Born Aug. 3, 1979, in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada, Evangeline Lilly was focused on her studies at the University of British Columbia and her work as an international human rights advocate when a Ford Models agent stopped her on the street and urged her to consider modeling.

Although Lilly initially rejected the offer, she soon realized she could use the money to pay for college. She began modeling in commercials and played bit parts in television and film projects, including "Smallville," "Tru Calling" and Freddy vs. Jason.

In 2004, the virtually unknown actress catapulted to fame when she landed the lead role of rebellious fugitive Kate Austen on the hit series "Lost." The performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination in 2007, as well as a place on Hollywood's A-list. In 2008, Lilly starred opposite John Malkovich in the thriller Afterwards.