Jack Wagner Ex-Wife, Who's When Calls the Heart's Bill Married to in Real Life?

June 2024 · 4 minute read

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When Calls the Heart has spurred real-life romances, from Erin Krakow and Ben Rosenbaum to Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace. One of the Hallmark series’s leading actors is Jack Wagner, a former Soaps star. Who is Jack Wagner’s ex-wife, and did she also appear on When Calls the Heart? Keep reading to find out.

Jack Wagner plays Bill Avery, a lawman and forensic investigator, on Hallmark Channel’s drama series When Calls the Heart. His character arrived in Hope Valley for a mine explosion investigation in Season 1. Over the years, Avery has become a staple in the community and has held essential roles throughout the town’s administration, including sheriff and interim mayor. In the most recent season, his storyline has revolved around helping Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) find the assailant who shot Lucas (Chris McNally).

More: Meet the When Calls the Heart cast’s real-life partners

However, Soap fans will remember that Wagner played General Hospital’s Frisco Jones from 1994 to 2013 and Nick Marone in The Bold and the Beautiful from 2003 to 2012. Wagner also appeared in The Bold and the Beautiful‘s 35th anniversary reunion episode in 2022. Wagner is also known for his roles as Dr. Peter Burns in the nighttime soap Melrose Place and as Mick Turner in the Hallmark film series Wedding March.

If you watched Wagner on General Hospital, you’re likely family with the actor’s ex-wife, another General Hospital star he was married to for 13 years. Keep reading to learn about their relationship and whether they are on good terms.

Who is Jack Wagner’s ex-wife?

GENERAL HOSPITAL - Shoot Date: October 10, 1984. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) KRISTINA WAGNER (AS KRISTINA MALANDRO);JACK WAGNER

Who is Jack Wagner’s ex-wife? Jack Wagner was formerly married to his General Hospital co-star, Kristina Wagner. The couple’s romance began on the set of the popular soap. “Being thrown together on set in a romantic way, I think it was inevitable,” Kristina said in a 2016 interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I don’t know how you could avoid it.”

Kristina starred opposite Wagner on General Hospital as his love interest, Felicia Cummings. The pair announced their relationship to the public when Kristina became pregnant with their son, Peter Wagner, in 1990. They tied the knot three years later and had their second son, Harrison, in 1994.

More: See the When Calls the Heart cast’s children and families in real life

Although Jack and Kristina broke up in 2001, they called off their divorce in 2004. Less than two years later, they split again, and their divorce was finalized in 2006. There is no bad blood between the pair, and they have stayed on good terms since their divorce. Kristina even guest starred on When Calls the Heart in 2015 as Bill’s estranged wife.

“Sure enough, I passed [the idea] by her, she started on the show and it’s just been fantastic,” the actor told Us Weekly in 2015. “I know that the emotion and the real beauty that Kristina had on General Hospital, the chemistry our characters had, really builds through this season.”

He added that they get “along great. He continued, “We’re very present parents and very good friends. It’s very unique. We still love each other very much.”

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - NOVEMBER 22: (L-R) Son Harrison Wagner, daughter Kelly, actor Jack Wagner and son Peter Wagner arrive at the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2011 Concert at Universal CityWalk on November 22, 2011 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)

Unfortunately, Jack and Kristina went through an unimaginable loss in June 2022 when their youngest son, Harrison, lost his battle with addiction at the age of 27.

In 2016, Harrison went missing for several days. At the time, Jack said he feared for his younger son’s safety. “I’m going to ask those who want to share their fears, addictions & struggles to do so w me via Twitter. We can face them 2gether, I’ll start. I fear for my youngest sons safety. Harrison has struggled w drugs & alcohol just as I did when I was younger. He’s relapsed & is MIA 5 days,” the actor penned on Twitter. A few days later, Jack confirmed that he was “in touch” with Harrison.

More: The most shocking exits from When Calls the Heart over the years

On the first anniversary of Harrison’s death, Kristina shared a video of her late son on Instagram. “We shot this video on Araby Trail and here I am posting it on the first anniversary of Harrison’s death,” she penned. “His words are comforting to me. It’s brutally painful to loose my boy. I still believe in open mindedness, happiness, and love and I still have hope for wishes come true. Thank you Harrison.”

When Calls the Heart is available to stream on Peacock.

For more on When Calls the Heart romances, check out our gallery below to find out who the cast is dating and married to in real life.

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