When I was growing up, it was extremely rare to see female action heroes on television. That’s why Lynda Carter’s portrayal of Wonder Woman in 1975 was such a groundbreaking and iconic moment. Many of us looked up to her as a hero during our childhoods, pretending to be Wonder Woman with makeshift capes and tiaras. And even today, Lynda Carter remains as stunning and inspiring as ever.
When you hear the name Lynda Carter, Wonder Woman is the first thing that comes to mind. The TV series, which premiered during the height of the women’s liberation movement in the 1970s, was one of the few shows with a female lead. And Lynda Carter was the perfect fit for the role, with her talent, beauty, and incredible sense of humor. But it wasn’t an easy journey for her to land the role and achieve stardom. She had to overcome challenges like being a relatively inexperienced actress and facing clashes with producers.
Born in 1951 in Phoenix, Arizona, Lynda Carter made her television debut at the age of 5 on Lew King’s Talent Show. However, she developed a passion for music during her high school years and even performed professionally at a local pizza parlor. Growing up, she faced comments about her height, which gave her an early inferiority complex. But despite these obstacles, she remained resilient and found strength in her moral upbringing, regularly attending church, enjoying picnics, and cherishing the close bond with her sister.
Lynda’s path to stardom took a different turn when she won a local beauty contest in Arizona in 1972. This opportunity led her to represent her state in the Miss USA pageant, where she ultimately finished in the top 15. Although she downplayed her career as a beauty queen, Lynda recognized the inherent cruelty in beauty contests and the limitations they imposed.
In her quest to succeed in show business, Lynda took acting classes in New York and landed minor roles in popular TV series like Starsky and Hutch and Cos. But the competition in Hollywood was fierce, and she nearly ran out of money while pursuing her dreams. Just when she was about to give up and head back home to Arizona, she received a call that changed her life. She was offered the starring role in Wonder Woman, playing the dual characters of Diana Prince and her crime-fighting alter ego. With only $25 in her bank account at the time, Lynda seized the opportunity, and the rest is history.
The Wonder Woman TV series, based on the pioneering superheroine created in 1941, became a massive hit. It not only captivated male viewers with Lynda’s beauty but also inspired countless female writers, viewers, and producers. The show’s early episodes even featured a strong message of female empowerment, aligning with the women’s movement of that era. However, the feminist aspect was later downplayed due to concerns from the network. Despite the challenges, Lynda insisted on performing her own stunts and fought to have a female stunt double hired when necessary.
Lynda Carter’s portrayal of Wonder Woman made her an international star and a symbol of female power. Her beauty and talent earned her the title of “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World” in 1978, and her iconic poster became a best-seller. But fame also came with its challenges, as Lynda had to navigate the objectification and unwanted attention that often accompanied her success.
After the Wonder Woman series ended, Lynda continued to have a successful career in the entertainment industry. She appeared in various TV shows and movies, including Partners in Crime, and even started her own production company. She also ventured into the world of theater, taking on roles like the iconic character Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago.
Despite her numerous accomplishments, Lynda will always be associated with her role as Wonder Woman. She has remained connected to the superhero world, receiving honors from DC Comics and being invited to make a cameo in the 2017 Wonder Woman film. However, due to scheduling conflicts, she was unable to participate but expressed her willingness to do so in the future.
Apart from her successful career, Lynda’s personal life has also been significant. She was married to talent agent Ron Samuels from 1977 to 1982, but the relationship had its challenges. They disagreed on having children, and the marriage ultimately ended in divorce. Lynda found love again when she married attorney Robert Altman in 1984. They had two children together, James and Jessica, and Lynda made the decision to step away from Hollywood and focus on raising her family.
Today, Lynda Carter is still active in the entertainment industry and continues to be an inspiration to many. However, she has faced personal hardships in recent years, including the loss of her beloved husband in 2021. Despite these difficulties, Lynda remains strong and has been open about her journey to sobriety.
Lynda Carter’s influence extends far beyond her on-screen persona. She has used her fame for good, becoming an advocate for women’s empowerment and a role model for fans worldwide. Her portrayal of Wonder Woman has left a lasting impact, reminding us that a powerful and compassionate superhero can inspire women to believe in themselves and men to support equality.
Lynda, thank you for being a true Wonder Woman and for shining your light in a world that needs it. You have truly made a difference, and we admire and support you every step of the way.
