Fans of the Paramount+ series "Lioness" have expressed surprise upon learning that Jill Wagner, who plays CIA operative Bobby, was once the host of the ABC game show "Wipeout."
The popular endurance competition series aired from 2008 to 2014, with Wagner serving as co-host for its entire run. In her role, she interviewed contestants as they navigated or experienced spectacular failures on the show's elaborate obstacle courses.
Wagner recently addressed the fan reaction in an Instagram video, captioning it "Fooled ya." "I'm getting sent this video from all my friends. There is this video out that says I was this many days old when I figured out that the host on Wipeout, that Jill, was Lioness Bobby Jill," she said.
She also highlighted her diverse acting roles, noting her past appearances in "Teen Wolf" as Kate Argent and in Hallmark's "Mystery 101" series as Professor Amy Winslow. "What about if I told you that Lioness Bobby Jill and host Wipeout Jill was also Teen Wolf Kate Argent Jill, is also Christmas movie Jill? I know, it's crazy," Wagner stated. "But here's the thing. Guys, it is our job as an actor to fool you. To make you think we're the characters that we're playing. So, first of all thank you. That's like the biggest compliment, is that you people don't know who I am."
Social media users shared their surprise, with comments ranging from "My mind is blownnnn!!!" and "No way I can’t believe this" to "I knew she looked familiar but couldn't remember from where."
"Wipeout" featured contestants attempting to navigate oversized obstacles such as giant bouncing balls, spinning platforms, and slippery ramps, leading to frequent and often humorous falls. The show cultivated a significant following due to these memorable wipeouts.
Wagner currently stars in "Lioness" alongside Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña. She recently discussed her experiences working with the show's creator, Taylor Sheridan, recounting a challenging moment where she was asked to switch the arm she used to hold her weapon with almost no notice.
"There was one day that Laysla [De Oliveira] and I were trying to get this entrance into the house," Wagner explained. "Cruz and Bobby have to come in and clear the room, and we were having difficulties with some of the angles. Ten minutes before we roll, he comes in and says, 'No, I think you should switch arms. Transition your weapon to your left arm.' And I was just like, 'Hmm... OK. Help me.'"
Despite the difficulty, Wagner noted that the scene ultimately turned out well and is anticipated to be a favorite moment. "Lioness" season three premiered on Paramount+ in August, with its finale scheduled for September 20.