Behind every headline about actress Jill Wagner, there is a man whose story is equally compelling. David Lemanowicz — professional athlete, military officer, and devoted family man — has carved out a life that most people only read about in novels. If you have ever typed “who is Jill Wagner married to” or searched for “Jill Wagner husband,” you already know the name. But there is far more to David than just being someone’s spouse.
| Full Name | David Lemanowicz |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Ethnicity | Polish descent |
| Education | University of Toronto; University of Texas-Pan (Global Security) |
| Profession | Former Professional Hockey Player, US Army Major, TV Producer |
| Spouse | Jill Wagner (married April 2017) |
| Children | Lija Lemanowicz (daughter, prev. marriage), Army Gray Lemanowicz, Daisy Roberta Lemanowicz |
| Residence | Tennessee, USA |
| Net Worth (est.) | $7–$10 million |
This article takes a close look at David Lemanowicz: where he came from, how he built a professional hockey career, why he joined the US Army, and how a chance reunion in Afghanistan led to one of the most unlikely — and genuinely romantic — love stories in Hollywood.
Early Life and Background: A Canadian Boy with Big Dreams
David Lemanowicz was born on March 8, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He grew up in an immigrant family of Polish descent — a background he has spoken about with quiet pride. His upbringing, rooted in hard work and ambition, shaped the disciplined character that would carry him through decades of demanding careers.
He pursued higher education at the University of Toronto, where he developed both academically and athletically. Later, he expanded his studies at the University of Texas-Pan American, earning a degree in Global Security — a subject that would prove directly relevant to his future military service.
Quick Fact: David was born under the Pisces zodiac sign and holds both Canadian and American citizenship, the latter acquired through his service in the US Army Reserve.
David Lemanowicz Hockey Career: From Draft Pick to Professional Player
Ice hockey was David Lemanowicz’s first serious passion, and he pursued it with genuine talent. His career timeline is impressive by any measure.
Drafted by the Florida Panthers
In 1995, Lemanowicz was drafted by the Florida Panthers — a National Hockey League franchise. Being selected by an NHL team is a significant milestone for any young player, and it marked his entry into high-level professional competition. While he did not go on to log official NHL game appearances, the draft selection confirmed his caliber as a player.
A Long Professional Career Across Leagues
From 1991 through 2008, David Lemanowicz played competitively across multiple professional leagues in both Canada and the United States. He moved between teams and organizations, adapting to different systems and coaching styles — a quality that speaks to both his technical skill and mental resilience. His tenure spanned nearly two decades, which is a testament to his dedication and longevity in a physically demanding sport.
After his playing days concluded, he also took up coaching, passing his knowledge of the game to the next generation of players.
Military Service: From the Ice Rink to the Army
After retiring from professional hockey, David Lemanowicz made a decision that surprised many people — he joined the United States Army. The discipline and teamwork he had built on the ice translated naturally into military life.
He enlisted in the US Army Reserve, partly as a pathway to American citizenship. He was stationed at Fort Lewis Military Camp in Tacoma, Washington, and was later deployed to Afghanistan in 2013. That deployment would prove to be one of the most pivotal moments of his personal life as well as his professional one.
Military Milestone: In 2020, David Lemanowicz was promoted to the rank of Major. The ceremony took place on the rooftop of a US consulate in Canada, with Jill Wagner and their daughter Army Gray present. Jill herself helped pin his new rank onto his uniform — a moment the couple has described as deeply emotional.
Jill Wagner Relationships: A Love Story 17 Years in the Making
The story of how David Lemanowicz and Jill Wagner found each other — lost each other — and found each other again is the kind of narrative that screenwriters try to manufacture but rarely capture this authentically.
The First Meeting: North Carolina, Teenage Years
David and Jill first crossed paths when she was just 17 and he was 20. He was passing through North Carolina on hockey business. Jill, by her own account, was immediately smitten. She famously recalled sneaking out of her father’s window late at night to go and meet him. The two went on three dates before David, in his own words, went “missing in action” — a self-deprecating acknowledgment that, at 20, he did not handle the situation with the maturity it deserved.
The Reunion: Afghanistan, 2013
Nearly 17 years passed. Both had lived full lives in the interim. David had pursued his hockey career, married his first wife Gina, had a daughter named Lija, and eventually joined the Army. Jill had built a successful acting career, hosting Wipeout and starring in multiple television productions.
Then, in 2013, Jill traveled to Afghanistan as part of a USO Tour to support American troops. David happened to be deployed there at the time. The two recognized each other at a dinner and reconnected over coffee. At that point, both were in other relationships, and nothing romantic followed immediately. But the seed had been replanted.
They met again later in Los Angeles, and this time, the timing was right. Their relationship moved forward, and after dating for some time, David proposed in 2016.
The Wedding and Married Life
Jill Wagner and David Lemanowicz married in April 2017 at a beautiful ceremony in North Carolina — the same state where their story had begun all those years ago. The location felt intentional: a full-circle moment for a relationship built on perseverance and timing.
Since then, the couple has been known for their openness about family life, frequently sharing glimpses on social media of date nights, farm activities, and their children growing up in Tennessee.
Jill Wagner Children: Building a Family Together
One of the most frequently searched topics around Jill Wagner is her family — specifically her children. Here is what we know about the Lemanowicz family:
Lija Lemanowicz — David’s Eldest Daughter
Lija is David’s daughter from his first marriage to a woman named Gina. Born in 2010, Lija has been warmly embraced by Jill as a stepdaughter. The name Lija reportedly played a partial role in inspiring the choice of names for their subsequent daughters.
Army Gray Lemanowicz — A Patriotic Name
In April 2020, Jill and David welcomed their first child together, a daughter they named Army Gray Lemanowicz. The name was chosen to honor her July 4th conception and the family’s deep military ties. It is the kind of naming decision that tells you everything about what this family holds dear.
Daisy Roberta Lemanowicz — A Scary but Beautiful Arrival
Their second daughter together, Daisy Roberta Lemanowicz, was born in August 2021. The birth came with complications that Jill described as a frightening experience. In the aftermath, she wrote a heartfelt tribute to David, describing how his presence gave her strength when she needed it most. That account, shared publicly, offered a rare and genuine look at who David is as a partner — steady, protective, and deeply committed.
Is Jill Wagner Lindsay Wagner’s Daughter? Setting the Record Straight
Given that both women share a last name and have both appeared on the Hallmark Channel, it is understandable that fans have sometimes wondered whether Jill Wagner and Lindsay Wagner — the iconic star of The Bionic Woman — are related.
The short answer is: no, they are not related in any way. Jill Wagner’s full name is Jill Suzanne Wagner, and she is the daughter of David Wagner, a retired US Marine. She grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and lost her mother shortly after birth, being raised by her father and grandmother.
Lindsay Wagner, born in 1949 in Los Angeles, has two sons — not a daughter named Jill. The two actresses simply share a common surname. Wagner is among the top 200 most common surnames in the United States, making the coincidence less surprising upon reflection. Their connection is professional — both are Hallmark Channel favorites — not familial.
Life Today: Farm Life, TV Production, and Family
Today, David Lemanowicz lives a quieter, grounded life with his family on their Tennessee farm. He has stepped back from active hockey and military missions. Instead, his days are shaped by farm routines — caring for animals, maintaining the property, and being present for his three daughters.
He has also moved into television production, working behind the scenes on Lioness, the show that has contributed significantly to Jill Wagner’s recent visibility. His role as a producer reflects a natural evolution — from athlete to soldier to creative collaborator — always finding a new way to contribute and build.
Net Worth: David Lemanowicz’s net worth is estimated at between $7 million and $10 million, accumulated through his hockey career, military service, and production work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jill Wagner married to?
Jill Wagner is married to David Lemanowicz, a former professional ice hockey player, retired US Army Major, and television producer. They married in April 2017 in North Carolina.
How did Jill Wagner and David Lemanowicz meet?
They first met in North Carolina when Jill was 17 and David was 20. They lost touch for nearly 17 years before reconnecting in Afghanistan in 2013 during a USO Tour. They began their relationship shortly afterward and got engaged in 2016.
How many children does Jill Wagner have?
Jill Wagner has two biological children with David Lemanowicz — Army Gray (born April 2020) and Daisy Roberta (born August 2021). She is also a stepmother to David’s daughter from his first marriage, Lija Lemanowicz.
Did David Lemanowicz play in the NHL?
David Lemanowicz was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the NHL in 1995. While he did not play in official NHL regular-season games, he had a lengthy professional hockey career spanning from 1991 to 2008 across multiple leagues in Canada and the United States.
Is Jill Wagner related to Lindsay Wagner?
No. Jill Wagner and Lindsay Wagner share a last name but are not related. Jill is the daughter of David Wagner, a US Marine from North Carolina. Lindsay Wagner is a separate individual born in Los Angeles in 1949. Wagner is simply a common American surname.
Conclusion
David Lemanowicz is one of those real-life figures whose story genuinely earns the word “remarkable.” From growing up in a Canadian immigrant family to being drafted into the NHL, from serving in Afghanistan to finding love in the most unexpected of circumstances — his life has been defined by reinvention, discipline, and quiet strength.
He is not just “Jill Wagner’s husband.” He is a man who built three distinct careers, served his adopted country, and is raising a family with intention and warmth. If anything, knowing his story makes Jill Wagner’s work feel a little more grounded — because behind the camera, there is a real partnership built on years, shared sacrifice, and a love that took 17 years to finally find its moment.
