Evangeline Lilly Says She Left Hollywood Because She Always Hated Fame
The «Lost» and «Ant-Man» actress says she has considered herself retired since 2020, citing chronic health problems, discomfort with celebrity and a desire to live out her Christian faith.
Evangeline Lilly says she walked away from Hollywood because she never wanted to be famous in the first place. The actress, known for «Lost» and Marvel's «Ant-Man» films, told CBN News that she has viewed celebrity as a price attached to an acting career rather than a reward.
«I've always hated being famous,» Lilly said. «I never made any secrets about that. I've always said being famous is the cost of the wealth that you can get as an actor.»
Lilly, who played Kate Austen in «Lost» and Hope van Dyne in the «Ant-Man» franchise, said she has considered herself retired since 2020. Her departure drew wider attention in 2024, when she shared a video recorded in 2006 in which she spoke about wanting to step away from acting, raise a family and pursue humanitarian work.
She acknowledged that leaving behind the money, influence and recognition of a major Hollywood career brought moments of doubt. «There has been definitely moments of fear of like, ‘How do you consciously and intentionally let go of so much seemingly power and influence and potentially money and also just affirmation of yourself,’» she said.
Lilly credited her Christian faith with helping her accept a life outside the spotlight. She said she believes God has a purpose for her that does not depend on fame or wealth. «It's just been incredibly liberating and beautiful to step into a total trust and surrender that God has a plan for my life,» she said. «That that plan doesn't necessarily need to – it doesn't have to be about fame and money and wealth and power. It can be about more important things and that all of it works together.»
The actress also said her health improved sharply after she left the industry. «My health has dramatically improved. I had massive chronic health issues by the time I retired,» Lilly said, describing years of strain connected to the demands of her career.
Film critic Christian Toto, founder of Hollywood in Toto, told Fox News Digital that Lilly's choice is unusual for someone who reached the top of major franchises. «It's extremely uncommon for stars to walk away from their acting careers,» he said. «It happens, but it's the exception to the rule. Many work very hard to achieve a level of fame, so giving that up doesn't always make sense. For some, like Lilly, they learn that an actor's life has too many drawbacks, and they seek something more fulfilling.»
Toto also pointed to the pressures that come with celebrity, arguing that social media has made them harder to escape. «There's a cost to Hollywood fame,» he said. «You live under the microscope. Strangers assume they know you and sometimes treat you that way in public. Your career is subjected to scrutiny in ways others can't imagine. It's always been so, but the rise of social media makes all of the above worse.»
He suggested that the industry's treatment of older actresses can also play a role in decisions to leave. «Another factor? Hollywood can be cruel to women past the age of 40. Men are allowed to age naturally and can still land major roles, even in action films. It's not as easy for actresses,» Toto said.
Lilly's remarks place her among a small group of performers who have publicly stepped back from high-profile careers. Her account emphasizes a deliberate choice rather than a sudden break, describing a long-held wish to retire that she first expressed nearly two decades ago.
Fox News Digital reached out to Lilly for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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