The woman whose video of herself belly-laughing in a Chewbacca mask drew millions of views online was once a student at Ouachita Baptist University, a spokesman for the university said Tuesday.
Though she did not graduate, Candace Payne studied musical theater and was homecoming queen in 1999, said Trennis Henderson, vice president of communications for OBU.
Payne's video, which was posted Thursday on her Facebook page, has been viewed more than 140 million times. She has since appeared on Good Morning America and The Late Late Show with James Corden.
"We were just excited for Candace," Henderson said. "It’s interesting to see what things do go viral and what connects with people on the Internet. Her spontaneity and joy comes across."
We love how Chewbacca Mom/Ouachita's 1999 HC Queen @candacepayne is sharing her joy with the world! #DifferenceMaker pic.twitter.com/fJBvjMTtlv
— Ouachita Alumni (@OuachitaAlumni) May 23, 2016