After moving to Hollywood in 1980, he landed a few minor parts, moving into larger roles after landing Call to Glory. Prior to becoming a Hollywood prop maker of historical and theatrical blades, Baker had dreams of becoming an actor. Off-screen, Nielson is the married father of one daughter. As it turned out, the leave of absence could be traced to a hand injury Neilson suffered almost a decade ago after undergoing surgery in 2016, he made his return to the judging panel in episode 8 of season 4. In season three of Forged in Fire, Nielson had fans speculating after he was replaced for several episodes by fellow Master Smith, Jason Knight. After years of pumping out some of the finest knives around from his workshop “Shop in the Woods” in Towanda, Pennsylvania, Neilson’s skills were internationally recognized in 2008 when he was honored with the title of Master Smith by the American Bladesmith Society, a rank only 115 other people in the world hold.
Neilson had already been a master bladesmith for 20 years by the time he made his TV debut on Forged in Fire in 2015. Off-screen, Willis is happily married to Krystle Amina, and has two sons from previous relationships. Somewhere along the way, Willis developed the nickname “Human Swiss Knife” thanks to his proficiency with weapons- a skill he put to good use in 2015 when he came up with the idea of Forged in Fire.
He also made guest appearances on Beerfest (2006), In the Valley of Elah (2007), Sovereign (2015), Last Call with Carson Daly (2011), and An Officer and a Movie (2012).
After graduating, he signed up to Broken Lizard Productions and quickly found himself a hosting gig on the Military Channel’s 2009 reality series, Special Ops Mission. Intent on developing his skills, he studied playwriting and screenwriting at the New York Film Academy. After serving as part of the Air Force Reserve Duty’s 308th Rescue Squadron for a year, Willis retired from the army and began to forge a new career as an actor. From there, he spent almost ten years in the Air Force Para- Rescue Team, earning a Sikorsky Rescue Award in recognition of his bravery in the process. After completing his training, he joined the 3rd Ranger Battalion, where he served for five years. As part of his initial training, he went through both the Advanced Individual Training and the Ranger Indoctrination Program (R.I.P) and the Basic Airborne School. The early exposure to the military lifestyle clearly had an effect, and after completing his high school education, Willis signed up to devote his life (or at least, the early part of it) to serving his country.
Wil Willis - Hostįormer army ranger Wil Willis was born into a military family in 1975 and spent his formative years moving from army base to army base as part of his father’s work. If you haven’t get caught it, get yourself up to speed with our guide to the cast. Now in its seventh season, Forged in Fire’s popularity seems in no danger of waning anytime soon. After rigorous tests and grueling challenges, the contestant’s efforts are judged by a lineup of Master Smiths - a fearsome feat that’s seen grown men weep. Conceived by host Wil Willis in 2015, the show offers contestants the opportunity to win $10,000 (along with being named champion bladesmith) by putting their talents well and truly to the test. If you want a hefty dose of excitement with your reality TV, you’ll struggle to do better than Forged in Fire.