News Update: Lauralee Bell Honors Late Mother Lee Phillip Bell on Her Birthday

The Young and the Restless star Lauralee Bell (Christine) is paying tribute to her late mother, YR co-creator, Lee Phillip Bell, on the anniversary of her birth.

Lauralee Bell Has A Bittersweet Message

“Happy birthday to my mom who was a true angel and now a guardian angel!” Bell posted on Instagram along with two photos of her mother and herself from different stages of life. “I love and miss you but know you’re near! ❤️🎂. #bestmom #mypal.”

Bell’s pals and fellow daytime performers chimed in with well-wishes on the post. Tracey Bregman (Lauren) posted three hearts. Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, The Bold and the Beautiful — which Lee Bell also co-created) also used emojis to express her feelings.

“You are so right!!” posted Kate Linder (Esther). “I miss her too and I know she is watching over you!!♥️♥️♥️♥️.” Added Beth Maitland (Traci): “You two lovelies forever.”

YR on-screen mother/daughter duo Eileen Davidson (Ashley) and Melissa Ordway (Abby) also used heart emojis to express their feelings, as did Bryton James (Devon) and former YR cast members Jessica Collins (ex-Avery) and Catherine Bach (ex-Anita).

“I loved her so much!” posted Adrienne Frantz, who has played Amber on both soaps. “She was an amazing woman! Sending you love and Light!”

The Bell matriarch passed away on February 25th of this year. In addition to her career as co-creator and co-executive producer of YR and BB, Bell was a broadcaster, documentarian, and well-respected TV personality in Chicago.

Her doing a floral presentation for her family’s flower business, Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, on a local TV station led to a long and award-winning career in broadcasting. Bell left the Windy City television scene in 1986 to move with her family to California and helped create BB.