Television 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. 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. This was followed by a short stint in the
police procedural series,
Shark in the Park, 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. In 1998, Chappell had relocated to Australia and completed "The Journey" program at the Actors Centre Australia in
Sydney,
Australia, graduating in 2000. After which, she auditioned for the role of Claire McLeod on the
Nine Network rural drama series, ''
McLeod's Daughters'', 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. During production of the series, Chappell gained the skills in how to ride a horse and sheering sheep, and also made the decision to become a vegetarian. She appeared in the series for three seasons, from 2001 to 2003, before her character was killed off in a car accident. For her performance, Chappell was nominated for several
Logie Awards, receiving two, for
Most Popular New Female Talent and
Most Popular Actress 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, the serial drama
The Cult, in a role with earned her a
Qantas Film and Television Award, and guest appearances in
Rescue: Special Ops and
Cops L.A.C.. In 2020, Chappell returned to
Shortland Street, and was cast in the regular role of Michelle Beaufort. 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.
Film 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. She also appeared in the
Jack Brown Genius in 1996, a film written and produced by
Peter Jackson, and the 2009 psychological thriller
Coffin Rock, with
Robert Taylor and
Sam Parsonson. Chappell also appeared in the 2017 horror film
Out of the Shadows.
Theatre 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. Early in her career, she appeared in classical theatre productions, including
William Shakespeare's
The Merchant of Venice, and
Shortland Street – The Musical, She is a member of Equity New Zealand.
Singing Chappell's debut album,
When Then Is Now, was released on 1 May 2006. She did some minor touring in Australia and New Zealand to support the album's release. ==Personal life==