In recent years, the name Jill Wagner and Hallmark have become synonymous with quality family entertainment, and the fact that the network continues to cast Jill in such remarkable roles with diverse storylines that receive extensive fan acclaim is a testament to this amazing woman and her capabilities. I first saw her as a host on Wipeout (it was one of my daughter’s favorite shows that she kept me watching long after I began to grow weary of the show’s antics), but it has been her Hallmark career that brought her name and prowess to the forefront of my mind and heart. The moment I see Jill Wagner’s name on anything, I know that it is “Must-See TV” for this household, and when I saw the social media buzz about Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha teaming up for a mystery film, I initially thought it was a joke! They were the stars of my favorite 2018 Hallmark movie, Pearl In Paradise, and the fact that the network reunited them thrilled me to no end! Furthermore, I have been attempting to land an interview with Jill for quite some time, and through the aid of a mutual friend (you know who you are) and my continued persistence over the past couple of years, it finally happened! In anticipation of this new mystery series Mystery 101, I am honored to share the delightful, engaging Jill Wagner with my readers today!

Jill Wagner Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Brendan Meadows

RH: Please tell us a little about your background and how you made the decision to pursue a career in film/TV.

JW: I didn’t have any background in TV or Film or theater growing up. In my world, being an actor was a silly dream and not a realistic career. I finally decided to move out to LA after college, but more just to get and explore the world. When I was there, I made friends with an agent who told me I should audition for a show called Punk’d with Ashton Kutcher, I did and the rest is history. I got bit by the acting bug and I haven’t looked back since.

I knew you first from your hosting gigs and only later discovered you as an actress. Please tell us about your early film/TV career and what you appreciate about hosting and acting.

Hosting Wipeout

I actually began as an actor then moved into hosting. I started with sketch performing in Punk’d and then did Blade, the series where I had my first lead role on a TV show. I was approached about hosting a show called Wipeout for ABC multiple times, but I didn’t think I could host a big show as I knew nothing about it. Finally, I was convinced by the producers to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. On the days I don’t like playing another character, I can just be “‘me” and host. I like the dichotomy of being able to do both and learning both skills.

Hallmark viewers first saw you (and loved you) in Autumn Dreams. What did you know about the Hallmark network before doing this first film with the network?

Colin Egglesfield, Jill Wagner Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

I knew that my grandmother loved the network and asked me to do a movie for them, which is why I decided I wanted to give one a try . Hallmark represents all that she loved in movies and I continue to make them with that in mind 🙂

While you have done other works, you continue to be known for your Hallmark movies. Why do you believe these films resonate with the viewers so much?

The fans are the most loyal I have ever seen, and there are SO many of them! These movies get millions of viewers. People love the network and I think their popularity keeps growing year to year.

Photo: Jill Wagner, Kristoffer Polaha Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allan Stephen

This summer, we saw you paired up with Kristoffer Polaha for a movie that was filmed in Fiji, Pearl in Paradise. What was so special about filming this movie and what did you appreciate about your role?

Photo: Kristoffer Polaha, Jill Wagner Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allan Stephen

I loved being able to do a film in Fiji because not many films shoot there. They are trying to build more of a film-friendly environment there and we were happy to help them do that! The people there are just the best! I loved that I got to play a photographer as I myself have a true appreciation for beautiful photos.

Jill Wagner, Mark Deklin Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Owen Strongman

You also joined a Christmas movie series–Christmas in Evergreen: Letters To Santa. First of all, had you seen the first one? What was it like joining this franchise? Any memorable behind-the-scenes moments?

I had not seen the first one, but I know people loved it, so I was honored that they asked me to be a part of the second one!! Lots of great memories in the film. I just loved our lunches down by the water with the cast. Good laughs and good memories.

Kristoffer Polaha, Jill Wagner Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

I have to admit that I was dumbfounded (though pleasantly so) when Hallmark chose to pair you up again for a new mystery series coming out this month–Mystery 101. How did that role come about? Why do you think Hallmark chose to pair you two up again?

That was a surprise to me too! I was so happy to get to be on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in a movie series that I believe has got some real potential! I loved working with my friend Kris. He is a real talent and I think because of our chemistry, they chose to pair us up again. Smart people over at Hallmark! 😉😉

Jill Wagner Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

Please tell us about your role in Mystery 101 and what we can expect from this series. It sounds as though this will be an actual series of movies. What can you tell us about that?

I will play a college professor who gets in the middle of these mysteries and needs the help of a local detective to solve the case. She is very well-versed in the world of crime as she teaches crime fiction. I can’t wait to see this world unfold, and yes, I think we have the potential to do many more!!! Fingers crossed 🙂

Any other upcoming works you can tell us about?

I have a movie called The Legend of 5 Mile Cave coming out soon to the INSP network. It’s a western set in the 1800’s, so it was two firsts for me–doing a period piece and doing a western. I loved it!!

As a woman with such varied and incredible experience, do you have plans yourself to move into producing/directing/writing? 

I have been putting together a number of ideas and projects that I would like to pursue as a producer. There are so many inspiring stories that I would like to bring to the screen!

I know that you also believe strongly in giving back. Please tell us about the charities/causes you support and why you support those.

I support LLS-Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. They do so many good things to support people with cancer and help cure all blood cancers. I also love an organization called The Gentle Barn. The Gentle Barn rescues animals from severe abuse and neglect who are too old, sick, lame, or scared to be adopted into homes. We are a sanctuary to horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, llamas, peacocks, emus, cats and dogs. Once rehabilitated, the animals help us give hope and inspiration to children with the same stories.

I cannot begin to thank Jill enough for taking time out of her busy schedule to give my readers and me some insight into who she is both professionally and personally. She is a woman who has proven time and again that no matter what project in the industry comes her way–whether hosting, acting, or anything else–she is not only eager for the challenge, but there is no debating the fact that it will ultimately prove to be a categorical success. Fans adore Jill’s authenticity, her pragmatism, her sense of humor, and her dedication to supreme quality. I am thrilled beyond measure that she is in the process of pursuing her next venture, that of being a producer. After all, Jill knows what works with fans and what doesn’t, and if her name is attached to a film or show, it is destined to be instant gold. To be honest, there doesn’t appear to be anything that Jill cannot do if she has a mind to do it and pursues it. She is one whose positive outlook, radiant persona, and innate talent continue to cause her to rule the ratings and in turn, engender the tremendous support of the fans. Every actor with whom I have spoken who has had the honor of working with her consistently raves about her work ethic, her relatability, and her creativity which proceed to make her a star on and off the screen, and I sincerely hope to see her in a vast array of productions with Hallmark (and other networks–we can share her talent after all) in the weeks, months, and years to come.

If at all possible, please make an effort to tune into the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries network tomorrow (1/27) for the premiere of what we all hope is the beginning of a long and prosperous mystery series, Mystery 101. (I hope this comes to Canada very soon because I know the fans up there will want to support this series as well.) Additionally, please take a moment and visit all of Jill’s links below (including her two charity links posted) and consider following her where applicable. While Jill is not searching for the prestige of the titles “Hallmark Queen” or “Hallmark Princess,” there is no doubt that her body of work with the network has invariably drawn the unmitigated support of countless viewers all over the world, and she has more than earned her place within the realm of Hallmark Royalty. Her refreshing beauty, her undeniable talent, and her allegiance to top-notch entertainment for all have easily placed her in the position of being one of the favorite Hallmark leading ladies, and perhaps the best title for her is “Hallmark’s Girl Next Door.” She is always smart, savvy, and sweet, and her movies with the network have demonstrated the powerhouse actress she is while still maintaining that relatable temperament that causes all of her co-stars to hail her as one of their favorite (if not their all-time favorite) leading ladies with whom they can hardly wait to play opposite again. I know that Jill’s presence speaks for itself, and there is no need for me to even recommend her to the viewers, for they already adore her beyond measure. But on the off-chance that perhaps you are not aware of the gem of a woman and an artist that Jill Wagner is, please take a moment to make a pledge to cast your support behind one of the most awesome women in the entertainment universe! I promise you that you will never regret that decision!

FOLLOW JILL

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Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Fundraising Page

Jill’s Closet For a Cure

Preston Vanderslice, Sarah Dugdale, Kristoffer Polaha, Jill Wagner, Kareem Malcolm Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

Robin Thomas, Jill Wagner, Kristoffer Polaha Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

Kristoffer Polaha, Jill Wagner Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

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