Jill Wagner: A Look at Her Life and Role in ‘Lioness’

Jill Wagner, known for her role in Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Lioness,’ has worked in the industry for many years. Although she moved to California early in her career, she has now returned to her roots, living on a Tennessee farm with her husband and two daughters. With the third season of ‘Lioness’ recently launched, here’s a look at Wagner’s personal life, her military influence, and how her husband inspired her role in the series.

Jill Wagner and ‘Lioness’

Wagner plays Bobby, the skilled leader of the Lioness program’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF). She was integral in pitching ‘Lioness’ to Taylor Sheridan, who wrote the character specifically for her and brought her on as an executive producer. ‘Taylor writes with honesty,’ Wagner shared. ‘I wanted the show to reflect the military women I respect, and he’s achieved that.’ As she developed Bobby’s character, Wagner met and spoke with real-life lionesses, helping her shape Bobby by blending various personalities.

Love Story with David Lemanowicz

Wagner met David Lemanowicz as a teenager. They reconnected in Afghanistan, where Lemanowicz served in the Air Force, and Wagner was on a USO tour. Despite prior commitments, they met again a year later in Los Angeles when both were single. They married in 2017. Lemanowicz has a military background, transitioning from professional hockey to becoming a U.S. Army Reserve lieutenant, later promoted to major in 2020.

Military Connections

Wagner comes from a military family; her grandfather, uncle, and father were Marines, and her husband currently serves in the Army. This background influenced her intrigue in starring in a show that features women in military lead roles. ‘These women deserve recognition on screen,’ she stated. Additionally, Wagner’s character’s toothpick habit is a nod to her father.

Life on a Tennessee Farm

Wagner relocated from Los Angeles to a farm in Tennessee in 2016, a move inspired by her desire for a family-friendly environment. She felt drawn to restore a historical farmhouse, envisioning her children enjoying the land. Wagner lives with her husband and daughters, Army Gray, 6, and Daisy Roberta, 5, on this scenic property.

Daily life on the farm includes morning porch time, tending to flowers, and addressing property repairs alongside her husband. Wagner appreciates raising her family away from the hustle of city life, grounding them in her country roots.

New episodes of ‘Lioness’ season three release every Sunday on Paramount+.