Who Is Lynda Carter?
Lynda Carter, an American actress, singer, and beauty queen, gained widespread recognition after winning the title of Miss USA in 1973. This milestone paved the way for her acting career, leading her to Hollywood. After studying acting in New York, Carter began making guest appearances on television shows like Starsky and Hutch. However, her breakthrough came in 1975 when she was cast as the titular character in Wonder Woman, a role that solidified her as a cultural icon.
Early Life and Career
Lynda Jean Cordova Carter was born on July 24, 1951, in Phoenix, Arizona. As the youngest of three children, Carter nurtured a love for the performing arts, studying classical dance and drama throughout her youth. Her passion for music also led her to perform with her high school rock band.
After briefly attending Arizona State University, Carter left college to pursue a career in music, touring nationally with her band. By 1972, she shifted her focus to modeling, eventually entering and winning the Miss USA pageant in 1973. This victory launched her into the public eye and opened doors to Hollywood.
Wonder Woman
Following her Miss USA win, Carter moved to New York to study acting and began appearing in television shows such as Cos and Starsky and Hutch. Her big break came in 1975 when she was cast as Wonder Woman in the ABC television special. The success of the special led to the creation of a full series in 1976. After its initial run on ABC, the show was picked up by CBS, where it aired for several more years.
Despite initial concerns from television executives about the marketability of a female-led superhero series, Wonder Woman proved to be a hit among both male and female audiences. Reflecting on this, Carter told the Daily Mail, “TV executives didn’t think there was a market for a female holding a show like Wonder Woman. Women were buying all their products, yet men dominated the shows.”
The character’s appeal has endured for decades. On the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman, Carter shared with Variety why the heroine continues to resonate:Carter’s legacy as Wonder Woman remains strong. In 2016, she praised actress Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the character in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, acknowledging the evolution of the superhero while celebrating the enduring values Wonder Woman represents.
Later Projects
After her iconic role as Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter continued to pursue her passions in both music and acting. She performed live in Las Vegas and made guest appearances on popular television series, including Law & Order, Smallville, and Two and a Half Men. In 2005, she appeared in the film adaptation of The Dukes of Hazzard and took on the role of Mama Morton in the West End production of Chicago. Beyond acting, Carter gained recognition as a spokesmodel, representing Maybelline in the 1980s and Lens Express in the 1990s.
In October 2016, Carter joined the cast of the CW’s Supergirl, portraying President Olivia Marsdin in the show’s second season.
Personal Life
In 2008, Carter publicly disclosed her private battle with alcoholism. In an interview with People magazine, she shared that she sought treatment at a rehab clinic in the late 1990s and has maintained her sobriety ever since.
Carter’s personal life includes a marriage to Hollywood producer and manager Ron Samuels from 1977 to 1982. In 1984, she married Washington lawyer Robert Altman, and together they have two children, Jamie and Jessica.