Stause was born in Draffenville, Kentucky. She attended Murray State University, from which she received her B.A. in Theater in 2003. She is of Japanese, Spanish, and other European descent. Her unique name originated from the day of her birth. When her mother was in labor at a Shell station, "Chris", the attendant, called for help. Thus, "Chrishell" was named.
Stause is best known for her portrayal of Amanda Dillon in the ABC soap opera All My Children, a role she began on May 4, 2005 when the character returned to Pine Valley after a five-year absence. The role of Amanda was previously portrayed by Alexis Manta. The soap was cancelled and ended on September 23, 2011, and later Stause guest starred in the second season of the Dana Delany series Body of Proof. She was a member of improvisational troupe The Groundlings in Los Angeles.
Stause was engaged to Matthew Morrison from December 9, 2006, to 2007.
In April 2013, it was announced that Stause had joined the cast of NBC soap Days of Our Lives. Her character, Jordan, first appeared in Salem on August 15, 2013. On October 24, 2014, it was announced that Stause would be leaving the series in 2015.
In 2015, she appeared in a guest spot on the ABC prime time soapy drama, Mistresses. In April 2016, it was announced that Stause would be joining the cast of The Young and the Restless as Bethany Bryant, debuting in late May. She last appeared on August 17, 2016.
In 2014, Stause began dating actor Justin Hartley and, in July 2016, the couple announced their engagement. They were married on October 28, 2017.
