Christel Khalil

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SOAP STAR STATS

Christel Khalil (Lily, Y&R)

Vital Statistics

The 411

A true California girl, Christel Khalil was born and bred in Los Angeles. She got into acting via her three older brothers, who often accompanied her to acting school. Eventually, Khalil's mom enrolled her in a class, too. By the time she was 5, Khalil was out on the audition circuit and admits she never considered another career path.

Khalil got her big break in 2002, when she landed the role of Lily on YOUNG AND RESTLESS, the very first soap opera she'd auditioned for. The gig garnered her two nominations for a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series. She was also nominated for the Outstanding Younger Actress Daytime Emmy Award in 2004 and 2006, and she won the 2008 NAACP Image Award for outstanding actress in a daytime drama series.

In addition to her soap work, Khalil starred in the feature film White Like the Moon and has had supporting roles in other movies, including Matilda and Dragon Fury. She's also guest-starred on prime-time series and provided the voice of Cornelia Hale in the animated television series W.I.T.C.H.

In her free time, Khalil enjoys singing, dancing and horseback riding. She also plays the drums.

Et Cetera

Five Random Facts
—Khalil remains close friends with DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES star Lyndsy Fonseca (Dylan; ex-Colleen, Y&R).
—Khalil's most treasured possession is a gold necklace given to her by her grandmother.
—Fans often mistake Khalil for actress Jennifer Beals.
—During her hiatus from Y&R, Khalil studied French.
—Khalil has three older brothers: Adam, Alex and Chris.

Career Highlights

TV Roles
W.I.T.C.H. (voice of Cornelia, 2004-'06)
MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE (Kristin, 2006)
THAT'S SO RAVEN (Crystal, 2003-’04)
GEORGE & LEO (Kid #3, 1997)
FAMILY MATTERS (Angela, 1996)
THE SINBAD SHOW (Crystal, 1993)
Film Roles
White Like the Moon (Nita, 2002)
Interview With the Assassin (Babysitter, 2002)
Milo (Young Claire, 1998)
You're Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley's Christmas Party (Diana, 1997)
Matilda (Child in Classroom, 1996)
Dragon Fury (Little Girl, 1995)

Look Who's Talking

"I want to say I don't care if I win, because I'll always be 'Emmy nominee Christel Khalil.' That will stay with me for the rest of my life, so in a way, I already did win." — On receiving her first Emmy Nomination in 2004, Soap Opera Digest, 5/25/04

"When I first came on the show, Victoria [Rowell, Drucilla] took me under her wing. The same with Kristoff [St. John, Neil]. They're always so supportive. If I ever need anything, I could always come to them and ask and they would help me." — On her relationship with her onscreen parents, Digest, 11/02/04

"I like being in the spotlight. I don’t like it on a personal level, but I like going to events and walking down the red carpet, getting to meet celebrities and going to premieres. And gift bags are always good." — Digest, 11/02/04

You Shoud Hear What People Say About You!

"Of course, her appearance is beautiful, but she's truly a wonderful person. We started working together when we were both very young, and she was great back then. She was very welcoming and warm to me when I first came on and she's been a pleasure to work with. I'm so glad that she's back in the role of Lily." — Bryton (Devon, Y&R), Digest, 10/16/07

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