Jill wagner lioness is back in the spotlight, and for good reason. The actress and executive producer has returned as the formidable Bobby in Season 3 of Taylor Sheridan’s hit espionage thriller, Special Ops: Lioness. With the new season premiering on August 2, 2026, fans are searching for everything about her—from her military-inspired role to her family life on a Tennessee farm .
Here is everything you need to know about Jill Wagner, her career, her role in Lioness, and why she is trending right now.
Who Is Jill Wagner?
Jill Wagner is an American actress, television personality, and producer. She was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and raised by her father and grandmother alongside her brother . She graduated cum laude from North Carolina State University with a degree in business .
Wagner first made her mark in Hollywood as a field agent on MTV’s hit series Punk’d, opposite Ashton Kutcher, marking her as the first female regular sketch performer on the show . From there, she built a diverse career spanning acting, hosting, and producing.
She is perhaps best known for her roles as Kate Argent on MTV’s Teen Wolf, as the co-host of ABC’s reality series Wipeout, and for starring in numerous Hallmark Channel movies, including the Mystery 101 franchise . Her feature film credits include the horror film Splinter (2008) and the indie film Braven (2018), where she starred alongside Jason Momoa .
Jill Wagner in Lioness Season 3
Who Is Bobby?
In Special Ops: Lioness, Wagner portrays Bobby, a CIA Special Operations team leader and a key member of the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) . Bobby is a fearless combat specialist responsible for protecting the Lioness operatives during high-risk missions . Her character is known for her tactical expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her team.
Wagner has described Bobby as her most physically demanding role, one that required a two-year journey to fully develop . She told Woman’s World that the role required intense physical training, saying, “Bobby’s a beast… She needed to look capable. She needs to look like she can pull those men out of any trench. Her physicality was really important to me” .
Beyond Acting: Executive Producer and Creator
Wagner’s involvement in Lioness goes far beyond acting. She serves as an executive producer on the series, but even more significantly, she helped bring the show to life.
Wagner and her husband, David Lemanowicz, first came up with the idea for the show in their backyard in Tennessee . Lemanowicz, a U.S. Army major, introduced Wagner to the real-life “Lioness” program, which inspired the series . She then pitched the concept to Taylor Sheridan, her former acting coach, who developed it into the hit Paramount+ series .
She told Paramount that she “fought” for the role, telling Sheridan: “I just want to play a girl who runs with the boys. Just give me that” . Sheridan crafted the role of Bobby specifically for her .
Season 3 Premiere
Lioness Season 3 premiered on August 2, 2026, on Paramount+ . The new season finds the team facing its most dangerous mission yet as chaos ensues globally . Wagner stars alongside Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, and Morgan Freeman .
Jill Wagner’s Acting Career
Wagner has had a remarkably versatile career across film, television, and hosting.
Television and Hosting
- Teen Wolf: Played Kate Argent, a main antagonist in the series’ first and fourth seasons .
- Wipeout: Co-hosted ABC’s hit reality competition for seven seasons .
- Punk’d: Served as the first female regular sketch performer .
- Handcrafted America: Hosted this INSP series, traveling to meet artisans .
- Blade: The Series: Co-starred as Krista Starr .
Hallmark and Great American Family
Wagner became a familiar face on Hallmark Channel, starring in numerous films including the Mystery 101 series, Christmas Cookies, Hearts of Winter, and Autumn Dreams . She has also appeared in films for Great American Family, including A Merry Christmas Wish .
Film
- Splinter (2008): Her feature film debut in a horror film that earned her a cult following .
- Braven (2018): Starred opposite Jason Momoa .
Jill Wagner’s Personal Life
Husband and Military Family
Jill Wagner is married to David Lemanowicz, a former professional hockey player who is now a U.S. Army Reserve Major . The couple met when they were teenagers, but reconnected years later when Wagner was on a USO tour in Afghanistan and Lemanowicz was serving there . They married on April 8, 2017 .
Wagner comes from a military family herself—her father, grandfather, and uncle were all Marines . This background deeply informs her work on Lioness. “My husband currently serves in the Army. I come from a very patriotic family, and I’ve always greatly respected the men and women who serve our country,” she told Parade .
Daughters and Tennessee Farm Life
The couple has two daughters together: Army Gray, born on April 17, 2020, and Daisy Roberta, born on August 19, 2021 . They also help raise Lemanowicz’s daughter, Lija, from a previous relationship . The name Army was chosen because she was conceived on July 4 and to honor her husband’s military service .
Instead of staying in Hollywood, Wagner and her family live on a historic 200-acre farm in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, called Scott Mansion Farms . They bought the property in 2016, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . They run the farm as a working farm, an event venue, and an Airbnb .
“It’s really hard to keep those three things together,” she told Woman’s World about balancing motherhood, the physical demands of Lioness, and her role as executive producer. “But we can do it. We’re women. We can do anything” .
Jill Wagner Now
Currently, Jill Wagner is focused on the release and promotion of Lioness Season 3, which is now streaming on Paramount+ . She continues to be actively involved in the series as both a star and executive producer. She also signed with CESD for theatrical representation in early 2025 . A lesser-known upcoming project listed on her filmography is the film Imperfect Women (2026) .
Why Jill Wagner Is Trending
Jill Wagner is trending for several reasons:
- Lioness Season 3: The highly anticipated third season of Lioness premiered on August 2, 2026, bringing her back into the spotlight .
- Her Unique Role: Interest in her character Bobby and her work as an executive producer has increased, as fans learn she helped create and pitch the show .
- Her Unique Story: Her background—coming from a military family, being married to a U.S. Army major, and living on a farm in Tennessee—intrigues fans and media alike .
FAQ: Jill Wagner
Who is Jill Wagner?
Jill Wagner is an American actress, host, and producer best known for her roles as Bobby on Special Ops: Lioness, Kate Argent on Teen Wolf, and as co-host of Wipeout .
How old is Jill Wagner?
Jill Wagner was born on January 13, 1979, making her 47 years old as of 2026 .
Who does Jill Wagner play in Lioness?
She plays Bobby, a CIA Special Operations team leader and head of the Quick Reaction Force .
Is Jill Wagner in Lioness Season 3?
Yes. Jill Wagner reprises her role as Bobby in Special Ops: Lioness Season 3, which premiered on August 2, 2026 .
Who is Jill Wagner married to?
Jill Wagner is married to David Lemanowicz, a former professional hockey player and current U.S. Army Reserve Major .
What is Jill Wagner doing now?
She is currently starring in and executive producing Lioness Season 3 on Paramount+ and lives on a farm in Tennessee with her husband and daughters .
Summary
Jill Wagner is an actress, producer, and host who has captured attention in 2026 with her return as Bobby in Lioness Season 3. Beyond her on-screen work, she is an executive producer who helped create the series. She is also a military wife and mother living on a Tennessee farm, balancing a demanding career with family life. Her unique journey and dedication to authentic storytelling make her one of the most compelling figures to watch right now.