Evangeline Lilly, Marvel And Sci-Fi Star, Leaves Acting In Shocking Post
Evangeline Lilly is stepping away from acting for the foreseeable future. The actress made the announcement in a post on Instagram, alongside a 2006 video in which she shares her hopes for the future, which include starting a family and focusing on humanitarian work. “I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision,” she wrote.
Evangeline Lilly Walks Away From Hollywood
“Stepping away from what seems like the obvious choice (wealth and fame) can feel scary at times, but stepping into your dharma replaces the fear with fulfillment,” Evangeline Lilly continued about her decision to retire. “I might return to Hollywood one day, but for now, this is where I belong. A new season has arrived, and I am ready, and I am happy.”
Breakout Role
Evangeline Lilly’s acting career began when she was discovered by a Ford Modeling Agency agent in 2002. She took on several roles in commercials and non-speaking parts in television shows before landing her breakthrough role as Kate Austen in ABC’s Lost in 2004. Her performance in the sci-fi drama earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series.
The show ran for six seasons and established Evangeline Lilly as a leading lady in Hollywood. Following her success, she went on to appear in films like 2008’s The Hurt Locker. Lilly previously retired from acting after becoming frustrated with her role in Lost. At the time, she cited being uncomfortable with the fame that came with her role in the series as her reason for quitting.
First Return To Hollywood
She quit acting after the Lost season finale in 2010. However, she appeared in the Hugh Jackman movie Real Steel in 2011. After vowing never to make another movie again, Evangeline Lilly had a baby and spent her free time writing scripts. After two years of no contact with Hollywood, Peter Jackson offered her a role in The Hobbit.
Joining The Marvel Cinematic Universe
After finishing the press tour for The Hobbit, Evangeline Lilly got a call from Marvel. Although she was hesitant at first, Lilly ultimately signed on. She made her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as Hope van Dyne in 2015’s Ant-Man, where she appeared opposite Paul Rudd. She reprised the role in 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp, 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, and 2023’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
A Lifelong Passion For Service
Helping people has always been Evangeline Lilly’s biggest passion. The actress has been a volunteer for children’s projects since the age of 14 and has traveled extensively to understand and work towards the betterment of mankind. She has participated in a video campaign called Just Yell Fire, which aimed to teach teenage girls different ways to defend themselves against attackers.
At age 18, Evangeline Lilly went on a humanitarian mission trip to the Philippines. She studied international relations at the University of British Columbia with the intention of continuing her humanitarian work. However, the actress faced backlash in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic by stating that she was not self-isolating with her family.
Also An Accomplished Author
Evangeline Lilly has written a children’s book series called The Squickerwonkers, which includes her debut book, released in 2013. The series is designed for children and tells the story of a young girl who joins a group of outcasts known as the Squickerwonkers, each with unique vices that eventually become their undoing.
Evangeline Lilly’s writing and humanitarian work are closely tied, as she often uses her platform to advocate for various causes.
