Christel Khalil, the talented actress known for her role as Lily Winters on The Young and the Restless, has been a mainstay in daytime television for years. But while her professional life is out in the open, her personal life is a well-guarded secret. Behind the scenes, she’s raising two sons and navigating a private, yet fulfilling family life. Here’s what we know about her rarely-seen children and her secretive relationship with her husband.
Christel’s Hidden Family: Meet Her Two Sons
While Christel’s career on The Young and the Restless has been full of public triumphs, her personal life stays shrouded in mystery. The actress is a mother of two, Michael and Remy, but unlike other stars who showcase every moment on social media, Christel keeps her kids mostly out of the spotlight.
Michael, born in 2010, is from her marriage to musician Stephen Hensley, and despite their split, the two co-parent effectively, keeping the focus on their son rather than their past relationship.
In late 2023, Christel welcomed her second son, Remy, with her new husband, Sam Restagno. This time, Christel chose an ultra-private route—she made a subtle social media post announcing his birth, offering little else to the public.
This rare glimpse into her family life speaks to her firm belief in keeping her children shielded from the relentless gaze of the media. Despite her fame, she wants her children to have as much normalcy as possible, far away from the scrutiny that often accompanies a celebrity’s life.
Sam Restagno: Christel’s Low-Key Husband Who Stole Her Heart
Christel Khalil’s husband, Sam Restagno, is a quiet figure in the public eye, and that’s exactly how they like it.
Their love story is one for the books. Christel and Sam met at the iconic Coachella music festival in 2016. Their connection was immediate, and by 2020, Christel was already certain Sam was “the one.” “He’s Canadian, so he was really nice,” she joked, adding that she enjoyed being with someone completely outside the entertainment industry. Their relationship, filled with adventure and love, flourished away from the media’s glare.
Christel’s decision to marry Sam, after years of public relationships, marked a shift in her personal life. Her engagement announcement in 2023 was a rare moment of vulnerability, where she shared her joy with her fans: “A couple months ago I said yes to the love of my life.”
A Former Marriage: The Father of Her First Son, Michael
Before Sam, Christel was married to musician Stephen Hensley, with whom she shares her eldest son, Michael. The couple’s relationship came to an end, but despite the split, Christel and Stephen maintain a positive co-parenting relationship. She rarely speaks about their past, preferring to focus on the present and the needs of her children. The privacy surrounding her first marriage highlights Christel’s commitment to protecting her family from unnecessary drama and keeping her kids’ lives as private as possible.
The couple married in 2023 in a romantic ceremony in Puglia, Italy—Sam’s hometown, where the wedding had deep personal meaning for him due to his Italian heritage. But unlike many celebrity weddings, Christel and Sam opted not to flood social media with photos of their big day. Instead, a few images surfaced thanks to a makeup artist, but the couple kept their special moments intimate and private, far from the prying eyes of the press.
Her decision to keep things quiet also reflects her belief in giving her children stability and a sense of normality, free from public gossip. Christel’s focus has always been on her son Michael’s well-being, and she’s made it clear that her priority is raising him in a loving and supportive environment, no matter her personal circumstances.
Christel Khalil’s Career: The Balancing Act of Fame and Family
Christel Khalil is more than just an actress—she’s a dedicated mother. Joining The Young and the Restless in 2002, Christel quickly became a fan favorite, earning a Daytime Emmy Award in 2012 for her portrayal of Lily Winters. Despite the demands of a high-profile career, she’s managed to balance her role as a mother with her acting commitments. After taking a break from the show in 2018, she returned in 2020 and continues to play a central role.
In interviews, she’s mentioned the challenges of juggling fame and motherhood, but Christel’s love for her children has always come first. “It’s not always easy to juggle it all, but I’m committed to making sure my kids are my top priority,” she has said. Her ability to manage her career while keeping her family out of the public eye shows just how dedicated she is to her role as a mother.
Why Christel Chooses Privacy: Protecting Her Family from the Spotlight
In an era when celebrities are constantly under the microscope, Christel’s commitment to privacy is both admirable and rare. She’s made it clear that she wants her children to have a normal childhood, free from the public attention that so often accompanies being the child of a famous parent.
“I want them to have as normal a childhood as possible,” Christel has said, explaining why she keeps her family life largely private.
For Christel, privacy isn’t just about avoiding the paparazzi—it’s about creating a healthy environment for her children to grow up in. She understands the pressures of fame, and she’s determined to give her family the space and tranquility they deserve.
The Unseen Side of Christel Khalil: A Mother First, an Actress Second
Christel Khalil’s life is a delicate balancing act between her successful career and her role as a mother. While fans have come to love her on The Young and the Restless, they’re equally fascinated by the private side of her life. With two sons, a loving husband, and a thriving career, Christel has mastered the art of keeping the personal aspects of her life grounded and protected from the spotlight.
In a world where social media is king, Christel’s decision to keep her family’s life private is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful parts of life are the ones shared only with loved ones. Christel’s story is about finding balance, protecting her family, and choosing to live life on her own terms—something that many of us can respect and aspire to.
