Murray Hone is a name that occasionally appears in celebrity discussions, most often in connection with Canadian actress Evangeline Lilly. Unlike Lilly, whose acting career brought her international fame through roles in Lost, The Hobbit, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hone has lived most of his life outside the limelight. He is known as a former Canadian ice hockey player and, more prominently, as Lilly’s first husband.
Despite his connection to Hollywood, Murray Hone has maintained a private life. Very little information has surfaced about his early years or post-hockey career, yet his story reflects the quieter side of public life—one where sports, personal relationships, and a deliberate choice to stay away from fame all intersect.
This article provides a comprehensive profile of Murray Hone, covering his background, hockey career, marriage to Evangeline Lilly, dating history, relationships, and where he stands today.
Early Life and Background
Much of Murray Hone’s early life remains undocumented. Unlike many professional athletes, he never entered the National Hockey League (NHL), which means his career records are largely limited to local or semi-professional teams. Reports suggest that Hone was born in Canada, though some sources have speculated he may have American ties.
Growing up in Canada, ice hockey would have been a natural part of his life. For Canadian children, hockey is more than a sport—it’s often considered part of cultural identity. It is likely that Hone, like many boys in small Canadian towns, spent countless hours skating on frozen ponds during winters and participating in community hockey leagues.
His devotion to the sport carried him into competitive play. Though his name never appeared on NHL rosters, he was known locally and played for teams such as the Langley Spitfires.
Hockey Career
Murray Hone’s professional hockey journey did not mirror the glamorous careers of top NHL stars, yet his participation in the sport highlights his dedication. Playing hockey at a semi-professional or local level requires rigorous training, discipline, and passion.
The Langley Spitfires, one of the teams Hone played for, are based in British Columbia and are part of Canadian junior hockey leagues that often serve as stepping stones for young players. Hone’s involvement there demonstrates his skill and commitment.
While he did not rise to national fame in the hockey world, his role in the sport cannot be dismissed. Many players who never enter the NHL still have significant impacts at the community level—whether through mentorship, coaching, or maintaining the competitive spirit of the game in regional teams.
Following his active playing years, Hone may have continued his association with hockey, possibly as a mentor or coach. Though unconfirmed, such a path would align with his background and lifelong passion for the sport.
Marriage to Evangeline Lilly
One of the most well-documented aspects of Murray Hone’s life is his short-lived marriage to actress Evangeline Lilly.
The two married in 2003, before Lilly became a household name. At the time, Lilly was still working in small roles, with occasional television appearances and commercials. Hone, meanwhile, was continuing his focus on hockey.
Their marriage was private, reflecting their personalities at the time. No major celebrity coverage followed the wedding, and the couple managed to stay away from Hollywood spotlight. For the brief period they were together, they lived as a relatively normal couple.
However, their relationship changed drastically once Lilly landed the role of Kate Austen on Lost in 2004. The series catapulted her to fame almost overnight. With her new role came a new lifestyle, complete with international recognition, media attention, and Hollywood opportunities.
The shift reportedly strained their relationship. In 2004, just a year after marrying, the couple divorced. The separation was quiet, and no public controversies surrounded their split. Neither has spoken much about the marriage since, further emphasizing their private nature.
Murray Hone and Evangeline Lilly
Even after their divorce, Hone’s identity has remained tied to Evangeline Lilly. Articles and interviews occasionally reference him as Lilly’s first husband, but little beyond that is discussed.
Lilly herself moved on quickly, entering a relationship with Lost co-star Dominic Monaghan from 2004 to 2007. Later, she began a long-term partnership with Norman Kali, with whom she has two children.
For Hone, no such public relationships have surfaced since his marriage to Lilly ended. Unlike many who remain connected to celebrity ex-spouses, Hone has stayed almost entirely out of the spotlight, leaving the focus on Lilly’s career and life.
Dating History and Relationships
Apart from his marriage to Evangeline Lilly, Murray Hone’s dating history is not documented. There are no verified reports of other relationships, either before or after Lilly. This absence suggests that Hone either prefers to keep his personal life entirely private or that he has lived largely outside the reach of celebrity media.
In contrast, Lilly’s relationships have been public due to her fame, but Hone’s choice to remain private highlights his personality—one focused on personal rather than public validation.
Murray Hone and Lost
Although Murray Hone had no direct connection to the television series Lost, the show played a major role in shaping his life indirectly. Lilly’s involvement in Lost marked the beginning of her global fame, which coincided with the end of their marriage.
In this sense, Lost became a turning point for Hone as well—not professionally, but personally. His quiet life shifted briefly into public awareness through his association with Lilly, but after their divorce, he stepped back entirely.
Current Life and Status
Today, Murray Hone is believed to live a private life in Canada. Unlike many former athletes who move into media or celebrity-driven ventures, Hone appears to have chosen a low-profile existence.
Some unverified reports suggest he may still be connected to hockey, possibly as a coach or mentor for young players. This path would align with his history in the sport and his apparent avoidance of media attention.
He has not publicly shared information about his personal life, career ventures, or family since the divorce. This decision keeps him largely shielded from speculation, though his name occasionally resurfaces when fans discuss Evangeline Lilly’s past relationships.
Net Worth
Murray Hone’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is between $500,000 and $1 million. This figure likely reflects his years of involvement in hockey, possible coaching roles, and investments outside of public view.
Unlike celebrities whose incomes are tied to acting or endorsements, Hone’s financial standing appears to come from more modest sources. His lifestyle suggests a preference for stability over fame-driven wealth.
Age, Height, and Personal Details
- Age (2025): Late 40s to early 50s
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches (170–175 cm)
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Brown
- Religion: Practicing Christian
- Nationality: Canadian (with some speculation about possible American roots)
These details, while limited, paint a picture of a man who has kept most of his life away from public scrutiny.
Murray Hone and Movies
Unlike his ex-wife, Hone has never appeared in movies or television. His connection to film and Hollywood exists only through his marriage to Evangeline Lilly. His career remained firmly in the world of hockey, far from the entertainment industry.
Murray Hone and Tauranga
Some references link Murray Hone to Tauranga, a coastal city in New Zealand. While not widely verified, the connection could stem from his time spent near Evangeline Lilly during her acting projects, particularly since Lost was filmed in the Pacific region and Lilly has traveled extensively for work. However, no confirmed residency in Tauranga has been documented for Hone.
Murray Hone’s Privacy
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Murray Hone’s life is his decision to live privately. Despite opportunities to remain connected to Hollywood through his marriage to Evangeline Lilly, he chose not to. His avoidance of social media, interviews, and media attention shows a clear preference for life away from the spotlight.
This privacy stands in contrast to many former spouses of celebrities who often leverage their past relationships for media exposure. Hone’s decision not to do so suggests he values his personal space and independence above potential fame.
Conclusion
Murray Hone’s story is one of quiet determination and privacy. As a Canadian hockey player, he pursued his passion for the sport, even if it did not lead to international fame. His brief marriage to Evangeline Lilly connected him to Hollywood, but he never sought to use that connection for personal gain.
Today, Hone remains a private figure, known primarily for his short-lived marriage to Lilly but respected for his choice to live outside the glare of celebrity culture. His journey reminds us that not every story tied to fame follows the same path—some prefer to return to quieter, more personal lives.
