Jill Wagner has enjoyed a lengthy career in the entertainment industry, most recently starring in Taylor Sheridan’s series, “Lioness.” Despite initially relocating to California to chase her acting ambitions, Wagner now resides on a Tennessee farm with her husband and their two daughters.

Jill Wagner and “Lioness”

In “Lioness,” Wagner plays Bobby, a strong and skilled leader of the Quick Reaction Force in the Lioness program. Interestingly, Wagner was not only cast in this role but she also pitched the show’s idea to Sheridan. She shared with Parade in 2024 that Sheridan crafted the Bobby character with her in mind. Apart from acting, Wagner serves as an executive producer for the series.

“Taylor Sheridan was my acting coach previously, so I could reach out to him,” Wagner recounted. “His writing is honest and raw. I wanted to ensure the series wasn’t clichéd, but instead reflective of the brave women in the military. Sheridan executed this vision perfectly.”

To bring Bobby’s character to life, Wagner consulted with several real-life lionesses. “Initially, I struggled to identify with Bobby. Even before shooting a scene, I continue to discover new facets of her character. I’ve merged the traits of various lionesses I’ve encountered into Bobby’s persona,” Wagner explained.

A Reunited Love Story

Jill Wagner and David Lemanowicz have a noteworthy relationship history. They first met as teenagers and reconnected in Afghanistan, where Lemanowicz was serving in the Air Force. Wagner was on a USO tour at the time.

“Seventeen years had passed since our last meeting,” Lemanowicz shared in a 2016 Hallmark Home & Family episode. “Coincidentally, I attended an event where Wagner was signing autographs. We soon realized our shared past from North Carolina.”

Initially, they were both in other relationships, but a year later, their paths crossed in Los Angeles when they were both single. They married in 2017.

Military Ties

Wagner’s connection to the military runs deep. Her husband, Lemanowicz, a former professional hockey player, joined the military after his sports career and became a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was promoted to major in 2020.

Her family’s military background includes her grandfather, uncle, and father, who were all Marines. In a Parade interview, Wagner expressed her respect for military service members, stating, “I come from a very patriotic family. Women who’ve served deserve prominent screen representation without overshadowing their male counterparts’ contributions.”

In homage to her father, Wagner’s character Bobby consistently has a toothpick in her mouth. She acknowledged that her husband introduced her to the lioness program, sparking her determination to develop a story around it over five years.

Life in Tennessee

Wagner and Lemanowicz’s move to Tennessee was driven by their desire for a family home. Wagner described finding a farmhouse that initially seemed intimidating but held potential. It was a perfect setting for raising their two daughters, Army Gray and Daisy Roberta.

Wagner detailed her rural lifestyle, stating, “My typical day involves early mornings on the porch, tending to flowers, addressing issues like broken tractors and fences, and restoring our farmhouse. It’s filled with rewarding challenges.”

The third season of “Lioness” premiered earlier this month and continues with weekly episodes on Paramount+.