Inside Evangeline Lilly's Relationship With Norman Kali
Evangeline Lilly became a household name through not one, but several, massively successful franchises — ABC's "Lost," "The Hobbit" trilogy, and as superhero The Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since her "Lost" days, Lilly has largely made headlines for professional highlights (save for that coronavirus Instagram fiasco in 2020), but it was her on-set romance with "Lost" co-star Dominic Monaghan that received plenty of media attention for its share of ups and downs. Entangled in an on-and-off relationship for several years, Monaghan allegedly popped the question to Lilly in 2007, although he would be photographed later that year, per Digital Spy, "crying in another woman's arms" in a California restaurant. This appeared to be simply one of the pair's "off" moments, and they were soon enough spotted together again.
Drama kept surfacing for the duo, even after their engagement was called off for good in 2009, per the Daily Mail. In fact, in 2013, when a fan complimented Lilly in "The Hobbit," Monaghan replied with the snarky line, "Nah. I don't date cheaters." Oof. Monaghan refused to apologize for calling his ex out so publicly, subsequently tweeting, "I don't choose to lie on twitter. Truth hurts."
In 2010, Lilly quietly transitioned into a decidedly more low-key relationship since with "Lost" production assistant Norman Kali, per Us Weekly. With two sons and over a decade of romance, here's everything you need to know about the fiercely private couple.
Evangeline Lilly loved being pregnant
After a highly public relationship and breakup with Dominic Monaghan, Evangeline Lilly has unsurprisingly kept her next long-term relationship relatively quiet. After Lilly was sighted sporting a baby bump in 2011, Us Weekly reported the father to be "Lost" production assistant Norman Kali, her boyfriend since 2010. In addition to carrying his child, Lilly even relocated to Kali's native Hawaii after her stint on "Lost," per People.
"I'm one of the lucky women who just had a blissful pregnancy, but I wanted to adopt four," Lilly told Ocean Drive of the experience in 2014 (per E! News). "My partner and I have really been through the ringer in the adoption world and it's hard... Life is magically beautiful, and it brings you what is perfect." Previously, the New York Daily News interviewed the actor, in which she revealed her intention on adopting after having a biological child. "I have always wanted to have a child of my own," Lilly said, adding, "From then on, I think I would have to adopt. It makes sense not to add to the population problem."
Despite this, People reported that Lilly gave birth to the couple's second child in 2015. "We are the laziest parents ever," Lilly joked on "Conan" prior to the delivery, revealing the duo didn't even have a name picked yet at the time. Seems like Lilly and Kali are a couple who enjoy just rolling with the punches!
Evangeline Lilly and Norman Kali may live in unwedded bliss forever
Though they share two sons, Evangeline Lilly and Norman Kali won't likely be making that trip down the aisle — which is just fine with them.
Always one to march to the beat of her own drum, Lilly told Ocean Drive in 2014 (via E! News) that while "every other 16-year-old girl wanted to look at bridal magazines, I could not have been more bored with the notion." However, Lilly, who is Canadian, acknowledged that reasons for marriage extended beyond the romantic. "I have an American son and an American partner, so marriage might logistically make sense at one point." Lilly pointed out that Kali was a "stay-at-home father, so if he wants to be on my health plan, or taxwise, or maybe on paper we want to have our I's dotted and our T's crossed," she wouldn't be opposed. "Emotionally," however, "neither of us really feels the need for it. We love each other today, and we hope we'll love each other tomorrow," she said with measured optimism.
Lilly's past romantic history might explain why she said to Ocean Drive, "I don't believe in forever promises. I don't think it's realistic." Per Glamourbreak, in addition to her rocky relationship with Dominic Monaghan, Lilly was married to Canadian professional hockey player Murray Hone in a short-lived union from 2003-2004.