Television Pioneers: Lynda Carter’s quest to breaking through all barriers—this is her today.
Lynda Carter became an icon in 1975 when she played Wonder Woman, a rare female action hero at the time. Many small girls, like me, created superhero adventures using tea towels as capes and parents’ tiaras. Many of us still see Lynda as a symbol of courage and beauty today.
Overcoming Challenges
Lynda Carter had to overcome challenges before landing the role of Wonder Woman. She disagreed with producers at the time and lacked acting skills. Nonetheless, she was the right fit due to her talent, attractiveness, and sense of humor.
Lynda, an Arizona native born in 1951, had her first television appearance when she was five years old. She faced difficulties as a young girl, such as comments about her height, which resulted in the formation of an early inferiority complex. Despite these challenges, she valued her childhood and the values it instilled in her.
Seizing the Chances
Lynda’s primary objective was to become a musician, but she found success in the beauty pageant world. She won a local beauty contest and went on to represent Arizona in Miss USA in 1972. She downplayed her status as a beauty queen, but it helped her acquire jobs in the entertainment industry.
Lynda began her acting career with lessons in New York, and despite financial constraints, her perseverance paid off. She was ready to quit up and go home when she received a call suggesting her for the Wonder Woman role.
The Enigma of Wonder Woman
The Wonder Woman television series, based on the iconic superheroine character created in 1941, was a huge success. Fans were captivated by Lynda’s portrayal of Diana Prince and her crime-fighting alter persona. Readers who supported the women’s liberation movement found meaning in the story, and Wonder Woman came to embody female empowerment.
Even though the show had strong feminist implications at first, the network eventually toned them down. Behind the scenes, Lynda challenged gender stereotypes by refusing to be labeled as a stunt performer and advocated for more portrayals of female action heroines.
Beyond Wonder Woman’s Life.
Lynda’s career skyrocketed after her role in Wonder Woman. She had her own musical TV specials, appeared as a guest on popular shows like The Muppet Show, and met President Ronald Reagan. In addition, she formed her own production company and appeared in several television films.
Lynda continued her career in show business, acting in films and even playing the lead in a West End production. Despite having defined her career, Wonder Woman maintained her perspective and appreciated her role to women’s emancipation.
Individual Life and Heritage
Lynda has both highs and lows in her personal life. She married talent representative Ron Samuels in 1977, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1982. She met attorney Robert A. Altman and fell in love as a result. They got married in 1984. After moving to Maryland, they focused on raising their two children.
Lynda was tragically forced to face with her husband’s death in February 2021. She was grieved by Robert’s death, yet she continued to love him and carry on his legacy. She has also celebrated over 20 years of recovery and spoken openly about her alcoholism.
Lynda Carter’s career extends beyond performing. She utilizes her position to empower women and promote equality, making her a role model for many people. Her portrayal of Wonder Woman will be loved forever, and she is a true Wonder Woman in her own right due to her contributions to society and the entertainment industry.
