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Lynda Carter
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Lynda Jean Carter (born July 24, 1951) is an American actress, singer, and beauty pageant contestant, best known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the television series Wonder Woman, aired on ABC and later on CBS from 1975 to 1979. Before her acting career, she was crowned Miss World USA in 1972 and finished in the top 15 at the Miss World 1972 pageant.[4]

Key Information

Carter has appeared in a wide range of films and television series. She appeared in films such as Super Troopers (2001), and Sky High (2005), Super Troopers 2 (2018), and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), where she made an uncredited cameo as Asteria. She also had a recurring role as U.S. President Olivia Marsdin on the series Supergirl (2016–2018). Additionally, she has participated in various television specials and series, including Two and a Half Men (2013), and The Muppet Show (1980).

Carter has received several honors throughout her career. In 2014, she was awarded a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. In 2016, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gracie Awards. Carter was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018. In 2022, she was recognized with the Sor Juana Legacy Award by the National Museum of Mexican Art for her contributions to the arts, and later that year, she was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

Early life

[edit]

Carter was born in Phoenix, Arizona, the daughter of Juana (née Córdova) and Colby Carter.[1][5] Her father is of English and Irish ancestry, and her mother, whose family came from Chihuahua, Mexico, is of Mexican, Spanish, and French descent.[6][7] She has one brother, Vincent, and one sister, Pamela.[8] Carter made her public television debut on Lew King's Talent Show at age 5. During high school, Carter performed in a band called Just Us. The band included a marimba, a conga drum, an acoustic guitar, and a stand-up bass which was played by another girl in the group. At age 15, Carter began singing in the local pizza parlor to earn extra money.[9] When she was 16, she joined two of her cousins in another band called The Relatives. Actor Gary Burghoff was the drummer for the band. The group opened at the Sahara Hotel and Casino lounge in Las Vegas for three months; because Carter was under 21 she had to enter through the kitchen.[10]

In 1970, Carter successfully auditioned for and then sang on tour with The Garfin Gathering and bandleader Howard (Speedy) Garfin. Their first performance together was at the Holiday Inn Chinatown, a San Francisco hotel so new that it had no completed sidewalk entrance. Consequently, they played mostly to the hotel staff and hotel guests who parked their cars in the underground garage.[11] The Garfin Gathering toured the Nevada "Silver Circuit", playing shows in many of the state's casino lounges between Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Reno, and Las Vegas. In 1972, Carter decided to leave the Garfin Gathering to pursue an acting career, returning to Arizona.[12]

Career

[edit]
Left to right: Carter as Miss World USA 1972, Priscilla Barnes, Betty Jo Grove, with Bob Hope at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD.

In 1972, Carter won a local Arizona beauty contest and gained national attention in the United States by winning Miss World USA 1972, representing Arizona.[13] In the international Miss World 1972 pageant, representing the United States she reached the Top 15. She took acting classes at several New York acting schools during the early 1970s. One of her acting partners during this time was future CBS president Les Moonves.[14] Carter made her first acting appearance in "Roots of Anger", an episode of the 1974 police drama Nakia.[15] She began making appearances on such TV shows as Starsky and Hutch and Cos, as well as appearances in several "B" movies including the cult classic Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw.[16]

Wonder Woman

[edit]
Main article: Wonder Woman (TV series)
Carter as Wonder Woman in 1976

Wonder Woman, the fictional superhero character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, was created by the American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston and artist Harry G. Peter in 1941. Conceived in the wake of the popularity of Superman, Marston designed his creation as counter-programming to the Man of Steel. The Diana Prince/Wonder Woman character is also called the Amazing Amazon, the Spirit of Truth, Themyscira's Champion, and the Goddess of Love and War. Wonder Woman was an instant hit with readers and became the most prominent DC comic book female superhero.[17]

Carter's acting career took off when she landed the starring role on Wonder Woman in 1975, as the title character and her secret identity, Diana Prince. The savings she had set aside from her days of touring on the road with her band[18] to pursue acting in Los Angeles were almost exhausted. Carter has publicly stated that, on the day she got the part, she had $25 in the bank. She was close to returning to Arizona when her manager informed her that Joanna Cassidy had lost the role and Carter had the part of Wonder Woman. Carter's earnest performance greatly endeared her to both fans and critics. As a result, she continues to be closely identified with Wonder Woman.[12]

The Wonder Woman series lasted for three seasons, from 1975 to 1979. It first aired on ABC, and later on CBS. Carter's performance, rooted in the character's inherent goodness combined with a comic-accurate costume and a catchy theme song, made for a depiction that was considered iconic.[17] After the show ended, Carter told Us that "I never meant to be a sexual object for anyone but my husband. I never thought a picture of my body would be tacked up in men's bathrooms. I hate men looking at me and thinking what they think. And I know what they think. They write and tell me."[19] The 2018 journal article "Casting a Wider Lasso: An Analysis of the Cultural Dismissal of Wonder Woman Through Her 1975-1979 Television Series" argued that the show strongly adapted Wonder Woman's ideals but "was suppressed, undone, and discredited" by American culture as part of a larger legacy suppressing the character.[20]

In 2017, Carter explained her perspective of portraying the Diana Prince/Wonder Woman character. Carter says she got the role back in 1975 largely because she looked the part, which was both a blessing and—as one of the show's producers warned her—a curse, saying that "Oh, women are going to be so jealous of you." Carter had responded, "Not a chance. They won't be, because I am not playing her that way. I want women to want to be me, or be my best friend!". As Carter describes portraying Wonder Woman, "There is something about the character where in your creative mind for that time in your life where you pretended to be her, or whatever the situation was, that it felt like you could fly".[21]

In 1985, DC Comics named Carter one of the honorees, in the company's 50th anniversary publication Fifty Who Made DC Great, for her work on the Wonder Woman series.[22]

In 2007, DC Direct released a 13-inch (330 mm) full-figure statue of Carter as Wonder Woman, limited to 5,000 pieces;[23] it was re-released in 2010.[24] Also in 2010, DC Direct began selling a 5+1⁄2 in (140 mm) bust of Carter's Wonder Woman to celebrate the 75th anniversary of DC Comics.[25]

During production of the 2017 Wonder Woman feature film, director Patty Jenkins approached Carter to appear in a cameo role in the film, as Carter confirmed, "Patty asked me to do a cameo in this. She was in England, and I was doing my concerts," explaining she had singing engagements that made her unavailable. "At that time we couldn't get our timing together. So, this next time, if she writes me a decent part, I might do it."[26] Carter did make a cameo in the post-credits scene of the sequel film, Wonder Woman 1984 where she plays Asteria, the "Golden Warrior" of the Amazons.[27]

Carter holds dear the new film and the character introduced more than 75 years ago. "Many actresses or actors, they want to divorce themselves from a role because we are actors, we really aren't the people that we play. But I knew very early on that this character is much more than me certainly, and to try to divorce myself from the experiences that other people have of the character is silly," she said.[26]

Music and promotional work

[edit]

While Wonder Woman was being produced, Carter was well recognized and in demand for promotional work. In 1978, Carter was voted "The Most Beautiful Woman in the World" by the International Academy of Beauty and the British Press Organization.[28] She had also signed a modelling contract with Maybelline cosmetics in 1977.[18] In 1979, she appeared in a Diet 7Up commercial along with comedian Don Rickles.

Carter was the first woman to provide a voiceover for a movie trailer, as she did for the 1975 film The Drowning Pool.

Carter continued to pursue her interest in music. During the late 1970s she recorded the album Portrait. Carter is credited in several variety television programs for being a co-writer on several songs and making numerous musical guest appearances. She also sang two of her songs in a 1979 Wonder Woman episode, "Amazon Hot Wax".

In 1977, Carter released a promotional poster through Pro Arts at the suggestion of her then-husband and manager, Ron Samuels. The poster was very successful despite Carter's dissatisfaction with it. In 1981 during an interview on the NBC television special Women Who Rate a 10, she said:

It's uncomfortable because I just simply took a photograph. That's all my participation was in my poster that sold over a million copies, was that I took a photograph that I thought was a dumb photograph. My husband said, "Oh, try this thing tied up here, it'll look beautiful". And the photographer said "the back-lighting is really terrific". So dealing with someone having that picture up in their... bedroom or their... living room or whatever I think would be hard for anyone to deal with.[29]

For Apocalypse Now (1979) she was originally cast in the role of Playboy Playmate Bunny, but the filming of her scenes was interrupted by the storm that wrecked the theater set prompting a delay of nearly two months for rebuilding. By the time director Francis Ford Coppola was ready to shoot again, Carter's contractual obligations to Wonder Woman had forced her back to the States and her scenes were reshot with Colleen Camp. The only evidence remaining of Carter's involvement are the Playboy centerfolds that were specially shot by the magazine as movie props, and a glimpse of Carter's pinup in the Redux version.

Life after Wonder Woman: music, film and television

[edit]
Carter greeting President Ronald Reagan in 1981
Carter at Larry King's birthday party in 1993
Carter greeting President Bill Clinton at a movie screening outside the Family Theatre of the White House in 2000

After Wonder Woman ended, Carter had many opportunities in music, film, and television. In 1980 Carter initially made a guest appearance on The Muppet Show. In the episode's running gag, Kermit the Frog repeatedly reminds the other Muppets that their guest is Carter and not Wonder Woman. This is to no avail as the Muppets ineptly attempt to become superheroes by taking a correspondence course and Miss Piggy portrays "Wonder Pig", a spoof of Carter's television character.

She was quickly given a variety of her own musical TV specials, including Lynda Carter's Special (1980), Encore! (1980), Celebration (1981), Street Life (1982), and Body and Soul (1984). She landed the title role in a biographical film about actress Rita Hayworth (born Margarita Carmen Cansino) titled Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess (1983).

Carter's next major role after Wonder Woman was in the crime drama television series Partners in Crime with Loni Anderson in 1984. She then portrayed Helen Durant in the 1989 CBS television film Mike Hammer: Murder Takes All where she booby-traps Las Vegas entertainer Johnny Roman (Edward Winter), her husband Doctor Carl Durant, and his employee accountant Brad Peters (Jim Carrey) causing their deaths.

Throughout the 1990s, Carter appeared in a string of television movies which resulted in a resurgence in television appearances for her. She appeared in commercials for Lens Express (now 1-800 Contacts). Around that time Carter created her own production company, Potomac Productions. In 1993, Carter expanded her performance resume to include voice-over work as the narrator for the Sandra Brown book Where There's Smoke.[30]

21st century

[edit]

Because of the resyndication of Wonder Woman on cable networks like FX and SyFy, Carter participated in two scheduled on-line chat sessions with fans.[31] In 2000, Carter hosted the I Love 1978 episode of BBC2's I Love the '70s. In 2004, she won an award for being the "Superest Superhero" on the Second Annual TV Land Awards the same year. When an announcer reported that an invisible plane was double-parked illegally and needed to be moved before it was towed, she performed her spinning transformation once again after 25 years, although a younger actress wore the star-spangled outfit at that moment.

Carter performed in a variety of film roles, making up a majority of her film work in the 2000s. In 2001, she was cast in the independent comedy feature Super Troopers, as Vermont Governor Jessman. The writers and stars of the film, the comedy troupe Broken Lizard along with the director Jay Chandrasekhar had specifically sought Carter for the role. Inspired by the character detour from her usual roles, she agreed to play a washed-up, former beauty queen in The Creature of the Sunny Side Up Trailer Park (2004) which was directed by Christopher Coppola.

Carter made her first appearance in a major feature film in a number of years in the big-screen remake of The Dukes of Hazzard (2005), also directed by Chandrasekhar. She appeared in Disney's action comedy film Sky High (2005) as Principal Powers, the headmistress of a school for superheroes. The script allowed Carter to poke fun at her most famous character when she states: "I can't do anything more to help you. I'm not Wonder Woman, y'know." In 2006, she guest-starred in the made-for-cable vampire film Slayer. The following year Carter returned to the DC Comics' television world in the Smallville episode "Progeny" (2007), playing Chloe Sullivan's Kryptonite-empowered mother.

Carter's voice-over work included video games, performing voices for the Nord and Orsimer (Orc) females in two computer games of The Elder Scrolls series beginning in 2002, and including The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, as well as playing a singer in a subway-converted bar in 2015's Fallout 4. These games were developed by Bethesda Softworks; her husband Robert A. Altman was chairman and CEO of Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media.

From September to November 2005, Carter played "Mama Morton" in the West End London production of Chicago.[32] In 2006, her rendition of "When You're Good to Mama" was officially released on the Chicago: 10th Anniversary Edition CD box set. In May 2007, Carter began touring the U.S. with her one-woman musical cabaret show, An Evening with Lynda Carter. She played engagements at such venues as Feinstein's at Loews Regency in New York, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Razz Room in San Francisco, and the Catalina Jazz Club in Los Angeles. In June 2009, her second album, At Last was released and reached No. 10 on Billboard's Jazz Albums Chart.[33] In June 2011, Carter released her third album, Crazy Little Things which she describes as a delightful mix of standards, country, and pop tunes.[34] In 2015, Carter wrote and recorded five original songs for the video game Fallout 4 in which she herself stars.[35][36][37] An EP of the songs from the game's soundtrack was released on iTunes on November 6, 2015.[38] The song "Good Neighbor" from the EP was nominated by NAVGTR for best song under the category of Song, Original or Adapted.[39] In 2018, Carter released her fourth album titled Red, Rock n' Blues with her All-Star Band which featured two vocals with her daughter, Jessica Altman. She continues to perform her concerts nationally at venues including The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, Feinstein's at the Nikko in San Francisco, the Franklin Theater in Nashville, and Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC. Carter performs with her All-Star Band and presents her special guest, Jessica Altman. Jessica released her own EP No Rules in early 2020.[40]

Recent work

[edit]
Carla Hayden and Carter at the Library of Congress's Library of Awesome event on the United Nations, the 2017 film Wonder Woman, and feminism (2017)

Carter is among the interview subjects in Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle, a three-hour documentary narrated by Liev Schreiber that premiered on PBS in October 2013.[41]

Carter, fellow Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot, DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson, Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins, and U.N. Under-Secretary General Cristina Gallach appeared at the United Nations on October 21, 2016, the 75th anniversary of the first appearance of Wonder Woman to mark the character's designation by the United Nations as its "Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls".[42][43] The gesture was intended to raise awareness of UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.[42][43][44] However the decision was met with protests from UN staff members who stated in their petition to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that the character is "not culturally encompassing or sensitive", and served to objectify women. As a result, the character was stripped of the designation and the project ended on December 16.[44]

In 2017, Carter rejoined the Warner Bros./DC Comics film and television family on the second season of The CW's Supergirl television series in the role of President Olivia Marsdin.[45] Executive producer Andrew Kreisberg described Carter's presence on the show as "a big stand to necessitate Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) and the DEO protecting her".[45]

Personal life

[edit]
Carter as the Grand Marshal at the Gay Pride parade in Washington, D.C. in 2013

Lynda Carter and French singer Michel Polnareff had a romantic relationship in 1973 before she played the role of Wonder Woman.[46][47]

Carter has been married twice. Her first marriage was to her former talent agent, Ron Samuels, from 1977 to 1982, a period in which she has publicly stated that she was very unhappy. On January 29, 1984, she married Washington, D.C., attorney Robert A. Altman, law partner of Clark Clifford and later co-founder CEO of ZeniMax Media.[13] She left Hollywood in 1985 to join her husband in Washington, D.C., for a few years. Carter and her husband have two children: James Altman (born January 14, 1988)[48][49] and Jessica Carter Altman (born October 7, 1990).[13][50] The couple lived in a Potomac, Maryland[13] home they built in 1987, shortly before the birth of their son.[48] The 20,000-square-foot (1,800 sq.meters) Georgian-style mansion was profiled in the premiere issue of Closer magazine in November 2013, as well as on HGTV.[48]

In 1993, after a lengthy and highly publicized jury trial stemming from Altman's involvement with the Bank of Credit and Commerce International and its secret acquisition of First American Bankshares Inc., he was acquitted.[51] Carter was seen on the TV news with her arm around him, declaring, "Not guilty! Not guilty!" to the gathered reporters. On February 3, 2021, Altman died at a hospital in Baltimore owing to a battle with myelofibrosis, a rare form of leukemia. He was 73.[52][53]

Carter is a Democrat who campaigned for Hillary Clinton during the 2016 United States presidential election.[54] She also endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election[55] and Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

In 2003, Carter revealed that her mother had suffered from irritable bowel syndrome for over 30 years, leading to Carter touring the country as an advocate and spokeswoman.[56] Carter is also a staunch advocate and supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure,[57] abortion rights,[58] and legal equality for LGBT people. She was the Grand Marshal for the 2011 Phoenix Pride Parade, the 2011 New York Pride Parades,[59][60] and the 2013 Capital Pride Parade in Washington, D.C.[61] In 2010 she served as Grand Marshall for the Washington, D.C., AIDS Walk.

In a June 4, 2008, interview with People magazine, Carter stated that she had in the past entered a rehabilitation clinic for treatment of alcoholism and that she had been sober for nearly 10 years. When she was asked what the recovery process had taught her, Carter said that the best measure of a human being is "how we treat the people who love us, and the people that we love".[62]

Honors

[edit]

In 1985, DC Comics named Carter as one of the honorees in the company's 50th anniversary publication Fifty Who Made DC Great for her work on the Wonder Woman series.[22]

In 2014, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to Carter's career. Carter's dedication is the 369th honoree on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.[63]

In 2016, Carter received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gracie Awards.[64] The Gracie Awards ceremony is presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWM), since 1975.[65]

On April 3, 2018, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (HCC) proudly honored Carter with the 2,632nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star is at 6562 Hollywood Boulevard in the television section. HCC President and CEO Leron Gubler unveiled the star with the assistance of guest speakers, director Patty Jenkins and former CBS chairman Leslie Moonves.[66]

On September 17, 2022, the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago honored Carter with the Sor Juana Legacy Award for her outstanding contributions to the arts. The Sor Juana Legacy Award recognizes women of Mexican descent for their lifetime achievements.[67]

On December 13, 2022, Carter was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.[68]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Film Role Notes
1976 Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw Bobbie Jo Baker
1993 Lightning in a Bottle Charlotte Furber
2001 Super Troopers Governor Jessman a.k.a. Broken Lizard's Super Troopers
2004 The Creature of the Sunny Side Up Trailer Park Lynette a.k.a. Creature
2005 Sky High Principal Powers
The Dukes of Hazzard Pauline Powers
2006 Tempbot Mary Alice Short film
2007 Tattered Angel Hazel Anderson
2018 Super Troopers 2 Governor Jessman a.k.a. Broken Lizard's Super Troopers 2
2020 Wonder Woman 1984 Asteria Cameo; mid-credits scene
2021 The Cleaner Carlene Briggs

Television

[edit]
Year Show Role Notes
1974 Nakia Helen Chase 1 episode
1975 Matt Helm Bobbi Dee 1 episode
1975 The New Original Wonder Woman Lead role: Diana Prince / Wonder Woman TV pilot to the show
1975–1979 Wonder Woman Diana Prince / Wonder Woman 59 episodes
1976 A Matter of Wife... and Death Zelda TV movie
Starsky & Hutch Vicky "The Las Vegas Strangler" 2 episodes
1976 Break the Bank Herself - panelist TV series, 1 episode
1976 Cos Herself TV series, 1 episode
1976–1980 Dinah! Herself - Guest TV series, 6 episodes
1976 Battle of the Network Stars Herself - ABC Team TV special
1976 A Special Olivia Newton-John Herself - Wonder Woman TV special
1976 The Hollywood Squares (Daytime) Herself - Panelist TV series, 1 episode
1977 Circus of the Stars Herself - Performer TV special
1977 The 34th Annual Golden Globe Awards Herself TV special
1977 The Jacksons Herself - Musical Guest TV series, 1 episode
1977 CBS Galaxy Herself - Guest TV Special, 1 episode
1977 The 29th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Herself - Presenter TV special
1977 Circus of the Stars #2 Herself - Performer TV special
1978 The 35th Annual Golden Globe Awards Herself TV special
1978 Happy Birthday, Bob Herself TV special
1978 Grease Day USA Herself - Premiere Guest TV special
1978 The 30th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Herself - Nominee TV special
1978 People Herself TV series, 1 episode
1979 The 6th Annual American Music Awards Herself - Presenter TV special
1979 The Lynda Carter Special Herself - Host & Singer TV special
1980 Lynda Carter Encore! Herself - Host & Singer TV special
The Last Song Brooke Newman TV movie
The Muppet Show Herself 1 episode
1981 Born to Be Sold Kate Carlin TV movie
1981 Lynda Carter's Celebration Herself - Host & Singer TV special
1982 Lynda Carter: Street Life Herself - Host & Singer TV special
1982 Hotline Brianne O'Neill TV movie
1983 Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess Rita Hayworth TV movie
1984 Lynda Carter Body and Soul Herself - Host & Singer TV special
1984 Partners in Crime aka Fifty-Fifty Carole Stanwyck TV series, 13 episodes
1987 Stillwatch Patricia Traymore TV movie
1989 Mike Hammer: Murder Takes All Helen Durant TV movie
1991 Daddy Charlotte Sampson TV movie
a.k.a. Danielle Steel's Daddy
Posing: Inspired by Three Real Stories Meredith Lanahan TV movie
a.k.a. I Posed for Playboy
1994–1995 Hawkeye Elizabeth Shields 22 episodes
1996 When Friendship Kills Kathryn Archer TV movie
a.k.a. A Secret Between Friends: A Moment of Truth Movie
She Woke Up Pregnant Susan Saroyan TV movie
a.k.a. Crimes of Silence
1997 A Prayer in the Dark Emily Hayworth TV movie
1998 Someone to Love Me Diane Young TV movie
a.k.a. Someone to Love Me: A Moment of Truth Movie
a.k.a. Girl in the Backseat
1999 Family Blessings Lee Reston TV movie
a.k.a. LaVyrle Spencer's 'Family Blessings'
2002 20/20 Herself TV series, 1 episode
2003 Terror Peak Dr. Janet Fraser TV movie
Hope & Faith Summer Kirkland 1 episode
2005 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Lorraine Dillon 2 episodes
Law & Order
2006 Fox & Friends Herself TV series, 1 episode
2006 Slayer Colonel Jessica Weaver TV movie
2007 Smallville Moira Sullivan Episode: "Progeny"
2007 Where Are They Now? Guest - Herself (Wonder Woman) TV series, Australia, 1 episode
2013 Two and a Half Men Herself 1 episode
2013 Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle Herself Documentary series
2014 Skin Wars Guest judge 1 episode
2016–2018 Supergirl U.S. President Olivia Marsdin Recurring role; 5 episodes
2016, 2020 CBS This Morning Herself - Guest TV series, 2 episodes
2017, 2020 Access Hollywood Herself - Guest TV series, 3 episodes
2020, 2022 NBC Today Show Herself - Guest TV series, 3 episodes
2021 GMA3: What You Need To Know Herself TV series, 1 episode
2021 DC FanDome 2021 Herself TV special
2021 Tamron Hall Herself - Guest TV series, 1 episode
2021 The 15th Annual CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute Herself - Presenter TV special
2023 The Morning Show Guest - Herself TV series, Australia, 1 episode

Video games

[edit]
Year Game Role Notes
2002 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Female Nords
2003 The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon
2006 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Female Nords, Female Orcs
2011 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Gormlaith Golden-Hilt, Azura
2014 The Elder Scrolls Online Azura[69]
2015 Fallout 4 Magnolia
2017 The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind Azura
2019 Rage 2 Phoenix

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Album title Label Catalogue No. Format
1978 Portrait Epic Records JE 35308 LP, CD, Digital Download
2009 At Last Potomac Productions PP 4001 CD, Digital Download
2011 Crazy Little Things Potomac Productions PP 4003 CD, Digital Download
2015 Fallout 4 (Original Game Soundtrack) Bethesda Softworks B01MUFVB97 Digital Download
2018 Red Rock N' Blues Potomac Productions PP 4005 CD, Digital Download

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Label Catalogue No. Format
1973 "It Might As Well Stay Monday"/"I Believe In Music" EMI Records UK EMI 2005 7" Vinyl
1978 "Toto (Don't It Feel Like Paradise)"/"Put on a Show" Epic Records EPIC 8–50569 7" Vinyl
"All Night Song" (Promo) Epic Records EPIC 8–50624 7" Vinyl
1980 "The Last Song"/"What's a Little Love Between Friends" Motown Records UK TMG 1207 7" Vinyl
2021 "Human and Divine" Potomac Productions Digital Download
2023 "Rise Up" Potomac Productions Digital Download
2024 "Letters from Earth" Potomac Productions Digital Download
"Pink Slip Lollipop" Potomac Productions Digital Download

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lynda Carter

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lynda Jean Carter (born July 24, 1951) is an American actress, singer, producer, and former titleholder best known for her portrayal of the superheroine in the eponymous ABC and television series that aired from 1975 to 1979. Carter began her career as a singer and competed in beauty pageants, winning the USA title in 1972 and placing in the top 15 at the international competition. Her breakthrough came with the role of Diana Prince / , which showcased her physical prowess and charisma, redefining the portrayal of female superheroes on television during the . Beyond , Carter has pursued a music career, releasing albums such as and performing live to sold-out crowds, while also engaging in and producing projects. She received a star on the in recognition of her contributions to .

Early Life

Family Background and Childhood

Lynda Carter was born Linda Jean Córdova Carter on July 24, 1951, in , to Colby Carter, an antiques dealer of English, Irish, and Scots-Irish descent, and Juana Córdova, a Mexican immigrant from Chihuahua with Spanish and French ancestry who worked as a homemaker. Her parents' , marked by passion but eventual discord, dissolved in 1961 when Carter was 10 years old, instilling in her an early appreciation for family bonds amid personal upheaval. She grew up alongside an older brother, , and an older sister, Pamela, in a household reflecting her mixed and Mexican heritage, which influenced her bilingual abilities and cultural identity. As a child in Phoenix, Carter displayed early performative talents, making her television debut at age 5 on Lew King's Talent Show, a local Phoenix program that showcased young performers and foreshadowed her later entertainment pursuits. Her upbringing in Arizona's diverse environment, combined with her mother's Mexican roots, exposed her to varied cultural influences, though specific details on daily childhood activities remain sparse in primary accounts. The family divorce prompted adjustments, but Carter has credited her parents' emphasis on resilience and familial value as formative, shaping her approach to personal challenges without descending into acrimony.

Education and Early Interests

Carter grew up in , where she attended local schools including Elementary School in nearby Scottsdale and received a Roman Catholic religious education, taking her at age nine. She later enrolled at Arcadia High School in Phoenix, graduating in 1969, and may have briefly attended High School earlier in her teenage years. From a young age, Carter displayed interests in performance and music; she began , playing guitar, and composing songs around age ten, finding solace in these activities amid personal challenges. By her mid-teens, she channeled teenage frustrations into music, starting to sing professionally at fifteen, and during high school she participated in and while forming and performing with a rock band called Just Us. Carter was also an avid reader of Wonder Woman comic books in her youth, a interest that later aligned with her iconic role. After high school, Carter briefly enrolled at in Tempe but soon dropped out to tour nationally with her band and pursue singing opportunities, prioritizing performance over formal higher education. This early focus on music and entertainment, rather than completing a degree, reflected her self-directed path toward a career in the arts, influenced by her talents and the nomadic lifestyle of touring groups.

Pre-Fame Career

Beauty Pageants and Modeling

Carter participated in beauty pageants starting in 1972, when, at age 21, she won a local contest in her home state of . This victory advanced her to the pageant, held that year in , where she was crowned the national winner, representing as Lynda Jean Córdoba Carter. As , she competed at the international pageant in , , on November 1, 1972, advancing to the semi-finals among 54 contestants. Following her pageant achievements, Carter transitioned into modeling in 1972 to support herself financially while seeking acting roles. She signed with a modeling agency in the early and appeared in various modeling photographs, leveraging her 5-foot-9-inch stature, brunette features, and pageant-honed poise for commercial work prior to her television breakthrough. This period marked her initial foray into professional image-based endeavors, distinct from her later on-screen persona.

Initial Entertainment Ventures

Carter began her professional entertainment pursuits with singing, having performed in high school bands such as Just Us, which featured instruments including marimba, keyboard, and accordion, and made nightclub appearances starting at age 14. Her earliest televised performance occurred at age five on Lew King's Talent Show, foreshadowing her multifaceted entry into show business. Following her 1972 Miss World USA title, Carter shifted focus toward acting, taking classes in New York before relocating to to pursue opportunities in television and film. She secured her first acting role in 1974, appearing as a guest in the episode "Roots of Anger" of the ABC police drama Nakia, starring . That year, Carter continued building her resume with additional television guest spots, including appearances on the spy series and the crime drama . These early roles, often minor, provided initial exposure in Hollywood and preceded her audition for the pilot in 1974, though she was not cast at that time.

Acting Breakthrough

Casting as Wonder Woman

Following the failure of the 1974 ABC pilot starring , which aired on March 12, 1974, and received low ratings while straying from book origins by setting the story in the present day without the iconic costume, producers revamped the project to align more closely with William Moulton Marston's creation. Executive producer , drawing from his experience with comic adaptations like Batman, selected Lynda Carter for the lead role in the new pilot The New Original . Carter, then 23 years old and known primarily as with minimal acting credits, had auditioned unsuccessfully for the prior pilot, where network executives deemed her an "untried actress" and questioned the viability of female-led action series. Cramer advocated for Carter without requiring a full audition process, utilizing existing screen tests and pairing her with for chemistry reads, ultimately convincing ABC to cast the relative unknown despite resistance to unproven talent. This casting decision facilitated the pilot's production, which premiered on November 7, 1975, and secured a series commitment after positive reception.

The Wonder Woman Television Series

The Wonder Woman television series featured Lynda Carter in the dual role of Amazon princess Diana Prince and her superheroine alter ego, , who used her powers including , agility, and her to combat threats while working as an agent for . The series began with a two-hour pilot telefilm titled The New Original Wonder Woman, which aired on ABC on November 7, 1975, attracting 48% of the audience share. This was followed by the first season of 14 episodes, broadcast from April 21, 1976, to December 17, 1976, also on ABC, with storylines set during where aided U.S. Army Major , played by , against and spies. ABC declined to renew the series after the first season due to insufficient ratings in its time slot, but acquired it for the 1977–1978 season, retitling it The New Adventures of Wonder Woman to reflect an updated contemporary 1970s setting. This shift involved leaving again to assist Jr.—still portrayed by Waggoner—in fighting modern villains such as international criminals and rogue scientists, with Diana Prince employed at a women's called the Women's Liberation Front. The second season comprised 24 episodes airing from September 16, 1977, to May 19, 1978, followed by a third and final season of 24 episodes from September 16, 1978, to September 8, 1979, before cancellation amid declining viewership. Carter's performance emphasized Wonder Woman's compassionate yet determined nature, incorporating her background as a former beauty queen to infuse the role with poise and physicality, including partial stunt work such as lasso scenes. The series was produced by , with episodes typically featuring campy action, invisible jet sequences, and moral lessons aligned with the character's origins created by in 1941. Signature elements included Wonder Woman's transformation via a spinning change from Diana Prince's attire into her star-spangled costume, which became iconic despite budget constraints limiting .

Reception and Cultural Impact

The Wonder Woman television series, starring Lynda Carter, garnered significant commercial success during its run from 1975 to 1979. The pilot episode, aired on ABC on November 7, 1975, performed strongly in ratings, prompting the network to commission a full season despite initial plans for a limited run. The show transitioned to in 1977, completing three seasons with 60 episodes, reflecting sustained viewer interest in an era of adaptations. Audience reception was largely positive, with Carter's portrayal praised for its authenticity and charm; user reviews on rate the series at 7.0 out of 10, highlighting her as the definitive embodiment of the character. Critically, the series received mixed responses, often characterized as campy yet entertaining emblematic of television. While some reviewers appreciated the chemistry between Carter and co-star , as well as the respectful depiction of the characters' abilities, others viewed it as lightweight compared to more serious dramatic fare. Carter herself has addressed ongoing debates framing as either a "pinup girl" or feminist icon, asserting that the character resists such reductive categorizations and was portrayed as a strong, unapologetic advocating for others. Carter's interpretation left a lasting cultural legacy, establishing as a television icon and influencing subsequent depictions of female superheroes. Her performance emphasized accessibility and relatability, with audiences aspiring to emulate or befriend the character, embedding her in popular consciousness as a symbol of grace, strength, and justice. The role propelled Carter to enduring fame, with fans frequently citing her as the superior portrayal amid reboots, underscoring the series' role in popularizing the Amazonian heroine for a broad demographic. This impact extended beyond the airwaves, contributing to 's status as a beacon of rooted in traditional heroic values rather than contemporary ideological overlays.

Criticisms of the Portrayal

Certain feminist critics argued that Carter's portrayal in the 1970s television series transformed from a subversive symbol of female dominance—rooted in William Moulton Marston's exploring themes of submission and matriarchal power—into "all-American cheesecake," emphasizing visual appeal over intellectual or activist depth. This view held that the show's light-hearted, episodic adventures diluted the character's original intent as a critique of patriarchal structures, prioritizing entertainment value in a male-gaze-oriented medium. The series' costume and transformation sequences, including Carter's signature spin, were cited for amplifying , with the star-spangled outfit seen as objectifying rather than empowering, echoing broader concerns about superheroines reduced to pin-up figures. Producers reportedly doubted pre-airing that female viewers would embrace Carter's revealing wardrobe, reflecting internal apprehensions about the portrayal's alignment with empowerment ideals amid gender norms. Carter herself countered such critiques by emphasizing her intent to depict as supportive of women without antagonism toward men, yet debates persisted on whether the visual focus overshadowed substantive heroism. Deviations from comic lore, such as simplified Amazonian origins and omission of elements like the invisible jet in early episodes, drew ire from purists who felt the adaptation sacrificed mythological richness for accessible TV tropes, contributing to perceptions of the character as superficial. Media scholar Susan Douglas critiqued the portrayal for reinforcing rather than challenging feminine stereotypes, arguing it confined Wonder Woman's agency within conventional beauty standards despite surface-level strength displays. These elements, combined with the era's campy production style, led some to view the series as a missed opportunity to elevate the feminist icon beyond episodic spectacle.

Music and Variety Career

Album Releases and Singles

Carter's debut studio album, , was released in May 1978 by in formats including vinyl LP, 8-track, cassette, and a limited-edition . The album comprised ten tracks blending pop covers and originals, with Carter co-writing three songs: "Want to Get Beside You," "Toto (Don't It Feel Like Paradise)," and another. Key tracks included "All Night Song" (4:47), a cover of "" (3:09), "Fantasy Man" (4:39), and the title single "Toto (Don't It Feel Like Paradise)" (3:31). Two singles preceded or accompanied Portrait: a promotional 7-inch single "It Might as Well Stay Monday" in 1973 on , predating her fame, and "Toto (Don't It Feel Like Paradise)" backed with "Put On a Show" in 1978 on Epic, available in regions including Canada and Mexico. "All Night Song" was also issued as a single in 1978. In 1980, Carter released "The Last Song" as a single on , marking her sole recording with the label during this period.
Release TypeTitleYearLabelNotes
Album1978EpicDebut studio album; pop genre with covers and originals.
SingleToto (Don't It Feel Like Paradise) / Put On a Show1978EpicFrom Portrait; international releases.
SingleAll Night Song1978EpicLead track from Portrait.
SingleThe Last Song1980Standalone single.
Carter's early music efforts aligned with her variety television specials in the late 1970s and early , though none achieved significant chart success. Subsequent albums, such as in June 2009 on Potomac Productions, marked a return to recording after a two-decade hiatus, peaking at No. 10 on Billboard's Jazz Albums chart.

Promotional and Endorsement Work

Carter released promotional singles for "All Night Song" and "Toto (Don't It Feel Like Paradise)" to support her debut album Portrait in May 1978. Tracks from the album, including performances of these singles, appeared in her inaugural musical television special, Lynda Carter Special, aired on CBS in April 1980, which featured guest appearances by Kenny Rogers and Leo Sayer. She followed with four additional CBS specials—Encore! (October 1980), Celebration (April 1981, with Ray Charles and Jerry Reed), Street Life (April 1982), and Body and Soul (1984)—each highlighting her vocal performances alongside variety acts and celebrity guests to extend her music career visibility post-Wonder Woman. During this period, Carter endorsed Maybelline cosmetics as a spokesmodel beginning in 1977, serving as the brand's beauty and fashion director by 1980 and appearing in print and television ads for products like Moisture Whip Moisturizer (1981) and Moisture Whip Lipstick (1984). In 1979, she starred in a Diet 7Up commercial with Don Rickles, leveraging her post-Wonder Woman fame for product promotion. These endorsements, peaking in the late 1970s and early 1980s, aligned with her album releases and specials, capitalizing on her public recognition for commercial opportunities.

Later Acting Roles

1980s and 1990s Projects

Following the conclusion of Wonder Woman, Carter transitioned to made-for-television films in the , often portraying resilient women in dramatic and thriller scenarios. In The Last Song (1980), she starred as Lainie Wexler, a singer stalked by an obsessed fan, highlighting themes of personal vulnerability and pursuit. She followed with Born to Be Sold (1981), playing Linda Randell, a mother who discovers her newborn was sold on the and embarks on a desperate recovery effort. Hotline (1982) featured Carter as Lynn Evans, a volunteer at a who confronts a killer targeting callers. Carter portrayed in the biographical TV movie Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess (1983), depicting the actress's rise from dancer Margarita Cansino to Hollywood icon, including her marriages and career struggles. The production emphasized Hayworth's transformation and on-screen allure, with Carter performing musical numbers such as "." Later in the decade, Stillwatch () cast her as Patricia Traymore, an investigative journalist probing a senator's past while unraveling her own traumatic family history tied to a murder-suicide. These roles showcased Carter's versatility in suspense-driven narratives, though the films received mixed critical reception for their formulaic plotting. In the 1990s, Carter took on the lead in the syndicated adventure series Hawkeye (1994–1995), portraying Elizabeth Shields, a widowed innkeeper and love interest to the titular frontier scout played by Lee Horsley. Set during the French and Indian War, the series comprised 22 episodes across two seasons, blending action, romance, and historical elements inspired by James Fenimore Cooper's works, with Carter's character providing emotional depth amid wilderness perils. She continued with TV movies such as She Woke Up Pregnant (1996), as Susan Saroyan, a woman discovering artificial insemination led to unintended consequences; A Prayer in the Dark (1997), playing Emily Hayworth in a family thriller; Someone to Love Me (1998), as Diane Young, addressing abduction and survival; and Family Blessings (1999), where she depicted a mother navigating grief and new relationships. These projects sustained her television presence, focusing on maternal and empowered female leads in crisis situations.

2000s to Present Television and Film

In the early , Carter took on supporting roles in several films. She appeared as a Vermont State Trooper in the Super Troopers (2001), a film about antics that grossed over $23 million worldwide on a $3 million budget. She followed with a role as Coach Campbell in the family film Double Dare (2003). In 2005, she played Principal Powers, the head of a training academy, in the Disney family film Sky High, which earned $86.1 million at the . That same year, she portrayed Pauline Hazzard, mother to the protagonists, in the action- , a of the 1970s–1980s TV series that grossed $111.7 million globally. Carter's television work in this period was limited, with guest spots and minor projects, but she made a notable return to prominence in the 2010s through recurring roles in superhero media. From 2016 to 2018, she appeared in five episodes of series as President Olivia Marsdin, a character revealed to be an alien Martian in disguise, drawing on her iconic legacy. In 2018, she reprised a law enforcement theme by playing Governor Jessman in , the sequel to her 2001 film, which focused on border patrol satire and earned $30.8 million domestically. In the 2020s, Carter continued selective appearances tying back to her superhero roots. She had an uncredited cameo as Asteria, the ancient Amazon warrior and predecessor to , in Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), directed by , which grossed $169.6 million amid pandemic release challenges. In , she starred as Carlene Briggs in the TV movie The Cleaner, a drama about addiction recovery. Her output has remained sporadic, prioritizing quality over quantity, with no major leading roles but consistent nods to her enduring cultural association with strong female characters.

Voice Work and Guest Appearances

Carter provided voice work for the Daedric Prince Azura in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, released on May 1, 2002. She contributed additional voices, including those for female Nord characters, to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which launched on March 20, 2006. In Fallout 4, released November 10, 2015, Carter voiced Magnolia, the singer performing at the Third Rail bar in the game's Diamond City settlement, and recorded original songs for the role. She later voiced Phoenix, a key ally in the Authority resistance, in the first-person shooter Rage 2 on May 14, 2019. In addition to video games, Carter's voice appearances include a 1993 narration for the audiobook adaptation of Sandra Brown's novel Where There's Smoke. Carter's guest roles on live-action television in the 2000s and 2010s often drew on her iconic status. She portrayed con artist Lorraine Dillon in the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode "Design," which aired October 4, 2005, and reprised the character in the Law & Order crossover episode "Flaw," broadcast October 5, 2005, where Dillon and her daughter evade initial charges before involvement in a new crime. In Smallville's season 6 episode "Progeny," aired April 19, 2007, she played Moira Sullivan, the mother of Chloe Sullivan, depicted as empowered by Kryptonite exposure and linked to metahuman experiments. Carter appeared as herself in Two and a Half Men season 11 episode "Justice in Star-Spangled Hot Pants," which debuted November 7, 2013, involving a setup for a date with Alan Harper amid comedic romantic entanglements. She also guest-starred in The Thundermans season 4 finale episode, aired October 12, 2017.

Personal Life

Marriages and Children

Carter married her , , on May 28, 1977. The union ended in divorce on February 1, 1982, after approximately four and a half years, with no children born to the couple. Carter later reflected that the marriage occurred hastily, as Samuels was the first to propose, amid the pressures of her rising fame following . In January 1984, Carter wed attorney and video game executive in a ceremony that marked the beginning of a 37-year marriage. Altman, who founded , died on January 3, 2021, at age 73 from complications related to , leaving Carter widowed. The couple resided primarily in , prioritizing family life over Carter's Hollywood career during this period. Carter and Altman had two children: son , born January 14, 1988, and daughter Jessica Carter Altman, born October 7, 1990. James has pursued interests in music and production, while Jessica has followed a path in entertainment, notably appearing alongside her mother at events and sharing a striking physical resemblance. Both children were raised in a stable family environment in , with Carter emphasizing her role as a devoted mother post-.

Battle with Alcoholism and Recovery

Lynda Carter developed in her twenties amid an unhappy first to , using alcohol to cope with personal dissatisfaction in a manner common to many individuals facing similar relational stress. The problem intensified after her tenure as concluded in 1979, when the pressures of transitioning from fame, including career uncertainties and emotional voids, overwhelmed her ability to manage without substances. Seeking treatment, Carter admitted herself to a residential rehabilitation facility in , where she confronted the depths of her dependency through structured intervention and support. During this period of acute struggle, she described reaching a spiritual nadir, pleading with for deliverance from the addiction's grip. By 2022, Carter had maintained sobriety for over two decades, crediting sustained recovery to personal and communal rather than fleeting willpower alone. Carter has since leveraged her platform to advocate for recovery, delivering keynote addresses such as at the Council on Recovery's 2016 event, where she highlighted addiction's familial ripple effects and the value of hope-driven narratives. In April 2025, at a observance, she recounted her journey to , underscoring that true progress in involves aiding fellow strugglers, a principle drawn directly from her rehabilitative experiences. Her openness counters the isolation often perpetuated by celebrity stigma, emphasizing empirical patterns of relapse triggers like unresolved trauma over generalized moral failings.

Family Dynamics and Recent Events

Lynda Carter maintains a close relationship with her two children, James Altman and Jessica Carter Altman, born during her 37-year marriage to the late businessman and attorney Robert A. Altman, who died on February 3, 2021, from complications related to myelofibrosis. James, born in 1988, has pursued a career in the video game industry, serving as director of publishing operations at Bethesda Softworks, with credits including Fallout 76 and as an executive producer on the Fallout television adaptation. Jessica, born in 1990, has followed creative paths, releasing music such as the single "Trick of the Light" on October 17, 2025, and joining her mother at high-profile events. Carter frequently expresses pride in their achievements via social media, marking milestones like James's 37th birthday on January 14, 2025, and Jessica's birthday on October 7, 2025. The family has navigated grief following Altman's death, with Carter describing him as "the great love of my life" in interviews reflecting on their shared life and parenting. Public appearances underscore their bond, including Carter and Jessica attending the Paley Center for Media's 2025 Honors Gala on May 19, 2025, where their physical resemblance drew attention, and the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025. These events highlight a dynamic of mutual support, with Carter often crediting her children for providing stability amid personal and professional transitions. Recent family-related disclosures include Carter's June 13, 2025, post addressing protests, where she referenced her mother's experience as a immigrant to critique immigration enforcement actions by and the , framing it as a "family secret" tied to her heritage and philanthropic outlook. No public reports indicate estrangements or conflicts among Carter, James, or Jessica, contrasting with her separate political disagreements with her sister Pamela Carter over legislative races in 2024.

Political Engagement

Public Endorsements and Activism

In September 2024, Carter publicly endorsed Democratic candidates Kelli Butler and Karen Gellert in their bid for House District 8, explicitly opposing her sister Pamela Carter's Republican campaign for the same seats. Carter stated, "I have known Pam my entire life, which is why I sadly cannot endorse her for this or any public office," in response to Pamela's campaign claim of having "family's full support," which Carter described as misleading. Carter has voiced support for Democratic figures in prior election cycles, including a 2016 post praising as a friend known for 33 years and affirming her positive personal political views in Clinton's favor. In July 2024, she posted on thanking President for his service and contributions to the American people following his decision not to seek re-election. Carter engages in online activism via social media, particularly on reproductive rights; following the 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, she tweeted in support of access and criticized related state laws. In June 2024, she appeared at an event in advocating , highlighting former President Donald Trump's past statements on punishing women for s and allowing states to prosecute or monitor pregnancies. She has also opposed Florida's 2022 Parental Rights in Education Act, dubbing it "don't say gay" legislation in public commentary. Beyond electoral endorsements, Carter supports organizations aligned with progressive causes, including for LGBTQ advocacy and ADAPT Community Network for disability rights, as listed on her official website's charity endorsements. She advocates for Alzheimer's research and awareness, motivated by her mother's 2011 death from the disease, participating in events to raise funds and visibility.

Stances on Social Issues

Carter has publicly advocated for abortion rights, particularly in response to the 2022 decision in Dobbs v. that overturned . In interviews and social media posts, she has criticized restrictions on reproductive access, framing them as threats to women's , and engaged actively in online discourse urging preservation of such rights. On transgender issues, Carter has expressed strong support for LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing respect for trans individuals' identities and opposing rhetoric that blames trans women for undermining cisgender women's rights. In a July 2022 tweet, she stated, "I cannot think of anything that helps women's rights less than pinning the blame on trans women. They face so much violence and scrutiny as is," while calling for an end to the "war on women" that includes trans women. She has reiterated this in interviews, linking it to her portrayal of Wonder Woman as a symbol of transformation and resilience resonating with the community, and affirmed that "life is just too short" not to affirm trans identities. Regarding gun violence, Carter supports stricter controls, including secure firearm storage and measures to prevent guns from being the leading among children and teens. In May 2024, she partnered with Moms Demand Action, stating, "Guns should never be the leading for our children and young adults," and advocated for maternal activism on the issue. She has endorsed youth-led protests like the 2018 , while clarifying her belief in the right to own guns conditional on proving trustworthiness, implying support for enhanced background checks. Carter's positions align with broader advocacy for women's equality, as evidenced by her 2024 honor from for embodying limitless potential in female empowerment, though she has distanced herself from conservative family members holding opposing views on , , and inclusion.

Familial Political Conflicts

Lynda Carter's sister, Pamela Carter, ran as a Republican candidate for District 4 in the 2024 election, advocating positions including opposition to abortion, resistance to recognition, and support for in schools. Pamela Carter described herself as part of "God's media army" and had previously worked on Trump's presidential campaign. On September 16, , Lynda Carter endorsed Pamela's Democratic opponents, Karen Gresham and Kelli Butler, urging voters in the district not to support her sister. This action highlighted a public rift, as Pamela had claimed to possess her "family's full support" in campaign materials, a statement Lynda Carter contested as misleading in remarks provided to investigative reporting. The endorsement underscored ideological differences between the sisters, with Lynda Carter aligning consistently with Democratic causes, including prior support for Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign and criticism of conservative policies on issues like abortion rights. Pamela Carter's campaign, by contrast, emphasized socially conservative and Trump-aligned priorities, contributing to the familial discord made explicit by Lynda's intervention. No prior public familial political clashes of comparable scale have been documented, positioning this 2024 episode as the primary instance of overt conflict.

Honors and Legacy

Awards and Recognitions

Carter was crowned in 1972 before winning the Miss World USA title later that year, representing the at the international pageant where she placed in the top 15. She also received recognition as the Most Beautiful Woman in the World from the of Beauty and the British Press Organization. In her acting career, Carter earned Primetime Emmy nominations for episodes of , including Outstanding Achievement in Makeup for "The New Original Wonder Woman" in 1976 and for "Anschluss '77" in 1978. Her CBS specials garnered Emmy wins, such as for Lynda Carter's Celebration in 1981 for Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety or Music Program and Outstanding Achievement in . Additional nominations followed for technical aspects of specials like Lynda Carter: Body and Soul in 1984 and Lynda Carter: Street Life in 1983. Later honors include the Woman of the Year award in 1983, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in 2014, and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the in 2016 from the Alliance for Women in Media. In 2018, she received a star on the in the television category, the 2,632nd such honor, positioned at 6562 . In 2025, Carter was awarded the Honors for her portrayal of on the show's 50th anniversary.
YearAward/RecognitionDetails
1972Miss World USANational titleholder, top 15 at .
1981Primetime EmmyWins for Lynda Carter's Celebration (Art Direction and Choreography).
2016Lifetime Achievement Award.
2018Star in Television category.

Enduring Influence and Recent Tributes

Carter's portrayal of from 1975 to 1979 established her as an enduring icon of female empowerment and strength in American . Her performance emphasized the character's compassion alongside physical prowess, influencing subsequent depictions and contributing to Wonder Woman's status as a feminist symbol. This legacy has persisted, with Carter's version often cited for adding layers of sophistication and emotional depth to the role, comparable to iconic portrayals like Christopher Reeve's . In recent years, Carter's influence has been recognized through high-profile honors celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wonder Woman television series. The Paley Center for Media announced in March 2025 that it would present her with Paley Honors at its Spring Gala, saluting her contributions to the character's legacy. Additionally, the Ms. Foundation for Women honored her in April 2025 for advocacy on behalf of women and girls, particularly in geek and nerd communities. In 2024, Take The Lead awarded her the Leading Woman Award at its Conference on Women's Equality Day, acknowledging her multifaceted career as actress, musician, and social justice advocate. Carter has also paid tributes reflecting her personal connections to the Wonder Woman era, including an emotional homage in May 2024 to stuntwoman , who doubled for her and died at age 83. Her 2024 release of the single "Letters From Earth," a written as a tribute to her late husband , underscores her ongoing artistic output intertwined with her public persona. These acknowledgments highlight how Carter's role continues to resonate, inspiring new generations while she remains active in and performance.

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  78. https://tv.apple.com/us/person/lynda-carter/umc.cpc.41rp5dps2eljdbbaoay9ytwhz
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  82. https://people.com/tv/wonder-woman-lynda-carter-reflects-losing-husband-37-years-robert-altman/
  83. https://people.com/all-about-lynda-carter-children-8695349
  84. https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/lynda-carter-kids-5252005/
  85. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbcibRnLXiU
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  87. https://www.sober-solutions.com/how-lynda-carter-became-an-alcoholic/
  88. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/533297/star-pentagon-anti-drug-observance-tells-alcohol-addiction-recovery
  89. https://www.councilonrecovery.org/wonder-woman-lynda-carter-to-inspire-and-entertain-with-her-heroic-story-of-personal-recovery-from-addiction-2/
  90. https://venturarecoverycenter.com/wonder-woman-lynda-carter-celebrates-sobriety/
  91. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcKSuCsdvQ/?hl=en
  92. https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLyndaCarter/posts/today-is-my-daughters-birthdayso-many-chapters-of-her-life-come-to-mind-as-i-loo/1346787383485960/
  93. https://people.com/lynda-carter-wishes-son-fallout-producer-james-altman-a-happy-birthday-8774504
  94. https://www.newsweek.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/wonder-woman-lynda-carter-daughter-paris-fashion-week-appearance-2021775
  95. https://people.com/lynda-carter-lookalike-daughter-jessica-carter-altman-coordinate-looks-paley-honors-11738245
  96. https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/lynda-carter-jessica-altman-mother-daughter-date-paris-118147918
  97. https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/837912/wonder-woman-star-lynda-carter-shares-bold-message-as-family-secret-is-revealed/
  98. https://nypost.com/2024/09/23/us-news/wonder-woman-star-lynda-carter-endorses-rivals-of-her-own-sister-in-arizona-legislative-race/
  99. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/17/wonder-woman-star-endorses-democrats-over-her-sister-in-arizona-race/75265832007/
  100. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizona-native-wonder-woman-actress-lynda-carter-endorses-sisters-opponents-2024-election
  101. https://www.azfamily.com/2024/09/17/lynda-carter-endorses-her-sisters-opponents-arizona-house-race/
  102. https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLyndaCarter/posts/i-post-my-positive-personal-political-views-because-i-have-known-hillary-for-33-/1353138221363392/
  103. https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLyndaCarter/posts/thank-you-for-your-service-president-joe-biden-you-have-done-so-much-for-the-ame/1027412058756829/
  104. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/jul/25/lynda-carter-interview-twitter-wonder-woman
  105. https://www.fox29.com/news/wonder-woman-lynda-carter-stumps-womens-rights-ahead-trump-rally-temple-university
  106. https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/lynda-carter
  107. https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/singer-and-actress-lynda-carter-advocates-for-alzheimers
  108. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxptw88HT70
  109. https://x.com/RealLyndaCarter/status/1544470818025095170?lang=en
  110. https://www.advocate.com/transgender/2022/7/06/lynda-carter-dont-blame-trans-women-threats-womens-rights
  111. https://people.com/tv/wonder-woman-lynda-carter-supports-transgender-trans-people/
  112. https://glaad.org/video-glaad-interview-wonder-woman-lynda-carter-love-human-and-divine/
  113. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13414201/Lynda-Carter-Wonder-Woman-joins-forces-Moms-Demand-Action-end-gun-violence.html
  114. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C633XaTuBzD/
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  116. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayxaY700704
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  141. https://gloriafeldt.com/2024/07/15/take-the-lead-honors-lynda-carter-at-conference-on-womens-equality-day/
  142. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/lynda-carter-pens-emotional-tribute-210022332.html
  143. https://www.lyndacarter.com/2024/03/18/lynda-carter-releases-heartfelt-single-letters-from-earth/
  144. https://www.people.com/wonder-woman-star-lynda-carter-still-struggling-with-grief-after-husband-robert-altman-death-exclusive-8601118
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