Evangeline Lilly Opens Up About Brain Damage After Head Injury
Evangeline Lilly has disclosed she is living with brain damage following a severe concussion caused by a fall. The Canadian actress fainted and struck her head on a rock while at the beach in May, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
In a candid video posted on Instagram, Lilly revealed that recent brain scans showed impaired function in nearly every region of her brain. She stated, “I do have brain damage from the TBI and possibly other factors going on,” emphasizing the serious impact the injury has had on her health.
Lilly expressed the challenges ahead, noting she must work closely with doctors to understand the full extent of her condition and undergo rigorous rehabilitation. Despite the difficulty, she acknowledged that the cognitive decline has forced her to slow down, allowing for a more restful end to her year.
The actress reflected on her experience with fainting episodes dating back to childhood. Initially, doctors suspected hypoglycemia, but this was later dismissed. Lilly described these blackouts as moments when “my little soul reaches her limit” and temporarily disconnects from life.
Sharing her perspective on the incident, Lilly conveyed gratitude amid her struggle. She wrote that, despite the visible injuries, “I feel so grateful that I blacked out. I needed the reset.” Photos of her bloodied face and broken tooth were shared at the time, underscoring the severity of her fall.
Her Marvel co-star Michelle Pfeiffer offered support, calling Lilly “a warrior” and assuring her that nothing would defeat her. This solidarity highlights the tight-knit community within the film industry during times of personal hardship.
Lilly has stepped away from acting for three years, with her last appearance as Hope van Dyne, aka the Wasp, in the Marvel Studios release Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. She confirmed her focus has shifted toward humanitarian efforts and writing rather than continuing her entertainment career.
Summary of Evangeline Lilly’s Health Update and Career Status
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Injury | Traumatic brain injury after fainting and hitting head on rock |
| Brain Scan Results | Decreased function in nearly every brain area |
| Symptoms | Cognitive decline, ongoing rehabilitation |
| Historical Health Note | Fainting spells since childhood, hypoglycemia ruled out |
| Public Reaction | Support from fans and co-star Michelle Pfeiffer |
| Career Status | On hiatus from acting, last role in Marvel film |
| Current Focus | Humanitarian work and writing |
Evangeline Lilly’s openness about her brain injury draws attention to the long-term effects of TBIs and the resilience required for recovery. Her journey underlines the importance of medical care and support when facing severe neurological trauma.
Read more at: www.theguardian.com