Evangeline Lilly, known for her role in the *Ant-Man and the Wasp* franchise, has disclosed that she is suffering from brain damage following a serious accident in Hawaii. In a candid Instagram update, the actress provided details about her condition and the impact it has had on her life.
In a post shared on May 30, 2025, Lilly recounted a fainting episode that occurred while she was at a beach in Hawaii. During the fall, she struck her head against a boulder, leading to significant health concerns. Most recently, on January 1, 2026, Lilly shared a video on Instagram to inform her followers about her ongoing recovery process and her diagnosis.
“The results came back from the scans, and almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity,” Lilly stated in her video. She confirmed that she has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of the accident, adding that there may be additional complications affecting her health.
Reflecting on her experience, Lilly noted, “Now my job is to get to the bottom of that with the doctors and then embark on the hard work of fixing it.” Acknowledging the challenges ahead, she expressed a sense of determination despite the difficulties.
Throughout the past year, Lilly has noticed changes in her cognitive abilities, stating, “My cognitive decline since I smashed my face open has helped me to slow down.” She found that the impact of her injury allowed her to enjoy a more restful holiday season, a stark contrast to previous years.
“This was the calmest, most restful Christmas holiday I have had, maybe since I had children, so 14 years ago,” she reflected, emphasizing a positive perspective amidst her struggles. Lilly concluded her update with gratitude, expressing appreciation for her ability to continue living and working.
In addition to her health concerns, Lilly had previously announced her decision to take a break from Hollywood in 2024, with *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* (2023) marking her final performance before her hiatus.
The public has responded with support for Lilly during this challenging time, and her openness about her health journey has resonated with many. As she continues to navigate her recovery, she remains focused on her health and well-being while expressing her appreciation for the support she receives.
