Evangeline Lilly is a Canadian actress and author who gained international fame for her role as Kate Austen in the hit series Lost and as Hope van Dyne in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Known for her strong screen presence and dedication to humanitarian work, she has recently made headlines for her decision to step away from Hollywood.
Who is Evangeline Lilly?
Evangeline Lilly is a celebrated performer who transitioned from a discovered talent in British Columbia to a global superstar. She first captured audiences’ attention in the mid-2000s with her breakout role in Lost, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Beyond television, she became a key figure in major film franchises, starring in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy and Marvel’s Ant-Man series. In addition to acting, she is a published author of the children’s book series The Squickerwonkers.
It is worth noting that Evangeline Lilly announced she was “stepping away” from acting in June 2024, expressing a desire to focus on her family and humanitarian efforts. Most recently, in early 2026, she shared a personal health update regarding a significant injury, showing her resilience and openness with her fans.
Evangeline Lilly Age – How Old is She?
As of January 2026, Evangeline Lilly is 46 years old. She was born on August 3, 1979. Despite her hiatus from the screen, she remains a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry.
Evangeline Lilly Biography / Wiki Table
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Nicole Evangeline Lilly |
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1979 |
| Birthplace | Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | Actress, Author |
| Known For | Lost, Ant-Man, The Hobbit |
| Years Active | 2002–2024 (Hiatus/Retired) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Current Residence | Hawaii / Los Angeles |
Early Life and Background
Evangeline Lilly was born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, and raised in British Columbia in a religious household. Her father was a home economics teacher, and her mother ran a daycare center. She grew up with two sisters in a family that valued faith and hard work.
Before finding fame, Lilly held various jobs to support herself. She worked as a flight attendant for Royal Airlines and even lived in a grass hut in the Philippines while working as a missionary. This adventurous spirit and dedication to service have remained central to her character throughout her life.
Evangeline Lilly Education
Evangeline Lilly attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She studied International Relations, driven by her interest in global development and humanitarian causes. To pay for her tuition, she signed with a modeling agency, which eventually led to her first acting opportunities in commercials and small TV roles.
Evangeline Lilly Career Journey
Evangeline Lilly’s career began with minor roles in shows like Smallville and Kingdom Hospital before her life changed in 2004 when she was cast as Kate Austen in J.J. Abrams’ Lost. The show was a massive success, running for six seasons and establishing her as a household name.
Following Lost, she took on the role of the elf Tauriel in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) and The Battle of the Five Armies (2014). She later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hope van Dyne (The Wasp), starring in Ant-Man (2015), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023).
In June 2024, Lilly announced she was retiring from acting to pursue a life of “joy and fulfillment” away from the spotlight. However, her post-retirement life has faced challenges. It is worth noting that Lilly revealed in January 2026 that she suffered brain damage following a fall in May 2025 where she hit her head on a boulder, an injury she is currently recovering from.
Evangeline Lilly Movies and TV Shows
Evangeline Lilly has appeared in some of the highest-grossing films and most popular TV shows of the 21st century.
- Lost (2004–2010): Played Kate Austen (108 episodes).
- The Hurt Locker (2008): Appeared as Connie James.
- Real Steel (2011): Played Bailey Tallet alongside Hugh Jackman.
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013): Portrayed the elf Tauriel.
- Ant-Man (2015): Debuted as Hope van Dyne.
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018): Became the first female MCU hero to have her name in a film title.
- Avengers: Endgame (2019): Reprised her role as The Wasp in this blockbuster.
- Crisis (2021): Starred as Claire Reimann in this crime thriller.
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023): Her final major film role before her hiatus.
Evangeline Lilly Physical Appearance
| Feature | Measurement |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Build | Athletic |
Evangeline Lilly Family
Evangeline Lilly has built a private family life with her long-term partner.
| Family Member | Name/Status |
| Partner | Norman Kali (2010–Present) |
| Son | Kahekili Kali (born 2011) |
| Second Son | Name not public (born 2015) |
| Father | Home Economics Teacher |
| Mother | Daycare Owner |
She has been with Norman Kali, a production assistant she met on the set of Lost, for over a decade. Together they have two children.
Evangeline Lilly Net Worth
As of 2026, Evangeline Lilly’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million. This figure is notably lower than many of her Marvel co-stars, often attributed to her selective nature with roles, long breaks between projects, and her recent decision to step away from the industry to focus on writing and philanthropy.
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