Actress Jill Wagner lives in a Tennessee town of 800

Jill Wagner trades the high-stakes action of her television work for a quiet existence in a Tennessee town with a population of just 800. The actress, known for her role in 'Lioness,' is currently starring in the holiday film 'A Very Arctic Christmas.' While her career spans intense drama and festive comedies, her off-screen life centers on raising her two daughters on a farm in a community where traditional transportation remains a daily reality.

Wagner moved her family away from the entertainment industry to prioritize a slower pace. She told Fox News Digital that she loves the people in the area and values the small-town mentality. Her background in North Carolina informs her connection to the South. She described a recent visit to the local post office where a Mennonite resident stood in line ahead of her. Wagner took the opportunity to look at the resident's horse and buggy.

The actress explained that she and her husband chose this environment to give their daughters a specific type of childhood. She acknowledged that her daughters may eventually move to larger cities if they pursue careers in entertainment. Wagner left her home state at 17 to start her career, so she understands the pull of bigger opportunities. However, she hopes the rural upbringing will serve as a foundation for them later in life. She described this simpler lifestyle as a gift that her daughters may not fully appreciate until they are older.

On set for 'A Very Arctic Christmas,' Wagner plays Jane, a wildlife conservationist. Her character assists a father and daughter after their holiday cruise veers off course into the Arctic. She reunites with Cameron Mathison for this project. Wagner noted that working with Mathison often leads to laughter during filming. Director Robin Dunne has become accustomed to the pair breaking character. Wagner recalled Dunne rolling his eyes and telling them to bring the scenes in.

The holiday film holds a personal significance for Wagner. She has a tradition of including her daughters in her Christmas movies. When they were younger, they appeared as extras in one of her projects. They sat on Santa's lap during the filming. Now that the girls are older, they understand that the Christmas movie is a distinct genre. Wagner hopes that watching these films will become a lasting family ritual for her daughters and their future families.

Wagner admitted that her daughters are not yet full-fledged farm girls. She said they enjoy the outdoors but do not necessarily like the labor associated with farm work. The family is working on that aspect of their lifestyle. The girls do enjoy running barefoot in the dirt and playing outside for long periods. Wagner plans to add chickens and goats to the farm when her work schedule allows for more time at home. She also mentioned the possibility of getting a horse or pony for the girls in the future.

The family owns Scott Mansion Farms. They use the property to host charitable events. These events benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and Dolly Parton's Children's Hospital. Wagner said the community support for these events is meaningful to her. She described neighbors arriving at the gate to ask how they could help. She said this response reminded her of the kindness in humanity and the value of having good neighbors.

Wagner hopes her daughters will inherit her love for local festivals and community traditions. She described these elements as woven into her fabric. She intends to pass that love on to her girls. She expects they will develop a similar appreciation for these local events. 'A Very Arctic Christmas' premieres on Oct. 29 on Great American Pure Flix. The film will air on Great American Family and GFAM+ on Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. ET.