Lynda Carter: The Real Wonder Woman
In the 1970s, many young girls emulated their superheroine, Wonder Woman, parading in makeshift costumes fashioned from their mothers’ tiaras and tea towels. For many, Lynda Carter, with her charm, beauty, and wit, was the quintessential Wonder Woman. Through her portrayal of the character in the 1970s TV series, she not only embodied but also popularized this iconic female lead.
Carter’s Early Life and Struggles
Born in Phoenix in 1951, Lynda Carter discovered her love for music early on. By 15, she was performing in a pizza parlor for $25 per weekend. However, her childhood was not without trials. After her parents divorced, she faced comments on her height, leading to her feeling out of place.
Despite her difficulties, she cherished her childhood. Regular family picnics, Sunday worship, and shared laughs with her sister formed the backbone of her early life. But it wasn’t until after she won the “Most Talented” award and left Arizona State University that her career took a turn towards acting.
From Beauty Pageants to Acting
Carter initially aimed for a music career, but after experiencing failure, she sought a different path. Winning the 1972 Arizona beauty pageant was the start of her journey in show business. She later represented the USA in the Miss World competition, finishing in the 15th place.
However, Carter downplayed her beauty queen career, describing beauty contests as “bad” and “painful” with “a certain built-in cruelty.”
In the early 1970s, she attended numerous acting schools in New York and landed minor roles in shows like Starsky and Hutch. Despite the cutthroat nature of Hollywood and dwindling finances, Carter persevered.
Becoming Wonder Woman
In 1975, when she was on the brink of returning to Arizona, Carter got the life-changing news: she was chosen to play Diana Prince and Wonder Woman. This opportunity transformed her life completely. As Wonder Woman, she brought to life the 1941 DC Comics superheroine, who was immensely popular among readers.
The series’ creators, William Moulton Marston and Harry G. Peter, believed in the importance of female heroes. Early episodes of the TV series advocated for female empowerment, reflecting the feminist zeitgeist of the time. However, Carter felt that the show did not fully embrace the feminist message.
Despite this, she became an iconic figure for female authors, fans, and producers alike. But her portrayal of Wonder Woman wasn’t without controversy. Some criticized her costume as too revealing, to which she famously retorted, “Less beachwear!”
Striking a Balance: Sex Appeal and Empowerment
Carter, named “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World” in 1978, emphasized that her beauty didn’t define her success. She believed her portrayal of Wonder Woman would inspire women and girls, saying, “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, it felt like you could fly.”
Her striking beauty, however, did lead to some objectification. In 1981, she criticized her best-selling poster, expressing discomfort with her image being displayed in men’s rooms.
Post-Wonder Woman Career
After the Wonder Woman series ended in 1979, Carter embarked on a variety of roles and projects. She starred in TV specials, met with Ronald Reagan, and played Carole Stanwyck in Partners in Crime. She also started Potomac Productions in the 1990s, providing voice-overs and TV movies.
Carter appeared in several films in the 2000s, and fans might recognize her as Pauline from The Dukes of Hazzard (2005). Despite these roles, she will forever be remembered for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the 1970s.
Carter’s Personal Life: Triumphs and Tragedies
Carter’s personal life was a mix of highs and lows. Her first marriage to Ron Samuels in 1977, characterized by disagreements and distress, ended in 1982. Later, she found love with Robert Altman, whom she married in 1984.
They raised two children in their Potomac mansion: James Altman and Jessica Carter Altman. Sadly, Robert Altman passed away in February 2021 from rare leukemia.
Recently, Carter has spoken about her battle with alcoholism, which she began during her first marriage. Today, she proudly shares that she has been sober for nearly 20 years.
Legacy
Lynda Carter, now 71, continues to inspire people worldwide. She is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of using fame for good. As she said while playing Wonder Woman, “I’ve witnessed how a strong but compassionate superhero can empower women and men.”
Through her challenges and triumphs, Carter is, without a doubt, a real-life Wonder Woman.