Crystal Lynn Bernard was born on September 30, 1961, in Garland, Texas. She was raised in a Southern Baptist home, with her father, Dr. Jerry Wayne Bernard, being a Baptist televangelist who traveled across the United States, preaching and singing.
From a young age, Bernard was an entertainer, singing gospel songs with her elder sister, Robyn, who is also an actress and played "Terry Brock" on General Hospital from 1984 to 1990. One surviving recording from their performances is a song called "The Monkey Song", an objection to evolution, which was recorded when Crystal was just 8 years old.
Bernard's family has a strong musical background, with her two younger sisters, Scarlett and Angelique, also being involved in the entertainment industry.
