Early Life and Education

Wagner was born on October 3, 1959, in Washington, Missouri, to Peter John Wagner, a car salesman, and Irene M. (née Amberg) Scotty Wagner, a homemaker. He had an elder brother, Dennis Wagner, who unfortunately passed away in 2018 after a nearly two-decade battle with leukemia.

Wagner attended St. Gertrude's parochial school and St. Francis Borgia Regional High School in his hometown, where he was an active athlete, playing football and basketball. He then attended the University of Missouri for a year, followed by junior college, before eventually enrolling at the University of Arizona, where he discovered his passion for drama and golf.

Rise to Fame

Wagner's acting career began in 1982, when he landed the role of Clint Masterson in the short-lived cable soap opera, A New Day In Eden. This led to his breakout role as Frisco Jones on General Hospital, a character he played from 1983 to 1987, and then again from 1991 to 1995, and finally in 2013.

During his time on General Hospital, Wagner formed a supercouple with Kristina Wagner, his real-life wife, who played the character Felicia. Their on-screen romance and real-life marriage garnered significant attention, making them one of the most beloved couples in soap opera history.

Wagner's success on General Hospital led to roles on other popular soap operas, including Santa Barbara, where he played Warren Lockridge from 1991 to 1993, and The Bold and the Beautiful, where he had a recurring role.

Notable Roles and Achievements

One of Wagner's most notable roles was as Dr. Peter Burns on the Fox nighttime soap opera Melrose Place, a character he played from 1994 to 1999. He also directed several episodes of the show.

Wagner has appeared in several made-for-television films, including Lady Killer and Frequent Flyer. He has also had a successful music career, releasing several albums, including "All I Need" and "Don't Give Up Your Day Job."

Throughout his career, Wagner has been nominated for several awards, including two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and two Soap Opera Digest Awards for Favorite Daytime Super Couple.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Wagner has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He has also participated in several celebrity golf tournaments, including the American Century Championship.

In his free time, Wagner enjoys playing golf and has participated in several celebrity golf tournaments. He has also been involved in various business ventures, including a winery and a restaurant.