She plays a mother on The Young and the Restless and she’s one in real life, too. Last weekend, on Mother’s Day, actress Christel Khalil had a powerful message for mothers everywhere!
The Emmy-winning actress, who has played Lily since 2002, and is mom to son Michael, 9, posted a heartfelt message, encouraging women everywhere to value themselves and recognize that “we are all mothers to each other at some point.”
“I’ve been dealing with a major move, tenants, selling furniture, an expensive custody case, working, all while still trying to be a good mom and partner,” Khalil posted to Instagram about what her life has been like as she’s taken a bit of a step back from playing Lily.
“I’ve never had my feet held to the fire more in this lifetime so far. The only way I’ve been getting through, is by reminding myself to stay present. When I start to think about what I have to get done, anxiety, sadness, and fear course through me. The important thing is to remember not to run away from these feelings…they are not ‘bad’ or ‘negative’, they are a reminder to check in.
“Check in with your heart, your being, your soul and slow down. I know there’s been a lot of talk around women empowerment which I haven’t been very vocal about since I think it needs to be equal empowerment. Men are amazing too. We are yin and yang. We both have so much to offer each other.”
To read the full story, check out the Instagram post below. (Parental note: she uses a strong expletive to make her point!)
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.
Michael Maloney is a veteran Los Angeles-based entertainment reporter. As Senior West Coast Editor of Soap Hub, he’s on top of the latest news, casting, behind-the-scenes changes, and trends in the world of daytime drama. He can often be found on a red carpet talking to your favorite daytime stars.
Michael wrote The Young and Restless Life of William J. Bell, the authorized biography of the late William J. Bell, creator of both The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.
He’s the former West Coast Editor of Soap Opera Digest, a past Contributing Editor at Soaps In Depth Magazine and has been on staff at Inside TV, Soap Opera Update, Soap Opera Magazine, and In Touch.
Additionally, Michael has contributed to numerous publications including Variety, AOL TV, TV Insider, and TODAY. In addition to writing about soaps, Michael has also covered the world of primetime serials and reality TV.
Michael has contributed to books on soap operas including The Bold and the Beautiful a 10th Anniversary Celebration, Days of Our Lives Better Living, and two tomes done by People Magazine celebrating General Hospital’s 50th anniversary and All My Children’s 41st /farewell.
He’s a graduate of Boston University’s College of Communication and has been on the production staff of BB. Michael also served as a creative consultant on the Pop TV series Queens of Drama.
Michael’s career in soaps began soon after college when he worked as a CBS page on the sets of Y&R and B&B. Next, he landed a position on the production staff of B&B. A few years later, he was recruited by Soap Opera Digest to join the magazine’s west coast staff, eventually becoming the publication’s West Coast Editor.
He has written for a variety of publications about television including TV Guide, TODAY.com, Variety, and The Boston Herald.
