Evangeline Lilly has announced she's stepped away from acting — at least for the time being. The Marvel Cinematic Universe star, 44, posted a thoughtful message June 3 where she revealed she was stepping away from Hollywood to focus on other interests. Lilly shared a throwback video of herself from 2006 when she was one of the stars of the hit ABC sci-fi drama "Lost.
" In the footage, she expresses hope that in 10 years' time she would be a "retired actress." "I’m terrified to admit this to the rest of the acting world, but ideally 10 years from now I’d like to be a retired actress,” Lilly says in the clip. “I would like to have a family, and I’d like to be writing and potentially maybe influencing people’s lives in a more humanitarian way, as almost everybody in the world now knows was my intention before I started the show.
" The Canadian-born actor paired the throwback clip with a video of late writer and activist Maya Angelou discussing the human need for “restlessness" and to do something "wonderful" during one's life. In her caption, Lilly wrote, "I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision. Praise God, I feel so grateful for my blessings.
Stepping away from what seems like the obvious choice (wealth and fame) can feel scary at times, but stepping into your dharma replaces the fear with fulfillment. "I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong. A new season has arrived, and I AM READY.
..and I AM HAPPY.