Melissa Gilbert is celebrating someone near and dear to her heart — her Hallmark co-star Jack Wagner, who just celebrated a major milestone. On Friday, October 3, the Little House on the Prairie alum took to Instagram to share a heartfelt birthday message for Wagner, who turned 66.
The two television icons have found a new kind of chemistry on screen in When Calls the Heart, and Gilbert made it clear how much she values their partnership.
“A very happy birthday to this fine fella!,” Gilbert, 61, wrote in her caption. “He’s the Bill to my Georgie. My partner in crime….solving. I’m so lucky to get to work with him. So happiest of happies to you dearest Jack. Here’s to many, many more!”
Wagner, a soap opera legend known for roles on General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful, joined When Calls the Heart in Season 2 as Judge Bill Avery, a former Mountie who brings justice to the town of Hope Valley.
Gilbert made her debut in Season 12 as Georgie McGill, a forensic accounting investigator from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Her character is introduced as part of a two-episode guest arc, bringing an unexpected connection to the town and to Bill.
However, Georgie’s arrival is more than just a guest appearance. Her storyline is connected to the mystery of the Garrison gang and a trail of rare coins, reopening an unresolved case that links to Bill’s past.
As the investigation unfolds, it turns into something much more personal. In a moment that surprised longtime viewers, Bill and Georgie share a romantic kiss at the end of the episode.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wagner opened up about how this storyline breathed fresh life into his character. “There’s been really nothing romantic for quite a while on When Calls the Heart, except Melissa Gilbert came on last year and is returning, which is awesome,” he added.
“They have a backstory and a history, and I kissed her in the final episode last year. So that sprung a whole well of romance for my character.”
Recognized for his role as Nick Marone on The Bold and the Beautiful, Wagner drew a comparison between the two characters. “The difference in being able to do ‘The Bold and the Beautiful,’ coming back as Nick, are the layers. This guy [Bill Avery] is completely about romance.”
Beyond the scripted drama, Wagner credits Gilbert’s return with unlocking something meaningful in his own creative journey. “Its given me the opportunity to kind of exercise something in myself that has been a little dormant for a while,” he explained. “I’m so grateful.”
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’
