Draft:Chloe Coco Chapman

Chloe "Coco" Chapman (born 2006) is a 17-year-old resident of Knox, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. She is notable for her determination to overcome the challenges of Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita (SED), a rare form of dwarfism, and for her involvement in cheerleading, modeling, and acting. Chapman made her acting debut in the Lifetime original movie The Bad Orphan (2024).

Early Life and Diagnosis

Chapman first realized she was different from her peers in the third grade when she noticed that she was significantly shorter than other children. "I was shorter than everyone else," Chapman recalled, describing the early realization of her condition. She was eventually diagnosed with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED), a rare type of dwarfism that affects bone growth and results in short stature, among other skeletal abnormalities. Despite these challenges, Chapman has maintained a positive outlook and refuses to let her condition define her. "The thing I always want to get across is that little people, people with dwarfism, can do the same things as everybody else — we just have to do it differently," she explained.

Education and Cheerleading

Chapman attends Keystone High School in Knox, Pennsylvania. During her freshman year, she joined the school's cheerleading team, which had always been her passion. Chapman has loved cheerleading for a long time and decided to pursue it during her junior year.

Cheerleading presented Chapman with an opportunity to challenge herself and defy the expectations placed upon her due to her condition. She was determined to participate fully in the sport, including performing stunts, tumbling, and being part of the pyramid formation as a flyer. Despite initial concerns from her coach, Chapman’s dedication and determination earned her a respected place on the team. "I wanted to try it," Chapman said about her decision to join the team. "I did and I liked it." Her coach, Bekah Anderson, expressed admiration for Chapman’s openness and determination, stating that Chapman was clear about her abilities and limits, which helped her coach to support her effectively.

Modeling and Acting Career

In addition to her involvement in cheerleading, Chapman pursued her interests in modeling and acting. In October 2022, she secured a dual online and in-person internship with Barbizon Modeling and Acting Academy's Pittsburgh branch. This opportunity allowed her to gain valuable experience in the industry and further her ambitions in the entertainment field. About a year later, Chapman participated in a competition showcase in Atlanta alongside fellow Barbizon alumni from across the country. Her performance earned her 13 callbacks from industry professionals, and she met her agent at this showcase.

Chapman's acting career took off when she was cast in the Lifetime original movie The Bad Orphan (2024), a psychological thriller in which she played the role of Gabby, an 8-year-old orphan who causes turmoil for her adoptive family. Chapman was ecstatic about the opportunity, saying, "I never thought my first anything would be this big or with Lifetime. I was overwhelmingly excited when my mom told me about this role." The film stars Betsy Brandt, known for her role in Breaking Bad, and Mark Taylor, with Chapman portraying a pivotal character whose actions drive much of the movie's suspense.

Chapman spent several weeks in March and April 2024 filming her scenes for The Bad Orphan. Although this was her first experience on a film set, she quickly adapted to the routines of filmmaking. Chapman credited Brandt for helping her navigate the new environment, providing her with valuable advice and encouragement throughout the production. "She knew what she was doing, and she would tell me not to worry about it, just to do it," Chapman said of Brandt.

Chapman hopes her role in The Bad Orphan will inspire other young people with dwarfism or disabilities to pursue their dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem. "I’ve always wanted to be a role model to other people," she said. "It’s awesome I get to be in a movie and show other little people... and people with disabilities in general that they can be in movies and do stuff they didn’t think they could do."

Personal Life

Outside of her burgeoning career in acting, Chapman is a typical teenager. She enjoys hanging out with friends, traveling, cheerleading, singing in Keystone’s choir, listening to Taylor Swift songs, and watching Impractical Jokers. Despite her busy schedule, Chapman remains grounded and committed to her community in Knox, Clarion County. She hopes to continue pursuing her passion for the arts while inspiring others with her story of perseverance and success.