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Evangeline Lilly Reveals TBI Diagnosis, Says “Almost Every Area” of Her Brain Shows Reduced Function
Actor Evangeline Lilly, known for her roles in “Lost,” “Ant-Man,” and “The Hobbit” trilogy, disclosed that she has brain damage following a concussion suffered in 2025 after falling face-first into a boulder. The revelation came through an Instagram video post and caption, where the star confirmed the diagnosis as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). She stated that “almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity,” based on results from recent brain scans.
In her video message, Lilly shared the news while welcoming 2026, the Year of the Horse, expressing both gratitude for support and concern over the long road ahead. “So, I do have brain damage from the TBI and possibly other factors going on,” she said, adding that her next step is to work closely with doctors to understand the root causes and begin treatment.
Cognitive Decline Brings a Forced but Needed Slowdown
Lilly admitted the diagnosis was “comforting to know my cognitive decline isn’t just peri-menopause, discomforting to know what an uphill battle it will be” to reverse deficiencies. The actress reflected that the injury has ironically helped her slow down after years of nonstop work, leading to one of her most restful holiday seasons in over a decade. “My cognitive decline since I smashed my face open has helped me to slow down and helped me to have a more restful finish to my 2025,” she said, adding that Christmas 2025 was “the calmest, most restful holiday I’ve had maybe since I had children.”
A Career Defined by Iconic Roles and Physical Demands
Lilly rose to global fame as Kate Austen in “Lost” (2004–2010), earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series. She later entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hope van Dyne/Wasp, debuting in 2015’s “Ant-Man,” reprising the role in 2018’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” and 2023’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” She also portrayed Tauriel in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (2013) and “The Battle of the Five Armies” (2014).
The actor has been open in recent years about fainting spells, noting that she fainted at the beach and fell into a boulder, a pattern she’s experienced since childhood. She reiterated that these episodes played a role in the 2025 injury.
Industry Pressure vs. Personal Purpose
The diagnosis arrives after Lilly’s public decision in June 2025 to step away from acting for the foreseeable future. She acknowledged that leaving behind fame and fortune was intimidating, but said it allowed her to embrace her “dharma,” trading fear for fulfillment. She clarified she had already been on an acting hiatus since 2023, and is now focusing on humanitarian work and writing, with no current contractual obligations in Hollywood.
Her honesty drew an outpouring of support from peers. Michelle Pfeiffer, who plays her onscreen mother in Quantumania, commented, “You are a warrior. Nothing—not even this will defeat you.” Fellow “Lost” actor Rebecca Mader and Rebecca Mader also offered messages of love and solidarity
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Recovery, Advocacy, and What Comes Next
Lilly emphasized a renewed appreciation for life: “Feeling extraordinarily grateful and blessed to play one more day, one more year on this beautiful living planet.”
Her disclosure contributes to a growing conversation around concussion recovery, TBI awareness, and cognitive health in high-performance careers. While fans may hope for her Hollywood return, Lilly is firm that her present focus lies in service and storytelling—and healing at her own pace.
