Christel Khalil was born in 1987 in Los Angeles, California. She is an American actress known for her work in television and film. Her mother is of mixed heritage, including European American, Native American, and African American descent, while her father is of Pakistani origin. Khalil identifies as being of mixed race. She has three older brothers and a younger half-sister on her father's side. In 2017, when Executive Order 13769 was issued, she publicly shared that her father was originally from Pakistan.

Breakthrough Role on "The Young and the Restless"

Christel Khalil is best known for her longstanding role as Lily Winters on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Her portrayal garnered widespread recognition and earned her the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series at the 39th Daytime Emmy Awards. She made history as the first actress of minority heritage to win in that category.

Additional Acting Work

Before and during her time on The Young and the Restless, Khalil appeared in several film and television roles. Her film credits include small roles in Matilda, Dragon Fury, White Like the Moon, and Interview with the Assassin. She also voiced the character Cornelia Hale in the animated series W.I.T.C.H. and had guest appearances on shows such as Malcolm in the Middle and That's So Raven. Prior to securing her signature role, she performed in various Los Angeles theater productions. In 2012, she appeared in the music video “Beautiful Queen” by Johnny Britt.