Jack Wagner reflects on 'brutal' secret filming for 'The Masked Singer' while starring on 'When Calls the Heart'

The soap opera star was revealed as the Eggplant on the hit Fox singing competition show.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Jack Wagner, the longtime soap opera star known for roles on shows like "General Hospital" and "Melrose Place", recently spoke about his experience competing on "The Masked Singer" while simultaneously filming the Hallmark series "When Calls the Heart". Wagner said keeping his "Masked Singer" appearance a secret from his "When Calls the Heart" castmates was "brutal", as he had to travel back and forth between Los Angeles and Vancouver for the two shows. Despite the challenges of the Eggplant costume and performing a Linkin Park song outside his comfort zone, Wagner said it was great to "plug back in" to performing.

Why it matters

Wagner's experience highlights the demands and challenges that come with juggling multiple high-profile acting roles, especially when one involves a secret identity on a hit reality competition show. His story provides a behind-the-scenes look at the lengths actors must go to in order to keep their "Masked Singer" participation under wraps.

The details

Wagner took on the high-energy rock anthem "One Step Closer" by Linkin Park for the "Ozzfest Night" episode of "The Masked Singer", admitting it was outside his musical comfort zone. He also struggled with the limitations of the bulky Eggplant costume, saying he was "constantly adjusting" to perform effectively while "kind of wobbling around". The toughest part, however, was keeping his "Masked Singer" involvement a secret from the cast of "When Calls the Heart", which he was filming concurrently. Wagner eventually had to reveal the truth to the Hallmark show's production team.

  • Wagner was filming season 13 of "When Calls the Heart" while also competing on "The Masked Singer".
  • Wagner's Eggplant performance aired on the "Ozzfest Night" episode of "The Masked Singer" on March 4, 2026.

The players

Jack Wagner

A longtime soap opera star known for roles on shows like "General Hospital" and "Melrose Place", who was recently revealed as the Eggplant on "The Masked Singer".

Hallmark

The network that airs the hit series "When Calls the Heart", which Wagner stars in.

The Masked Singer

The hit Fox singing competition show where Wagner competed in secret as the Eggplant character.

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What they’re saying

“Lincoln Park isn't necessarily my wheelhouse. It was a stretch for me to one, kind of learn more about that band and really try to wrap my head around how I go about really trying to kill this song and selling it.”

— Jack Wagner, Actor (PauseRewind)

“The secret is brutal. Because I was, we were wrapping season 13 of 'When Calls the Heart' and all of a sudden I'm doing 'Masked Singer'. So I'm going back and forth from LA to Vancouver, and the cast is like, what's happening?”

— Jack Wagner, Actor (PauseRewind)

What’s next

Wagner's future involvement with "The Masked Singer" franchise is unclear, as he was eliminated after his Eggplant performance. However, his continued starring role on "When Calls the Heart" means fans can expect to see more of him on Hallmark Channel.

The takeaway

Jack Wagner's experience on "The Masked Singer" showcases the demanding schedules and need for secrecy that top actors must navigate when juggling multiple high-profile projects. Despite the challenges, Wagner relished the opportunity to "plug back in" to performing, demonstrating the passion that has sustained his decades-long career in the entertainment industry.