Evangeline Lilly has opened up about her decision to quit acting at the height of her commercial success.
The 47-year-old Canadian actor, best known for leading ABC’s popular six-season drama series Lost from 2004 to 2010, announced her retirement in 2024.
It came just a year after she reprised her role as Hope van Dyne/Wasp in Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which grossed $476 million globally.
In a new interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Lilly explained: “I’d much prefer a quieter position. I’ve always hated being famous. 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. Like that’s what you pay for — the wealth.”
The Ant-Man star admitted that adjusting to retirement was a lengthy process.
She said: “It’s been six years now. When I was 26, I was saying… all the things I wanted in my life… and I did it… I’m there.
“I’ve already retired. At that point, I’ve been retired for four years… It’s been a long time of adjusting."
Evangeline was uncertain about what her decision to quit acting would mean for her future, as walking away meant letting go of “so much… power, influence, and potential money,” which left her feeling afraid.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug alum said: “When you’re successful at something, it feels really good when the world says, ‘We love you! You’re amazing!’ Like, this is a wonderful feeling.
“How do you walk away from that? And I’ve had moments of … gripping fear of like, ‘What am I doing?’”
But Evangeline said the move was “one that was made in great conviction”.
Before pursuing acting, the Avengers: Endgame entertainer studied political science and international relations and thought about becoming a missionary, humanitarian, or diplomat.
She said: “I wanted to make the world a better place. And there are many people who will claim that actors are making the world a better place, that they’ve had an impact on their lives.
“But… I’ve always wanted a much more hands-on impact. I’ve done 22 years of hands-on humanitarian work in Rwanda.”
And making a difference remains a key priority in Evangeline’s life.
She said: “I love telling stories, but I’d like to tell stories of my own instead of being in front of the camera.”