When Lynda Carter was crowned Miss USA in 1972, she instantly captivated the nation. The title earned her the chance to represent the United States at the Miss World pageant, but more importantly, it opened doors to a career that would define a generation. One of those doors led to the role that would change her life forever: Wonder Woman.
Carter quickly became a global icon. Admired not only by men, she was embraced by women around the world for her striking beauty, confidence, and talent. Yet looking back, Carter has been candid about the darker side of beauty pageants. Reflecting on being named America’s most beautiful woman, she once said, “I didn’t get any prizes. They smack a little banner on you, they stick a crown on your head and call you a beauty queen.” She described the experience as both “bad” and “painful,” pointing to the “built-in cruelty” that often accompanies pageantry.
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Before donning Wonder Woman’s legendary costume, Carter struggled to gain traction in Hollywood. Although she landed a few roles, her acting career stalled, and she nearly ran out of money. At one point, she considered stepping away to take a regular job. Then came the call that changed everything: her manager informed her that Joanna Cassidy had been passed over and that Carter had been cast as Diana Prince — and her crime-fighting alter ego, Wonder Woman.
As one of television’s first female superheroes, Wonder Woman became a powerful symbol of empowerment. The series debuted at a time when women were openly demanding equality, with thousands marching through New York City just years earlier. The show reflected that cultural shift. In one episode, Wonder Woman boldly declared, “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 embodied the role flawlessly, leaving a lasting cultural impact. Her portrayal influenced countless female writers, producers, and creatives who followed. When critics suggested women might resent her for playing such a powerful heroine, Carter dismissed the idea. “Not a chance,” she told CBS News. “I’m not playing her that way. I want women to want to be me — or be my best friend. There was something about pretending to be her that made you feel like you could fly.”
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In 1978, Carter was voted “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World.” That same year, a poster of her wearing a crop top became the best-selling poster in the country — a distinction she found uncomfortable. “I simply took a photograph,” she explained during NBC’s Women Who Rate a 10. “That was my participation in a poster that sold over a million copies. I thought it was a dumb photograph.” She admitted it was difficult knowing people displayed the image in private spaces, adding that anyone would struggle with that level of exposure.
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Beyond Wonder Woman, Carter built a diverse career in television, film, and theater. She starred in series such as Partners in Crime alongside Loni Anderson, appeared on The Dukes of Hazzard, and even took to the stage in the musical Chicago.
In 2016, Carter attended a United Nations ceremony celebrating the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman’s first appearance. The character was named the UN’s “Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls.” During the event, Carter said, “The greatest honor and responsibility of playing Wonder Woman was serving as a role model for fans around the world, particularly girls.” She added, “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 also drew public attention. She was first married to talent agent Ron Samuels, a prominent figure in Hollywood who worked with stars such as Jaclyn Smith and Joyce DeWitt. The couple was once considered one of the industry’s most admired pairs, but their marriage eventually ended over differences, including whether to have children. When their divorce was finalized in 1982, Carter said, “I hope he forgives me, and I have forgiven him. It was painful for both of us.”
Two years later, she found lasting love with attorney Robert A. Altman. They met at a Maybelline event — which he attended reluctantly after hearing Carter would be there. “I was intending to go back to the hotel and watch a football game,” Altman later joked. “The last thing I wanted was to get mixed up with some Hollywood actress.”
After marrying Altman, Carter stepped away from the spotlight to focus on raising their two children. The couple remained together for nearly four decades until Altman’s death in 2021 at age 73 following a battle with a rare form of leukemia. Carter later shared a deeply emotional tribute on what would have been his 75th birthday, honoring his love, generosity, and enduring legacy.
Carter has also spoken openly about her past struggle with alcohol addiction. Now 74, she has been sober for over two decades. “I’ve been in recovery for 23 years,” she shared. “My husband helped me so much — he was my knight in shining armor.”
Today, Lynda Carter remains a symbol of grace, strength, and timeless beauty. She continues to defy age and inspire generations — not just as Wonder Woman, but as a woman who faced challenges with courage, honesty, and resilience.
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