How Stephanie Beatriz and 6 other Stephens College alumni are shaping pop culture
With the school year set to start soon, students are turning — and returning — to Columbia's colleges and universities with hopes for a bright future.
Sharing their home away from home for four or more years, Columbians don't always know exactly who's in their midst or what they will become. A number of alumni have gone on to reshape the world around them — and make their presence felt here long after graduation.
Over the next few weeks, we'll take a brief look at those one-time Columbia students actively influencing pop culture today. We'll begin with seven performers and personalities who continue to make Stephens College proud as they create memorable work.
Becca and Heather Ayers
These sisters, originally from Columbia, have carved out terrific careers on stage. Both have appeared on Broadway — Becca in shows such as "1776" and "My Fair Lady," Heather with "Mean Girls" and "Groundhog Day" — and have showed off their skills on TV and in film.
Stephanie Beatriz
Beatriz no doubt is the hottest current Stephens star. After establishing herself as Rosa Diaz on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," she gave voice to the central character in Disney's "Encanto" and played key roles in projects such as "In the Heights" and "The Lego Movie 2." Beatriz currently lends her talent to the Peacock series "Twisted Metal" and the animated smash "Hazbin Hotel."
Judith Chapman
Soap-opera fans welcomed Chapman's 2020 return to Gloria Abbott Bardwell, a role she long held on "The Young and the Restless." A daytime fixture, Chapman enjoyed stints on "As the World Turns," "General Hospital," "Days of Our Lives" and other soaps.
Elizabeth Mitchell
With memorable characters such as Juliet on "Lost" (for which she received an Emmy nomination) and Mrs. Claus in the "Santa Clause" sequels, Mitchell is imprinted on audiences' memories. She remains busy with roles on series such as "Outer Banks" and Disney's "The Santa Clauses."
Annie Potts
The Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated performer owns a rich, 45-plus year career on stage and screen. These days, Potts continues to boost treasured big-screen franchises such as the "Toy Story" and "Ghostbusters" movies and recently wrapped a seven-year run on TV's "Young Sheldon."
Paula Zahn
The accomplished journalist currently hosts the long-running Investigation Discovery show "On the Case with Paula Zahn," which debuted in 2009. Zahn, of course, has also hosted morning shows and newscasts everywhere from ABC and CBS to Fox News and CNN.
More: Move-in days for MU, Columbia and Stephens colleges are coming. What to expect
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at [email protected] or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Stephanie Beatriz, other Stephens College alumni shaping pop culture
