She captivated the nation when she was crowned Miss USA in 1972, earning the opportunity to represent the country in one of the world’s most prestigious beauty competitions, Miss World. That title opened countless doors for the stunning Lynda Carter, with perhaps the most significant one leading to her iconic role as Wonder Woman.
Carter quickly became a figure admired by all. Her flawless beauty and remarkable talent gained her admirers not just among men but from women across the globe. Reflecting on her time as the reigning beauty queen of America, Carter once shared that the experience wasn’t as glamorous as many might imagine. “I didn’t get any prizes. They slap a little banner on you, stick a crown on your head, and call you a beauty queen,” she said, describing the experience as “bad” and “painful” due to the “built-in cruelty” often associated with pageants.
Before landing the legendary role of Wonder Woman, Carter faced significant challenges in her acting career. Despite landing a few minor roles, she found herself running out of money and ultimately decided to take a regular job. Then, fate intervened. Her manager called to inform her that Joanna Cassidy had been turned down for a new role, and Carter was next in line to play Diana Prince and her alter ego, the crime-fighting superhero Wonder Woman.
The timing couldn’t have been better. The mid-1970s were a period of great social change, with thousands of women marching down Fifth Avenue in New York demanding equality. Wonder Woman, as one of the first female superheroes, became a symbol of empowerment. In one episode, she famously stated, “Any civilization that does not recognize the female is doomed to destruction. Women are the wave of the future, and sisterhood is… stronger than anything.”
Carter’s portrayal of Wonder Woman was nothing short of perfection. Her performance resonated deeply, inspiring countless women and influencing a generation of female writers and producers. In 1978, she was voted “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World.” A poster of her wearing a crop top became the highest-selling poster of the year, but the achievement brought her mixed feelings. “It’s uncomfortable,” she admitted in an interview. “I just simply took a photograph. That’s all my participation was in my poster that sold over a million copies. My husband suggested, ‘Try tying it up here; it’ll look beautiful.’ And the photographer loved the lighting. Dealing with people having that picture in their bedrooms or living rooms—it’s something anyone would find hard to handle.”
Carter’s career extended beyond her role as Wonder Woman. She appeared in numerous films and television series, including Partners in Crime, where she starred alongside Loni Anderson, and The Dukes of Hazzard. She even ventured into theater, taking on a role in the production of Chicago. However, her legacy as Wonder Woman remained unparalleled. In 2016, Carter was present when the United Nations celebrated the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman’s first comic book appearance, naming the superhero as an “Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls.” During the ceremony, Carter reflected on the importance of her role. “The greatest honor and responsibility of playing Wonder Woman was serving as a role model for fans around the world, particularly girls,” she said. “I’ve seen firsthand how a powerful yet compassionate superhero can inspire women to believe in themselves and men to support equality.”
Carter’s personal life was as eventful as her professional one. She married twice, first to Ron Samuels, a prominent agent and promoter. The two were a celebrated couple in their time, but their marriage eventually ended due to irreconcilable differences, including disagreements over whether to have children. Reflecting on their divorce, Carter said, “I hope he forgives me, and I have forgiven him because it was painful for both of us. I genuinely wish him well.”
Two years after her divorce, Carter met Robert A. Altman, a Washington D.C. attorney, during an event organized by Maybelline, the cosmetic brand for which she was a spokesperson. Altman had initially been reluctant to attend but decided to go upon learning Carter would be there. “I was planning to watch a football game at the hotel and thought the last thing I wanted was to get mixed up with a Hollywood actress,” he later admitted. However, sparks flew, and the two married in 1984. Once married, Carter stepped away from the limelight to focus on raising their two children, prioritizing her family above all else.
Carter and Altman’s marriage endured for decades until his passing in 2021. Altman succumbed to a rare form of leukemia at the age of 73. The loss deeply affected Carter, who shared a heartfelt tribute on what would have been his 75th birthday. “To me, you cannot be gone because the love you gave so freely endures,” she wrote. “It lives on in me, in our children, and in the many people whose lives you touched. Today, we honor your love, your life, and your legacy.”
In addition to her family’s support, Carter credited her late husband for helping her overcome personal struggles, including her battle with alcohol addiction. “I’ve been in recovery for 23 years,” Carter shared in an interview. “I didn’t even start drinking until my mid-20s, but I would stop for two or three years and then start again. It felt terrible. That was a long time ago, and now I’m very happy.” She described Altman as her “knight in shining armor,” whose unwavering support was instrumental in her recovery.
View this post on Instagram
Even as the years have passed, Lynda Carter remains a timeless icon. At 71, she continues to captivate audiences with her grace and beauty, proving that age is just a number. Her legacy as Wonder Woman, along with her contributions to film, television, and theater, has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Her story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the enduring power of being a role model.
Carter’s life, both on and off the screen, inspires millions. Whether through her groundbreaking portrayal of Wonder Woman, her commitment to empowering women, or her unwavering dedication to her family, she has proven herself to be a true force of nature.
