Y&R's Christel Khalil Opens up About Being Homeschooled

On small screens and big, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS‘ Christel Khalil (Lily) grew up in front of the camera, starring in movies like Matilda, commercials, and primetime shows before landing on Y&R at the age of 14. “When you grow up doing the job, you have to really decide whether you are an actor because you like it or because you were put there by your parent,” she reflected to Soaps In Depth.

Now that she’s an adult, the Emmy winner said she can look back and clearly see the pluses and minuses. “I did grow up a little sheltered and awkward. I was homeschooled, so I always felt like I missed out on the school experience,” she shared. “But looking back, I’m really grateful for the way I grew up. Since I was always around adults, I think that I matured very quickly. I don’t know if that’s a good thing, but I look at it as a blessing. I never really realized how much I appreciated acting until I was an adult!”

For more news about your favorite Y&R stars — past and present — keep reading the CBS edition of Soaps In Depth magazine.

This story originally appeared in our print magazine