This host, actress, do-gooder extraordinaire talks red carpets, building guitars, making best friends, online bullying, her new film with Jason Momoa and what she’s learned from hosting Handcrafted America premiering its 2nd season on October 21st at 9:30PM ET on INSP.
So Jill Wagner's name popped across my screen and I was like – “Okay, my three hatchlings LOVE crafts and making things, like when we went to Henry Ford's Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI over the summer, where the hatchlings made their own brass candlesticks...” – and at that moment I knew I had to interview Jill.
Plus I like flannel.
Little did I know that Jill Wagner has a heart of gold.
Definitely check out Jill's show Handcrafted America if you're interested in learning new things. I am totally interested in learning about JILL, so here we go!
You’re touring the country for your award-winning show Handcrafted America premiering October 21st on INSP. What’s the one greatest lesson you’ve learned from the artisans you’ve met?
They’re so incredibly talented. Their level of artisanship takes years of work. It takes dedication, passion and above all... patience. That’s the key lesson. I can get a little frustrated not getting things right the first time. This has been a humbling experience, learning from people who are masters in their fields.
You host; act; look great on carpets; get down and dirty on the show working with your hands. What's one thing that you’re terrible at?
I’m terrible at every single thing I try to make on this show!!! I break something in every workshop... Maybe don't print that ... No one will want to be on the show. [FROM ILANA: Maybe nothing, Jill! It's going to print!]
You stay busy! Starring on Teen Wolf, hosting Wipe Out. You have an upcoming film as well. What moved you to choose Handcrafted America?
I felt a connection with it from the moment I read the synopsis. I feel very protective of it like it’s my child or something. Being completely honest, I wanted to host it for selfish reasons at first. I wanted to travel around this amazing country, go to its remote parts, to meet some uber-talented people.
Who wouldn't want to learn how a guitar is made or see what actually makes a pair of skis so strong? It took me filming the first episode to realize that's not what this show is about and not why I love it so much.
The people we meet are the diamonds of America. What they do is like magic. Even more special is how humble they are -- some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I’m honored to tell their stories and introduce America to them.
You’re in the action film Braven (2017). Tell us about your character.
Stephanie Braven is Joe Braven’s wife. She’s a skilled archery instructor which helps a lot when she has to protect her husband and daughter. Stephanie is a strong character, those kind of roles I’m drawn to. I also like to have a bow in my hand, just not when it's 20 degrees outside.
We shot in Newfoundland. It was super cold and snowy most of the time. A carbon fiber bow holds zero heat, so most of the time you see me holding my bow....I can't feel my fingers.
Jason Momoa produces Braven. Did you meet on Stargate: Atlantis? Any fun stories?
Jason was actually my first acting partner in class. The teacher paired us up and it all went downhill from there… hahahah!!! He’s been one of my dearest friends since moving to L.A. 15 years ago. The first show we worked on together was The North Shore -- shot in Hawaii where Jason’s dad lives. Then I was cast as Larrin on Stargate Atlantis. As far as funny stories… None he’d want me to tell you. :)
What’s your relationship status? How does traveling for work affect your home life?
I’m engaged. It feels good to say that :-) I travel a lot. That could be hard on my home life, but we’re lucky he has a remote position, so he’s able to travel with me.
We see you on the red carpet a lot. What was your first time like?
It was for the People’s Choice Awards. I got my makeup done for the first time by Darais, who is now one of my best friends and will be my "man of honor”. I didn't have an all-day adventure getting ready. It was pretty short and sweet, but I did get a best friend out of it. Red carpets have never been my favorite thing. I’d rather sneak by and get to the event, so I can find the food.
What were your childhood interests?
I took ballet and really enjoyed dance. I tried piano but always cheated and memorized my music, so I never really learned how to read it. I loved music and can remember sitting in my room waiting for the top-40 countdown, so I could record it on my tape player ... God I just aged myself. [FROM ILANA: Yep, you sure did!
Tell us about being raised by your father and grandmother.
I have a brother named Brandon. We were pretty much raised by my dad since I was five years old. My father is someone who I admire immensely. He’s where I get my spirit and childlike energy. We call him the "white buffalo”-- haha! He’s one of the most real, down-to-earth people I know -- a simple man with this light that radiates from him that is anything but simple. If you meet him, you’ll never forget him.
His mother is such a strong female force in my life. She’s still a sounding board for me. I trust her advice. They both believed in me, gave me belief in myself when I wanted to move to California.
Without those strong roots, I don't know where I’d be. I remain grounded because of the way I was brought up, and I value that most about myself.
Life with my dad was only challenging when I tested his patience, like climbing out my window going to bars on school nights when I was 17 or having my brother lie for me, meeting up with a guy at 15 though I couldn't date until 16... My troubles growing up always revolved around boys. Shocker.
What frustrates you in life, and how do you deal with it?
It frustrates me when people hiding behind keyboards bash people they don't know. Words really affect the hearts and minds of human beings. It's sad how we speak to and about one another. The feeling you get from being kind far outweighs the feeling you get from stepping on someone's emotions. I try to go into the world with love in my heart, and that's all I can do. Lead by example.
If you had 12 hours of free time -- work’s not calling; social media isn't beeping, would you flip out, "Am I in the Twilight Zone?!" Or be so busy in your head you wouldn't realize 12 hours passed without interactions?
I love and respect what the Internet does and will continue to do for humanity, but I adore my time away from it all. My fiancé has a cabin in the wilderness where my phone doesn't work. I love it when we go and disconnect for awhile. It's going to be my New Year’s resolution to put down my phone and live in the moment more. I love to document moments, but it's always better in my memory than on my phone.
What advice do you have for today's youth?
I’ll give you the advice that my father gave me that helped me the most through my youth. Be who you are. Remain true to your spirit. If you don't know who you are yet, take time and find out. Ask yourself what you believe in, what’s important to you and stand up for those things. So many people just follow others blindly. Believe in who you are, and be that person.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I work with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise money to cure all blood cancers.
Growing up, my cousin had leukemia and was given a 5% chance at living. She’s healthy and happy with a family of her own now. I want to give back to the people that helped her. The best way I know how to do that is by helping to find a cure for this awful disease! If anyone out there wants to help me in my fight, please visit their Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Any amount helps, and you also get major "feel good" vibes :-)