Lanei Chapman

While still in college, the multi-talented Chapman wrote her first play, "Home Run," which she went on to produce and direct. In the taut drama "A Mother's Courage: The Mary Thomas Story" (NBC, 1989), she appeared as basketball star Isaiah Thomas' mother at age 16 (with Alfre Woodard playing the adult Mary). Chapman gained considerable experience with guest shots on TV series including "China Beach"; the Fox comedy "True Colors" in a recurring role; and ABC's "The Wonder Years" in a memorable turn as the hip new teacher who inspires Kevin (Fred Savage) to think for himself. She followed up playing Ensign Rager on the syndicated "Star Trek: The Next Generation" with another highflying role as a regular on "Space: Above and Beyond" (Fox, 1995-96), as a fighter pilot with an empathetic nature.