When Season Eight of Forged in Fire began airing on the History Channel in 2022, lovers had been disappointed to see the display's original host Wil Willis have been replaced. Willis helped guide each season's blade smiths during the grueling pageant year after year. It's protected to mention, the former navy man used to be a fan favourite, and his surprising departure from the show was baffling, to say the least.
Willis spent ten years as an Air Force Pararescueman, and 4 years as an Army Ranger. After he retired from the military, Willis began the usage of his knowledgeable weaponry knowledge as a commentator on more than a few TV shows and even an actor in hit motion pictures. Then, in 2015, he began website hosting Forged in Fire. Season 8 premiered with Ultimate Survival Alaska alum Grady Powell as the new host, and lovers are wondering what took place to Willis.
Updated on January 20, 2023: Wil Willis has stayed out of Hollywood since Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges in 2020. He is now that specialize in life as a husband and father, spending as a lot time with his circle of relatives as he can. Willis is, on the other hand, nonetheless taking time for his passions; in May 2022, he shared on Instagram a knife he was making with a fellow artist. Wil does no longer publish on social media a lot, except for to share knowledge that is on the subject of his middle.
7 Who Is Wil Willis?
The History Channel big name was once born in Portugal in 1975, closing there most effective through his basic school years. His father used to be in the military, so he and his four siblings spent a large number of time transferring from base to base.
His father retired from the army in 1991 and the circle of relatives moved to California. Wil won American citizenship and joined the United States Army after graduating from high school in 1993.
6 Wil Willis' Military Background
Willis used to be a ranger in the 11B2V-Ranger Batallion for four years. He later joined america Air Force in 1998. His army rank was the Air Force Pararescue Recovery Specialist, and he stayed in this position till 2007. After this carrier, he performed yet another year of reserve duty with the Air Force before leaving the military in 2008.
5 Wil Willis Started A Career In Acting
Following his army leave, he still dedicated a lot of his life to it. For the following three years, Willis worked as a teacher of military science and era at Assessment and Training Solutions. His navy background and in depth wisdom ultimately helped him have the opportunity into the entertainment trade.
Starting nonetheless in army primarily based tasks, Wil Willis began working at Broken Lizard Productions, and soon after, started webhosting more than a few military-themed documentary displays, similar to Special Ops Mission and Triggers: Weapons That Changed the World. Along the way he even started showing in films. His appearances over the years come with Beerfest, In the Valley of Elah, Waste of Time, Sovereign, and The German King.
4 What Was His Role On Forged In Fire?
The History Channel premiered this truth festival display again in 2015. The display options blade smiths who try to recreate ancient guns, with 4 judges evaluating them.
With both his wisdom of weaponry and his TV revel in, Wil Willis used to be the easiest choice for the host of the display. Wil's responsibilities were not only hosting the show, but also giving competitors directions and specifications that they must meet for their guns. He additionally provided valuable advice from his non-public enjoy.
Over seven seasons audience grew to like Willis, and he even began internet hosting the spinoff series Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges. So when the show got here back for its eighth season with a new host, lovers have been shocked.
3 Why Did Wil Willis Leave The Show?
In 2017, Willis married realtor Krystle Amina. On March 6, 2020, the couple welcomed a child boy, Flash Orion Willis. Since then, the previous navy man's social media has been ruled through photos of his cute little one. Even over the pandemic and lockdown, Willis was basking in fatherhood and taking part in the time with his family — particularly after the turbulent year that used to be 2020.
Additionally, in a December 2020 episode of the B3f podcast, Willis unfolded about the hard nature of the Forged in Fire filming process. He shared that it takes "three to five days to film an episode," and admitted the process can also be "boring." Although he expressed his appreciation for the display and its staff, his feedback urged he was once able for a brand new journey.
After Willis didn't return to the display, the History Channel issued a observation assuring enthusiasts that Grady Powell will probably be ushering in a brand new generation of Forged in Fire. In the commentary, a spokesperson for the channel said "As with any legacy series that has had the privilege of being on the air for five-plus years, fans will notice new names and faces from time to time. While we appreciate Wil Willis and everything he brought to the series, we are excited to start this new chapter and welcome Grady Powell into the 'forge' as our new host."
Despite the statement, the reaction from enthusiasts proved they had been nonetheless unhappy, with some asking to carry the outdated host back.
2 Who Is Grady Powell?
Grady Powell is a former U.S. Army Green Beret and Senior Detachment Weapons Sergeant. With excursions in Iraq and Northern Africa, Grady is a small palms, mobility, and survival knowledgeable.
After Grady served with distinction in america Army Special Forces, he began coaching army, legislation enforcement and civilians in lifesaving abilities, trauma drugs, and defensive weapon implementation.
1 What's Wil Up To Now?
It turns out in this day and age that Willis is just enjoying being a father. Through his Instagram he posts adventures he has curious about the circle of relatives, holidays, and playing sports in combination. He also has been studying screenwriting at the New York Film Academy, and is interested in continuing his occupation in the industry as a manufacturer and writer.
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