Jill Wagner's 2025 Comeback: Everything To Know About Her New GAF Christmas Movie And Life Away From Hollywood

Jill Wagner remains one of the most recognizable and beloved faces in family-friendly entertainment, and as of December 21, 2025, her career is entering an exciting new phase with a major 2025 Christmas movie announcement. The former *Wipeout* host and fan-favorite Hallmark star has made a significant shift in her career focus, becoming a marquee talent for the Great American Family (GAF) network, where she is set to premiere a highly anticipated holiday film with co-star Trevor Donovan. This transition, alongside her dedication to her personal life and family, offers a compelling look at a star who is choosing happiness and intentionality over the relentless Hollywood grind. The latest buzz surrounding Wagner centers on her upcoming 2025 holiday project, tentatively titled *A Potluck Christmas* or *Christmas By the Spoonful*, which is a major anchor for the Great American Christmas lineup. Her move to GAF has been a calculated decision, aligning her professional life with her personal values and allowing her to produce and star in content that resonates deeply with her audience. Fans are eager to see her and Donovan reunite, cementing her status as a leading actress in the family movie genre and moving past her popular roles on networks like Hallmark and MTV.

Jill Wagner: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Jill Suzanne Wagner is an American actress, model, host, and producer whose career has spanned two decades across various genres, from action-horror films to reality television and family-focused romantic comedies. Known for her infectious energy and girl-next-door charm, Wagner has cultivated a loyal following through her diverse roles.

• Full Name: Jill Suzanne Wagner
• Date of Birth: January 13, 1979
• Place of Birth: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
• Age (as of 2025): 46 years old
• Education: Ledford Senior High School (Wallburg, NC), North Carolina State University (B.S. in Business Management)
• Spouse: David Lemanowicz (married 2017)
• Children: Two daughters, including a child from her husband’s previous relationship. She welcomed a daughter in 2020 and another in 2021.
• Notable Roles: Host of *Wipeout*, recurring role as Kate Argent in *Teen Wolf*, numerous Hallmark and Great American Family Christmas and mystery movies.
• Career Highlights: Known as "The Mercury Girl" in Ford Motor Company commercials, starring in the horror film *Splinter* (2008) and the action-thriller *Braven* (2018) alongside Jason Momoa.
• Current Focus: Starring actress and producer for Great American Family (GAF).

The Great American Family Shift: A New Era for Jill Wagner

Jill Wagner’s decision to move from the Hallmark Channel to Great American Family (GAF) is one of the most significant career moves in the family entertainment space. This transition reflects a desire for greater creative control and a commitment to producing content that aligns with her personal and conservative values.

Leaving Hallmark for GAF: The Strategic Move

Wagner was a staple on Hallmark, starring in popular movies like *Christmas Cookies*, *Pearl in Paradise*, and the *Mystery 101* series. However, in a strategic move that mirrored several other prominent actors, she signed an exclusive deal with GAF. This move was not just about changing networks; it was about becoming an integral part of a growing brand. At GAF, Wagner has taken on a more powerful role, often producing her own films, which allows her to shape the narrative and tone of her projects. This level of creative autonomy is highly valued by actors who wish to ensure their work reflects their personal vision and commitment to wholesome, family-centric storytelling.

The Highly Anticipated 2025 Christmas Movie

The centerpiece of Wagner's 2025 schedule is her new Christmas movie for Great American Christmas, where she is set to star opposite fellow GAF headliner Trevor Donovan. The film, which has been referred to by working titles such as *A Potluck Christmas* and *Christmas By the Spoonful*, is a major announcement for the network. The movie is described as a heartwarming holiday story, which is a perfect fit for the chemistry Wagner and Donovan have demonstrated in previous collaborations. The plot is expected to center around a cafe owner who returns home for a Christmas potluck dinner for military families, leading to a romantic encounter with someone from her past. This focus on community, family, and military appreciation is a core theme that resonates with both Wagner and the GAF audience.

Jill Wagner’s Life Beyond the Camera: Family, Hosting, and Wellness

While her acting career is thriving, Jill Wagner has always prioritized her roles as a wife and mother, offering a glimpse into a life that is as grounded as it is glamorous.

The Host with the Most: A Look Back at *Wipeout*

Before becoming a queen of Christmas movies, Wagner was best known to a global audience as the dynamic and witty host of the reality competition show *Wipeout*. Her natural comedic timing and ability to interact with contestants made her an integral part of the show's success. This hosting experience showcased a different side of her talent—one of quick wit and genuine enthusiasm—which continues to inform her on-screen presence in her dramatic roles.

Prioritizing Mental Health and Family

In recent years, Wagner has been open about her focus on personal well-being and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. She has two young daughters with her husband, David Lemanowicz, and has spoken candidly about the experience of having a baby later in life, embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood in her 40s. In a move that highlighted her commitment to mental wellness, Wagner announced a temporary hiatus from social media. She explained that she felt "weighed down by all the negativity" and chose to step away to "Choose Happiness." This public declaration resonated with many fans, offering a refreshing perspective on a celebrity who values genuine connection and peace over constant digital presence. This intentional break underscores her commitment to a life that is authentic and fulfilling, a message that is subtly woven into the family-friendly, uplifting content she now chooses to produce.

Why Jill Wagner Continues to Captivate Audiences

Jill Wagner’s enduring popularity stems from a unique blend of relatability, versatility, and a clear commitment to quality, uplifting entertainment. Whether she is hosting a chaotic reality show, fighting werewolves on *Teen Wolf*, or starring in a cozy Christmas romance, her authenticity shines through. Her current exclusive partnership with Great American Family is more than just a contract; it is a statement about her brand. It solidifies her position as a producer and actress dedicated to creating content that is safe, heartwarming, and centered on positive values. With the highly anticipated 2025 Christmas movie on the horizon, fans have much to look forward to from this talented and intentional star. Jill Wagner’s career is a testament to the fact that success in Hollywood can be achieved on one's own terms, prioritizing family and happiness above all else.

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