Melissa Gilbert joined Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart” in season 12 to play an old acquaintance of Jack Wagner’s character, Bill Avery. She has revealed she will be back in season 13, and as fans anticipate the return of WCTH, Gilbert posted a sweet birthday message for her beloved co-star.
Melissa Gilbert Gushed Over WCTH Co-Star Jack Wagner on His Birthday
On October 3, Gilbert took to Instagram to wish “A very happy birthday to this fine fella!” She shared a photo showing her with Wagner on the “When Calls the Heart” set and tagged Wagner’s Instagram page.
Gilbert added, “He’s the Bill to my Georgie. My partner in crime….solving. I’m so lucky to get to work with him.” She continued, “So happiest of happies to you dearest Jack. Here’s to many, many more!”
The “Little House on the Prairie” alum also added a slew of hashtags to the bottom of her Instagram caption.
Many of the hashtags were simple, as they included the network and show, along with some basics like “birthday,” “friendship,” and “costars.” She also made one that read, “half pint and frisco jones,” referencing her “Little House on the Prairie” character and Wagner’s “General Hospital” one.
Fans Are Eager to See More of Wagner & Gilbert Together in Season 13
While Wagner and Gilbert have known one another for years, it wasn’t until recently that they officially played love interests with her casting on “When Calls the Heart.” She only appeared in two episodes in season 12, where it was revealed that McGill and Avery had a romantic past.
In June, Wagner talked to Entertainment Weekly and referenced Gilbert. “There’s been really nothing romantic for quite a while [for Bill] on ‘When Calls the Heart,’ except Melissa Gilbert came on last year and is returning, which is awesome.”
Some fans may remember that Wagner and Gilbert both competed on season 14 of “Dancing with the Stars,” back in the spring of 2012, as well.
Neither Wagner nor Gilbert won the Mirrorball Trophy, though. Wagner and his partner, Anna Trebunskaya, were eliminated second. Gilbert and her partner, Maks Chmerkovskiy, were eliminated eighth. Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd won that season.
Hallmark fans adored Gilbert’s birthday tribute to Wagner. Many commented with birthday wishes of their own, or left strings of heart-related emojis to show their love.
One fan noted, “They have a terrific chemistry on screen. I hope we get to see more of them [on WCTH].”
Another fan gushed, “Happy Birthday, Loved him since Frisco Jones!”
“Happy Birthday, Jack. Nice shout out, Melissa,” read someone else’s comment.
“They made a good couple on tv,” noted an additional fan.
Season 13 of “When Calls the Heart” is expected to debut sometime in 2026. It is not yet known how many episodes Gilbert will be in, but fans will be eager to see what lies ahead for Georgie and Bill.
