Jill Wagner, the talented actress known for her role in Taylor Sheridan’s critically acclaimed series “Lioness,” has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry over the past two decades. Although she initially moved to California to pursue her acting career, Wagner found her way back to her roots, now residing on a picturesque farm in Tennessee with her husband and their two daughters. The recent premiere of the third season of “Lioness” marks a significant milestone in her career, prompting a closer look at her personal life, her connections to the military, and how her husband inspired her role in the series.
Wagner’s Role in ‘Lioness’
In “Lioness,” Wagner portrays Bobby, a skilled leader of the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) within the Lioness program. Interestingly, she not only stars in the series but also pitched the idea to Sheridan, who developed Bobby’s character specifically for her. Wagner serves as an executive producer, which allows her to have a substantial influence over the narrative structure. She noted in her 2024 interview with Parade that, “Taylor writes in such an honest and raw way. I wanted it to represent the women I knew and respected in the military, and he’s done that brilliantly.”
To authentically portray Bobby, Wagner conducted extensive research and spoke with women who had real military experiences. She emphasized that her understanding of the character has evolved throughout filming: “I still find things about her even right before we do a take.” Her interactions with real-life women from the Lioness program allowed her to blend various personalities to create a multidimensional character.
A Love Story Rooted in the Military
Wagner’s connection to the military runs deep, not only through her role in “Lioness” but also in her personal life. She and her husband, David Lemanowicz, initially crossed paths in their teenage years but reconnected while he was serving in Afghanistan during a USO tour. Reflecting on their reunion, Lemanowicz shared, “I hadn’t seen her in 17 years… I thought I knew this girl.” Although their timing wasn’t right initially, they eventually met again a year later in Los Angeles and pursued a relationship. They got married in 2017.
Military Background and Inspiration
Lemanowicz, a former professional hockey player, transitioned to a military career after his sports tenure. Following his commitment to the Army in 2008, he was promoted to the rank of major in 2020. Wagner has mentioned that it was Lemanowicz who introduced her to the Lioness program, which sparked her interest in telling its story. “My husband, David, was the one who told me about the Lioness program. From that moment on, I knew there was a story to tell,” she explained.
Additionally, Wagner has a proud military heritage; her grandfather, uncle, and father all served as Marines. This background instilled in her a deep respect for those in the armed forces. “I come from a very patriotic family, and I’ve always greatly respected the men and women who serve our country,” she said.
Life on the Tennessee Farm
In 2016, Wagner made a significant life choice to relocate from Los Angeles to a farm in Tennessee, which she described as having once looked like a “scary haunted house.” With hopes of raising a family, Wagner visualized her children running around the front yard of their newly acquired historical property. With two daughters, Army Gray and Daisy Roberta, Wagner and Lemanowicz have embraced the challenges and joys of country living.
Wagner candidly shared a glimpse into her typical day on the farm: “I’m out on my front porch in the morning at 6:30… then I listen to my husband complain about the tractor being broken and the fence falling down.” This honest portrayal adds a relatable layer to her life outside of acting.
“Lioness” continues to captivate audiences, releasing new episodes every Sunday on Paramount+ as season three unfolds. Wagner’s dedication to her craft, her love for her family, and her roots in military heritage underline the unique blend of experiences that define her journey.
