Jack spent his teen years planning on becoming a pro golfer. At that time, performing on stage was just an extracurricular activity for him. After attending the University of Missouri for a year and winning the state golf championship he applied for a golf scholarship to the University of Arizona. He didn't get it, so he decided to audition for the drama program and won a full scholarship. From that point on, golf took second place.
Jack majored in theater in college, attending the Universities of Missouri and Arizona. Soon after moving to Los Angeles, he landed a job as a tour guide for Universal Studios. Retail sales and waiting tables paid the bills for awhile until 1982 when he landed his first professional job as Brent Masterson on the soap A New Day in Eden.
Soon after, Wagner appeared on Knot's Landing, followed in 1983 with his starring role on General Hospital. Portraying rocker Frisco Jones on GH also opened the doors in the music industry to Jack, who taught himself how to play the guitar. Jack was signed to a record deal and released "All I Need", an adult contemporary #1 hit, which was the love song for his character's relationship with Tania.
After a two year hiatus, Jack returned to General Hospital. In 1991, he landed the role of Warren Lockridge on Santa Barbara. When Santa Barbara ended, Jack worked in theater, television guest spots and movies before creating the role of Dr. Peter Burns on Melrose Place, where he remained for five seasons.
Jack has starred in Broadway roles of Westside Story and Grease, both national tours and also starred in Jekyll & Hyde.
Jack helped develop the series Off Course for ESPN in which he gets to know athletes, actors and other notable figures during a round of golf. As a member of the Celebrity Players Tour, Jack has gained respect as one of the top golfers on the tour. Jack is also an avid supporter of AIDS research charities.
PLACE OF BIRTH: Washington, Missouri
DATE OF BIRTH: October 3, 1959
MARITAL STATUS: Married (Separated); Kristina Wagner