In the 90s, the American sitcom “Step By Step” charmed audiences with its light-hearted take on a blended family’s daily adventures. Among the show’s memorable characters was the adorable Lily Foster-Lambert, played by child actress Emily Mae Young. But as the show concluded and the years passed, Emily Mae Young seemingly vanished from the public eye, leaving fans wondering: what ever happened to the young star from ‘Step By Step’?
Background Info
Emily Mae Young’s journey into the limelight began early. Born on February 14, 1990, in Orange County, California, Young showed a natural flair for performing. Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Lily in “Step By Step” at the tender age of four. Her portrayal of the youngest member of the Foster-Lambert family won the hearts of viewers with her innocence and comedic timing.
‘Step By Step’
“Step By Step,” which aired on ABC and CBS, was a staple of 90s family comedy. The character of Lilly Foster-Lambert was initially portrayed by Jandi Swanson and then by twins Lauren and Kristina Meyering.
However, it was Emily Mae Young who took on the role when the character was aged up to a ten-year-old in seasons 6 through 7 and 8. Young’s portrayal of Lilly, known for her intelligence and endless curiosity, was a highlight of the show’s later seasons.
The introduction of Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert in “Step By Step” marked a significant shift in the show’s dynamic, particularly affecting Josh Byrne’s character, Brendan Lambert.
Lilly’s arrival as Frank and Carol’s youngest child brought a fresh narrative focus, which inadvertently led to the phasing out of Byrne’s character. Brendan, who was already less prominently featured compared to his siblings, saw his role diminish further as the storyline pivoted to accommodate the new, younger character.
This change in focus was a common practice in family sitcoms, where the introduction of a new, often younger character to rejuvenate the show’s appeal could result in the reduction or removal of other characters.
Life After ‘Step By Step’
Following the conclusion of “Step By Step,” Young’s presence in the entertainment industry began to fade. She made a few more appearances, including a role in the film “Undercover Angel” (1999), but gradually stepped away from acting.
Emily Mae Young Today
Now in her 30s, Emily Mae Young now leads a life far from the spotlight. Since retiring from acting, she has embraced a fiercely private existence outside of Hollywood.
News updates and interviews are non-existent, and she remains absent from any public social media platforms. While the details of her current life remain shrouded in mystery, it’s clear that Young has chosen a path of quietude and seclusion, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the entertainment industry.