Evangeline Lilly has revealed why she quit acting despite enjoying a successful career.

The 47-year-old star achieved significant success on screen, earning major awards and nods, including a 2007 Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series for her role as Kate Austen in the ABC adventure drama Lost.

Despite her achievements, Evangeline stepped away from Hollywood in 2020, only publicly announcing her retirement four years later.

Opening up about her decision to leave acting, she told the Christian Broadcasting Network: "I'd much prefer a quieter position. 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. Like that's what you pay for - the wealth."

The Ant-Man star admitted that adjusting to retirement was a lengthy process.

She said: "It's been six years now. When I was 26, I was saying … all the things I wanted in my life … and I did it … I'm there.

"I've already retired. At that point, I've been retired for four years … it's been a long time of adjusting."

Evangeline was uncertain about what her decision to quit acting would mean for her future, as walking away meant letting go of "so much … power, influence, and potential money", which left her feeling afraid.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug alum said: "When you're successful at something, it feels really good when the world says, 'We love you! You're amazing!' Like, this is a wonderful feeling.

"How do you walk away from that? And I've had moments of … gripping fear of like, 'What am I doing?'"

But Evangeline said the move was "one that was made in great conviction".

Before pursuing acting, the Avengers: Endgame entertainer studied political science and international relations and thought about becoming a missionary, humanitarian, or diplomat.

She said: "I wanted to make the world a better place. And 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.

"But…I've always wanted a much more hands-on impact. I've done 22 years of hands-on humanitarian work in Rwanda."

And making a difference remains an key priority in Evangeline's life.

She said: "I love telling stories, but I'd like to tell stories of my own instead of being in front of the camera."