Chrishell Stause

“All My Children” star Chrishell Stause was the featured speaker at an open forum November 27 in the Johnson Theatre on Murray State University’s campus. A number of Stause fans, alumni and acting hopefuls attended the event. Stause graciously answered questions about her career and days at MSU.

Stause, a 2003 MSU theatre alumna and Marshall county native, plays the manipulative Amanda Dillon on the popular daytime series. Since Stause made her debut on “All My Children” in May 2005, the actress has received tremendous recognition for her performance. Stause was delighted to receive this role so quickly after graduating from MSU.

David Balthrop, chair of the MSU theatre and dance department, said Chrishell came to Murray State with a mission. “She wanted to be on television and she wanted to act in soaps,” said Balthrop. “She was focused and had a goal and pushed towards it for four years.” While attending MSU, Stause performed in several MSU department of theatre and dance productions, portraying Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest , Shelby in Steel Magnolias and Mina in Dracula .

During her visit, Stause got a sneak preview of the soon to open Hal Riddle collection in Rather Museum . This rare collection of movie posters and memorabilia from the golden age of Hollywood was collected and donated by Riddle, a 1942 MSU alumnus, over the course of his more than 40 year career as an actor. Almost 65 years since Riddle graduated, Murray State is still producing stars.