The world of entertainment is an exciting yet, daunting place. Celebrity status brings its bearers fame and fortune, but it often comes at a price. As production demands increase, many personalities find that they are forced to sacrifice their family lives to keep up with their busy schedules. However, some celebrities refuse to let their professions get in the way of their personal lives. They have found a way to achieve career success without breaking family ties.
Two of those who have found their perfect balance are the mother and daughter duo of Charlene Tilton and Cherish Lee. Charlene has enjoyed a long and successful career as an actress and producer, while daughter Cherish has chosen to make her marks in the worlds of acting, music and apparel.
Recently, Hendersonville Lifestyle sat down with them to find out how they have nourished their mother-daughter bond through the years.
What was it like being mother and daughter in a celebrity household?
“The wonderful thing about being an actress and producer is that I was able to take Cherish with me everywhere I went,” says Charlene. “She was with me on the set of Dallas, and she traveled with me internationally when I was working. For a while, I did a play in London, and Cherish was able to go to school there.”
“Looking back at it now, it was absolutely amazing,” adds Cherish. “I got to meet and spend some unforgettable times with some of the most iconic artists, including Michael Jackson and Madonna, who wrote her song ‘Cherish’ for me.”
What were some of your favorite things that you enjoyed doing together?
“When I was growing up, Mom was always there, from holidays to birthdays,” says Cherish. “We did everything together – evening walks, going to the movies and travel. We would play pranks on each other, and we loved just being ridiculously silly together.”
How are you like one another?
“You never know how you are like your parent until you are older,” says Cherish. “We are both very similar in a lot of areas. We are both extremely goofy and playful, yet we also work very hard, and we are committed to what we believe in and what and whom we love.”
“Cherish and I have similar senses of humor and empathy,” adds Charlene. “We love to laugh at silly things, but we also care about a lot of causes, including feeding the homeless and rescuing stray animals.”
How are you different from one another?
“I’m not sure how Cherish and I are different, but I know she’s the hardest working, kindest, and fiercest protector as a mother,” says Charlene proudly.
“This question makes me laugh because we are very different in the way we do the small things,” says Cherish. “I put stuff away – she doesn’t. She wears mismatching socks, but that’s a big no for me. She leaves every kitchen cabinet open, but I go behind her and shut them.”
What advice do you give others for maintaining strong mother/daughter relationships?
“Being a mother is by far the most incredible, awe-inspiring, yet totally difficult job in the world,” says Cherish. “Mothers do the best that they can with what they have been given. We should all give our mothers grace, kindness and appreciation. Most of all, we need to pray for them and let them know how much we love them.”
“The best advice I can give for maintaining a loving parent-child relationship is for mothers to let their daughters be themselves as adults,” says Charlene. “At times, I am quick to tell Cherish how something should be done. Things go a lot better when I offer my opinion only when she asks for it. She’s intelligent, and she will make the right choices.”
What is something that your mom did for you as a child that you will do for your own children?
“Mom did a really great job at keeping life grounded and honest – she taught me to live life, to love hard and to be happy,” says Cherish. “She has an extraordinary heart filled with kindness that she has poured into me all my life. She is my role model, and I will do my best to pass on her love and wisdom to my children.”
