The remarkable journey of Lynda Carter, the actress forever synonymous with the superheroine Wonder Woman, began long before she donned the famous star-spangled costume. Her path to stardom was paved with beauty pageant triumphs and a determined pursuit of performance, starting from her youth in Phoenix, Arizona.
From Desert Stages to Pageant Crowns
Lynda Carter's career in the spotlight started exceptionally early. At just five years old, she made her television debut on Lew King's Talent Show. Her passion for performing grew during high school, where she sang in a band named Just Us. By 15, she was performing in a local pizza parlour to earn money, later joining a band called The Relatives that secured a three-month residency in a Las Vegas casino lounge.
Her big break into the public eye, however, came through the world of pageants. In 1972, the statuesque brunette made a striking impression in a one-piece swimsuit to clinch the Miss Arizona title. This victory propelled her to the national stage, where she won Miss World USA that same year, representing her home state. Her success continued internationally, reaching the Top 15 at the Miss World 1972 competition representing the United States.
Becoming a Global Icon as Wonder Woman
After moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting, Carter's fortunes changed dramatically in 1975 when she was cast as Diana Prince, also known as Wonder Woman. The role made her a household name overnight. She has often recalled that on the day she landed the part, she had just $25 in her bank account. The series ran for three successful seasons until 1979.
While the role cemented her status as a sex symbol, Carter has been vocal about her desire to be seen as a role model rather than a bombshell. "I want women to want to be me, or be my best friend!" she stated in 2017. She also expressed discomfort with being objectified, famously saying, "I never meant to be a sexual object for anyone but my husband."
A Lasting Career and Personal Life
Following Wonder Woman, Carter maintained a steady career in television and film. Her credits include a guest spot on The Muppet Show, the title role in the 1983 biopic Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess, and appearances in films like Super Troopers (2001), Sky High (2005), and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020).
On a personal note, Carter has been married twice. Her first marriage to talent agent Ron Samuels lasted from 1977 to 1982. She then married Washington, D.C. attorney Robert A. Altman in 1984, relocating to be with him and stepping back from Hollywood for several years. They had two children together, James and Jessica. Tragically, Altman passed away in February 2021 at age 73 after a battle with a rare form of leukemia. Carter honoured him with an emotional song release in 2024.
Now 74 years old, Lynda Carter was spotted looking fabulous earlier this month in Washington, D.C., proving that the allure and grace of the woman who brought Wonder Woman to life for a generation remains undimmed.
