Malaysia (Lisa Chappell)". nzscreen.com. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  61. ^ "Small Claims: episode guide The Reunion (#3)". australiantelevision.net. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  62. ^ "The Cult: episode guide". australiantelevision.net. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  63. ^ "RESCUE Special Ops: episode guide". australiantelevision.net. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  64. ^ "Siege". nzonscreen.com. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  65. ^ "Agent Anna". nzonscreen.com. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
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  83. ^ Gorman, James (10 July 2015). "'I had to drink a lot to research the part': Logie-winner Lisa Chappell parties hard for new role as a drunk". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
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  91. ^ "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead". atc.co.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  92. ^ Barnett, Hayley (5 November 2022). "Kiwi acting greats Lisa Chappell and Jodie Dorday are hitting the stage together". nowtolove.co.nz. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  93. ^ "Logie Awards 2003". australiantelevision.net. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
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