Who is Francine Wexler On ‘Lioness’? Meet ‘Heroes’ and ‘Glee’ Alum Jessalyn Gilsig
Just when you thought Lioness couldn’t bring in any more top-tier talent, think again.
Warning! Light spoilers ahead for Lioness Season 3, Episode 5, “The Idiot Army,” now streaming on Paramount+.
Lioness Season 3, Episode 5 introduces FBI Director Francine Wexler, played by Jessalyn Gilsig. Viewers meet Wexler during a meeting where Byron Westfield (Michael Kelly), Kaitlyn Meade (Nicole Kidman), and Edwin Mullins (Morgan Freeman) are present.
While being debriefed on the Lioness program’s latest operation involving sensitive information being given to foreign operatives, Wexler expresses frustration with how the FBI’s been excluded from the mission. She goes as far as to call the operation “complete bullshit,” questioning how operatives like Joe McNamara (Zoe Saldaña) and Kyle McManus (Thad Luckinbill) could avoid adhering to the chain of command.
Though McNamara and McManus arrive and explain themselves, Wexler still has her doubts, and is taken aback after learning that Two Cups (James Jordan) had sex with a stripper as part of the takedown. Ultimately, Wexler declares that “this has gone completely rogue,” but Westfield highlights that “these are enemies of the state actively seeking means to weaken us as a nation,” and that they haven’t broken the law.
Wondering how you might know Jessalyn Gilsig? Meet the latest Lioness Season 3 cast addition below.

Who Plays Francine Wexler On Lioness? Meet Jessalyn Gilsig:
Jessalyn Gilsig is no stranger to the small screen. Glee fans may recognize the 54-year-old Canadian actress from playing Terri Schuster, Glee Club coach Will Schuster’s (Matthew Morrison) wife who fakes her pregnancy, leading to their eventual divorce. Gilsig also played Meredith Gordon, the late Hayden Panettiere‘s biological onscreen mother, in the early aughts drama Heroes.
How To Watch Lioness On Paramount+:
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How To Watch Lioness On Hulu and Amazon:
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