From E! Online · · 2m
Evangeline Lilly Clarifies Why She Really Left Hollywood
Evangeline Lilly says her move away from Hollywood stems from 22 years of humanitarian work in Rwanda.
In brief
Evangeline Lilly says her move away from Hollywood stems from 22 years of humanitarian work in Rwanda. Evangeline Lilly left Hollywood to focus on humanitarian work after 22 years in Rwanda. Originally reported by E! Online.
Evangeline Lilly's humanitarian work
Evangeline Lilly says she left Hollywood to focus on humanitarian work after 22 years in Rwanda.
“I've done 22 years of hands-on humanitarian work in Rwanda.”
Lilly's motivation for leaving
Lilly explained she wanted a more hands-on impact than acting, saying many claim actors make the world better.
“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.”
Lilly's feelings about fame
Lilly said she hated being famous and considered it the cost of wealth from acting.
“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.”
Lilly's six-year hiatus
Lilly stepped back from Hollywood six years after her role in Lost ended.
“Six years after the Lost alum stepped back from Hollywood”
Lilly's current perspective
Lilly now feels confident in God's plan for her life after six years away from Hollywood.
“I’ve always wanted a much more hands-on impact. I’ve done 22 years of hands-on humanitarian work in Rwanda.”
Lilly's past success
Lilly achieved her goals at age 26, saying she did what she wanted in life.
“When I was 26, I was saying all the things I wanted in my life, and I did it.”
Other celebrities leaving Hollywood
The article lists other celebrities who left Hollywood for different reasons including charity work and family.
“Ellen DeGeneres, Evangeline Lilly and More Stars Who Quit Hollywood”
Antonio Banderas' theater focus
Antonio Banderas moved back to Spain after a near-fatal heart attack to focus on theater.
“After the Mask of Zorro actor suffered a near-fatal heart attack in 2019, he moved back to his native Málago, Spain, to focus on his love of theater.”
Elisha Cuthbert's family focus
Elisha Cuthbert took a four-year break from acting to raise her two kids with her husband.
“I realized I worked all four years through our first child and it was really hard, to separate that mom from the working person I was.”
Diane Farr's move away
Diane Farr sold her Los Angeles home after 30 years to start a new chapter.
“I came here chasing a dream that I am still shocked worked out, and I also got to raise babies in the sun and the mountains.”
Ellen DeGeneres' move to England
Ellen DeGeneres moved to the Cotswolds in England after her talk show ended.
“We moved here in November, which was not the ideal time, but I saw snow for the first time in my life.”
Tyra Banks' move to Australia
Tyra Banks moved to Australia to focus on her ice cream business.
“So I have this ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream, and we've been more what we call B2B, like on an airplane and on cruises.”
Eva Longoria's move to Mexico and Spain
Eva Longoria split her time between Mexico and Spain after leaving Los Angeles.
“I had my whole adult life here, but even before [the pandemic], it was changing. The vibe was different.”
Richard Gere's move to Spain
Richard Gere moved to Spain with his wife to raise their children.
“My wife is Spanish, and she gave me about seven years here, and we're going to spend some years in Madrid.”
Christina Milian's move to Paris
Christina Milian moved to Paris to be closer to her children's education.
“They're all going to school in Paris, and I was like, 'What better than an opportunity than that?'”
Lindsay Lohan's move to Dubai
Lindsay Lohan moved to Dubai to escape Hollywood rumors and find love.
“I was like, 'What if I never fall in love? What if this never happens?'”
What it means
Evangeline Lilly left Hollywood to focus on humanitarian work after 22 years in Rwanda.
