Actress Evangeline Lilly has shared a deeply personal health update, revealing that a concussion she suffered in May 2025 resulted in actual brain damage. In a video posted to Instagram on January 2, 2026, the 46-year-old star explained that recent medical scans showed “almost every area of my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity.”
Key Takeaways
- Evangeline Lilly revealed that she has sustained brain damage months after a serious concussion, saying almost every area of her brain is now functioning at a decreased capacity, according to recent brain scans.
- The 46-year-old Lost and Ant-Man star fainted on a beach in Hawaii in May 2025 and fell face-first onto a boulder, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Lilly shared the update in a heartfelt Instagram video, explaining that the diagnosis is both daunting and a relief, as it confirms her symptoms aren’t just from perimenopause.
- She plans to work closely with doctors on a challenging recovery process but also noted that the experience has helped her slow down and reflect throughout the past year.
The injury traces back to a frightening moment last spring, when Lilly fainted at a beach in Hawaii and fell face-first into a boulder, causing a traumatic brain injury (TBI). At the time, she began sharing updates with fans about her initial concussion and recovery process. But the latest scan results confirmed what she called “bad news”, that her brain has sustained lasting damage.
Lilly didn’t shy away from the emotional weight of the news. She said the diagnosis brought both a sense of comfort and concern, comfort in knowing her symptoms weren’t being misattributed to perimenopause, and concern about the uphill battle ahead to regain function. She joked that the hard work of recovery might feel familiar, saying she doesn’t “look forward” to it because it feels like she’s always been doing hard work, but she’s ready to tackle the challenge with her medical team.
Despite the severity of the update, Lilly also found a silver lining. The slower pace of her life in 2025 allowed for more rest and reflection, something she said was long overdue. She called the holiday season the most restful she’s had in many years, a bright spot amid a difficult period.
Lilly has been open with fans about her health journey since the accident. She previously shared details of the fall and her initial hospital visit, showing her battered face and explaining the incident’s impact. The actor has long experienced fainting spells dating back to childhood, but the TBI marked a significant turning point in her health narrative.
Support has poured in from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Among the supportive messages was one from Michelle Pfeiffer, who called Lilly “a warrior” and offered encouragement in the comments of her post.
While the road ahead may be challenging, Lilly’s candid update highlights the serious effects head injuries can have, even months later. Her willingness to share the journey publicly brings attention to traumatic brain injuries and the unpredictable path of recovery many face.
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