Who is Sharon’s mother on The Young and the Restless? Explained

The first episode of The Young and the Restless was telecasted on CBS on March 26, 1973. The American daily soap opera was created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell and is set in the fictional city of Genoa. The show revolves around the residents of the city and has had a long legacy.

Over the years, the show has witnessed some intense storylines, iconic couples, and much more. Sharon has been one of the original characters who was born to Doris Collins, portrayed by actress Karen Hensel.

Dorin Collins was played by Karen Hensel for a long time (1994-2003, 2005, 2008-2009, 2011). However, actress Victoria Anne Lewis also played the role briefly in 1994. Doris Collins first appeared in May 1994 and was last seen on September 28, 2012.

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More about The Young and the Restless fame Karen Hensel

Karen Hensel is an American actress who has made her mark in television, especially with her work in soap operas and drama series. Perhaps the most remembered role of her career was when she portrayed the character of Doris Collins in The Young and the Restless, which happened to be the mother of the main lead of the show, Sharon Newman.

Her stint in the series gave more context to Sharon's problematic family dynamics, especially with her daughter's dicey decisions and life events. Apart from her role in The Young and the Restless, Hensel has appeared in various television series and films including The Guardian, Big Love, and Judging Amy, among others, which remain a testament to her versatility as an actor.

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Doris Collin's story arc on The Young and the Restless

Karen Hensel joined the cast of Y&R as Doris Collins in 1994. She was the mother of Sharon Collins, later Newman. Doris had been confined to a wheelchair after an automobile accident since Sharon was a little girl. That fact brought much pathos to the relationship with her daughter. Much of Sharon's character was built through her guilt about her mother's condition.

An early storyline of Doris involved Sharon's teenage pregnancy and the secret birth of her daughter, Cassie, whom she had given up for adoption. Years later, Sharon came back to her hometown of Madison to face her past, and an understanding, though apprehensive Doris welcomed her daughter home.

When Sharon later married Nick Newman, Doris was pleased, feeling that would bring stability into her daughter's life. She had been an intermittent presence throughout Sharon's milestones, which included the discovery of Cassie's existence and her eventual reunion with her biological daughter.

Doris was written out of the show several times. Her appearances became infrequent as Sharon's storylines started to surround the Newman family more and more. Her final scenes saw her still being a loving and concerned mother, while staying far away from Genoa City. There wasn't a storyline of her exit; she just faded out of the picture.

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The Young and the Restless has been fan favorite and binge worthy show. Interested viewers can watch Y&R on the CBS network.