'Ant-Man' star Evangeline Lilly says she left Hollywood because she 'always hated being famous'

"Ant-Man" star Evangeline Lilly revealed in an interview with CBN News published Monday that she walked away from Hollywood six years ago despite a successful acting career, citing her longtime discomfort with fame, health problems and a desire to pursue a more meaningful life guided by her Christian faith .

"I've always hated being famous," she said.

"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." The actress, best known for portraying Kate Austen in "Lost" and Hope van Dyne in Marvel's "Ant-Man" franchise, acknowledged experiencing moments of fear after walking away from the wealth, professional influence and recognition that accompanied her Hollywood success.

"There has been definitely moments of fear of like, ‘How do you consciously and intentionally let go of so much seemingly power and influence and potentially money and also just affirmation of yourself,’" Lilly said. 'VAMPIRE DIARIES' STAR IAN SOMERHALDER SAYS LEAVING HOLLYWOOD FOR FARMING 'SHIFTED MY LIFE FOREVER' Christian Toto, a film critic and founder of Hollywood in Toto , told Fox News Digital that Lilly's decision to leave her acting career is exceptionally rare, particularly for someone who achieved success in major Hollywood franchises.

"It's extremely uncommon for stars to walk away from their acting careers," he said.

"It happens, but it's the exception to the rule.

Many work very hard to achieve a level of fame, so giving that up doesn't always make sense.

For some, like Lilly, they learn that an actor's life has too many drawbacks, and they seek something more fulfilling." Despite those concerns, Lilly explained that her faith ultimately helped her embrace a future outside the entertainment industry's spotlight, saying she believed God had a greater purpose for her life beyond acting.

"It's just been incredibly liberating and beautiful to step into a total trust and surrender that God has a plan for my life," Lilly said.

"That that plan doesn't necessarily need to – it doesn't have to be about fame and money and wealth and power.

It can be about more important things and that all of it works together." RICHARD GERE CONFRONTS HOLLYWOOD FAME, EGO AND GREED AS 'DARK CLOUDS' THAT THREATEN INNER PEACE Toto also said that celebrities face intense public scrutiny, arguing that social media has increased the personal pressures associated with Hollywood fame.

"There's a cost to Hollywood fame," he said.

"You live under the microscope.