Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter is an American actress, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder who is best known for her role as Wonder Woman, a character from the American comic book published by DC Comics. In 1975, Carter was cast to play Wonder Woman in a television series that aired from 1975 to 1979. Her portrayal of the superheroine made her an icon and paved the way for female representation in the entertainment industry.

Carter was born on July 24, 1951, in Phoenix, Arizona. Her parents were Juanita and Colby Carter, and she was the youngest of their three children. Growing up, Carter excelled in the arts, singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. At the age of 17, she won the title of Miss World America and participated in the Miss World competition in London, England.

After her stint in the pageant scene, Carter moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. She initially struggled to land roles but soon found success in guest-starring on popular TV shows like Starsky and Hutch, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, and The Muppet Show. Her breakout role, however, came in 1975 when she was cast as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince in the TV series Wonder Woman.

Carter’s portrayal of Wonder Woman was considered groundbreaking at the time. The character, created by William Moulton Marston in 1941, was a feminist icon, serving as a symbol of female empowerment in a male-dominated world. Carter’s portrayal was faithful to the comic book character and added a layer of depth and complexity to Wonder Woman’s personality.

In the series, Wonder Woman’s alter-ego, Diana Prince, is an intelligence agent for the US government, assigned to assist in a top-secret project. She is tasked with protecting the world from evil forces while trying to come to terms with her own identity and the challenges of being a woman in a man’s world. Carter played the role with grace, intelligence, and physicality, making her the perfect embodiment of Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman became an instant hit with audiences, and Carter’s performance earned critical acclaim. She won a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female TV Performer in 1978 and was one of the highest-paid actresses in television at the time. The series ran for three seasons, and its popularity helped establish Carter as an icon of the 1970s feminist movement.

Beyond Wonder Woman, Carter had a successful career in entertainment. She released several albums, including Portrait and At Last, showcasing her powerful vocals and range. She continued to act in TV shows and movies, including The Dukes of Hazzard and Supergirl, and appeared on Broadway in productions like Chicago and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She also had a recurring role on the hit TV show, Smallville.

Today, Carter remains an inspiration to fans worldwide. She is an advocate for children’s health and cancer research, and has supported organizations like Susan G. Komen and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In 2018, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, Lynda Carter’s iconic portrayal of Wonder Woman in the 1970s TV series challenged stereotypes and helped pave the way for female representation in the entertainment industry. She remains an inspiration to fans worldwide, and her contributions to popular culture will never be forgotten.