Evangeline Lilly Describes Life Beyond Acting, Rwanda Work, and Voice Role
Evangeline Lilly, retired from acting since 2020, has completed 22 years of humanitarian work in Rwanda.
Event / Entertainment
Evangeline Lilly Health Disclosure
Actor Evangeline Lilly, known for Lost and Ant-Man and the Wasp, discussed her retirement from acting, her humanitarian work in Rwanda, and her health in an October 2026 CBN News interview. She also disclosed brain damage from a traumatic brain injury sustained in May 2025, a condition she first made public in January 2026.
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2026-10-23 to 2026-10-26 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 23 Oct, 04:51 UTC
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What happened
Evangeline Lilly discloses decreased brain function after a May 2025 traumatic brain injury
In an Instagram video posted on January 1 or 2, 2026, Evangeline Lilly said brain scans showed decreased function in almost every area of her brain following a traumatic brain injury she sustained in May 2025. She said she was working with doctors to better understand the results and address the effects of the injury. She had previously reported that she fainted at a beach and fell face-first into a boulder.
Evangeline Lilly says she has always disliked being famous and prefers a quieter life
In a Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) News interview conducted on October 16, 2026 and published October 19, 2026, Evangeline Lilly said she has always disliked being famous and would prefer a quieter position. She said leaving acting involved fear about giving up influence and potential income, and that the decision was made with great conviction.
Evangeline Lilly reports improved health since leaving Hollywood
Evangeline Lilly said her health has dramatically improved since she left Hollywood. She stated that she had massive chronic health issues by the time she retired, which she attributed to the stress and demands of being a public figure.
Evangeline Lilly has completed 22 years of hands-on humanitarian work in Rwanda
Evangeline Lilly stated that she has done 22 years of hands-on humanitarian work in Rwanda and wants to continue this work. Before pursuing acting, she studied political science and international relations and considered becoming a missionary, humanitarian, or diplomat.
Evangeline Lilly retired from acting in 2020 and disclosed the retirement publicly in 2024
Evangeline Lilly, known for playing Kate Austen on Lost and Hope van Dyne (the Wasp) in the Ant-Man films, stated that she officially retired from acting in 2020. She publicly disclosed the retirement in June 2024 through a retrospective video on Instagram.
Evangeline Lilly voices Queen Bernice in the English version of the animated film Legend of Destruction
Evangeline Lilly voices Queen Bernice in the English-language version of Legend of Destruction, a 2021 animated film about the Jewish revolt against Rome and the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The film was originally made in Hebrew and tells its story through still paintings accompanied by actors' performances.
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Evangeline Lilly Reports Decreased Brain Function After May 2025 Injury
Evangeline Lilly discloses decreased brain function after a May 2025 traumatic brain injury and reports improved health.