Chapman, the daughter of a retired Air Force General, was born in Greenville, S.C., but spent most of her childhood living outside of the United States. She began her acting career at the age of 14, working in commercials and "Spaghetti Westerns" while living in Spain. After graduating from Stephens College with a degree in theatre, Chapman headed to New York, where she began working in commercials and theatre. She also joined the prestigious Actors' Studio, and landed the role of Natalie Hughes on the daytime drama "As the World Turns."

She went on to enjoy a long career in the world of daytime drama, appearing as Charlotte Greer on "Ryan's Hope," Ginny Blake Webber on "General Hospital," and Sandra Montaigne on "One Life to Live." She most recently portrayed Angelica Deveraux on "Days of Our Lives." Chapman's other television credits include appearances on "Murder, She Wrote," "The Fall Guy," "Magnum, P.I.," "Silk Stalkings," and many other series, as well as the telefilms "Mortal Fear," "Farrel for the People" and "Five of Me." She currently hosts the travel show "Hello Paradise."

Chapman also appeared in several feature films, including "28 Days," "The Sweetest Thing," "Night of the Running Man" and "Scorpio One."

After teaching several semesters at College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif., Chapman returned to acting with a new passion, as well as a desire to direct. She mounted the play "The Belle of Amherst," based on the life of Emily Dickinson, which she successfully toured throughout the United States. She also directed "Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical," "Equus" and "Born Yesterday," and performed in "Sordid Lives," "Orson's Shadow" and "Blythe Spirit."

In 2007, she was recognized by The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with a Silver Circle Award, which honors members of the television community who have contributed 25 years to the industry.

Chapman lives with her life partner James in Palm Springs, Calif., where he owns St. James Restaurant. She enjoys teaching yoga and traveling, and has visited many exotic locations, including India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Nepal.