Actress Evangeline Lilly, known for Lost and The Hobbit, says stepping away from Hollywood meant giving up fame, influence and potential wealth, and that she now lives with "total trust and surrender that God has a plan for my life," according to CBN News.
Lilly told CBN News that it has been about six years since she stepped back, and that the media took notice after she shared a retrospective in 2024. She described fame as the price an actor pays for wealth. She also admitted to moments of fear as she let go of power, influence and potential money. Before acting, she studied political science and international relations and wanted to become a missionary, humanitarian or diplomat.
She has not fully left the screen. Lilly voices Queen Bernice in Legend of Destruction, an animated film made entirely of still paintings. It tells the story of the Jewish revolt against Rome that ended with the destruction of the Temple in the year 70. The film was originally made in Hebrew by director Gidi Dar, and the English version also features Oscar Isaac, Elliott Gould and Billy Zane. Lilly told CBN News the story shows how a broken society in civil strife can lead to mutual destruction. She also noted that the events took place about 33 years after the death of Christ.
In a 2024 Instagram post announcing her break from acting, Lilly said she might return to Hollywood one day.
For many believers, her words echo a familiar challenge: trusting God when obedience means letting go. Proverbs 3:5 encourages believers to trust the Lord with all their heart.
