Long before Gal Gadot became a global sensation for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter embodied the iconic comic character in the 1970s. The American actress starred as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman in the live-action television series of the same name for four years. Carter’s Wonder Woman was characterized by compassion and justice without compromising the aura of independence and power associated with the character.
While she gained major fame for her charming portrayal of an empowering figure in the comic world, Lynda Carter’s career has since evolved to showcase her multipotentiality beyond the cinematic realm. Carter excelled as a model before going into full-time acting. She has also played numerous video game characters. Additionally, Carter is an accomplished singer. Keep reading for more facts about the Wonder Woman star.
Lynda Carter Was Introduced To the Spotlight as a Child Performer
Carter’s first television appearance was on Lew King’s Talent Show at age five. She also explored her singing talent early, performing with a band called Just Us during high school. At age 16, she performed alongside her cousins with another band called The Relatives. The band performed at the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas where Carter had to sneak in through the kitchen because she was under 21.
Lynda Carter toured with The Garfin Gathering in the early 1970s before moving to Arizona in 1972 to pursue an acting career. Subsequently, she gained national prominence by winning Miss World USA 1972 as an Arizona representative. She represented the United States internationally, finishing in the Top 15 at the Miss World 1972 beauty contest. During this time, she took acting classes in New York to sharpen her skills.
She Gained International Acclaim For Her Portrayal of Wonder Woman
Lynda Carter officially began her acting career in 1974 when she appeared as Helen Chase in one episode of Nakia. Her first depiction of Wonder Woman was in a TV Movie titled The New Original Wonder Woman. In 1975, Carter was cast to play Diana Prince / Wonder Woman in the Wonder Woman television series which aired for three seasons, ending its run in 1979.
Carter’s authentic depiction of the Amazing Amazon remains iconic after several decades. She became a role model for young women while many men saw her as a sex symbol. In 1985, DC Comics honored her for her performance as Wonder Woman during the company’s 50th anniversary. Carter made a cameo in Wonder Woman 1984. (2020) where she was seen as Asteria in the post-credits scene.
Lynda Carter’s Career Beyond Wonder Woman
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After her memorable role as Wonder Woman, Carter appeared in a string of TV movies throughout the 1980s. Her TV movie credits include The Last Song (1980), Born to Be Sold (1981), Hotline (1982), and Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess (1983). In 1984, Carter appeared as Carole Stanwyck in Partners in Crime, her first major role since Wonder Woman, and continued to feature in TV movies. The highlight of her 1990s credits is her role in 22 episodes of Hawkeye as Elizabeth Shields from 1994 to 1995.
Lynda Carter made guest appearances on notable shows such as Law & Order (2005), Smallville, and Two and a Half Men (2013). She played the recurring role of U.S. President Olivia Marsdin in Supergirl from 2016 to 2018. Carter has also appeared as a guest on renowned television programs, including CBS This Morning, Access Hollywood, NBC Today Show, and Tamron Hall.
She Has an Impressive Collection of Video Game Credits
Beyond films and TV shows, Lynda Carter has portrayed video game characters to critical acclaim. The American actress is known for playing multiple roles in The Elder Scrolls game series. She played Female Nords in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002) and The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon (2003). She also reprised the role and played Female Orcs in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006).
Lynda Carter portrayed Gormlaith Golden-Hilt and Azura in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) and played Azura in The Elder Scrolls Online (2014), and The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind (2017). Other games she has featured in include Fallout 4 (2015) as Magnolia and Rage 2 (2019) as Phoenix.
Highlights of Lynda Carter’s Music Career
During her stint on the Wonder Woman TV show, Lynda Carter worked on her musical offerings and released her debut studio album “Portrait” (1978) under Epic Records. Carter’s second, third, and fifth albums – “At Last” (2009), “Crazy Little Things” (2011), and “Red Rock N’ Blues” were released under her production company, Potomac Productions. Her fourth album is the 2015 “Fallout 4” (Original Game Soundtrack) released under Bethesda Softworks.
Some of Lynda Carter’s recent singles include Human and Divine (2021) and Rise Up (2023). Aside from her albums and singles, Carter scored a variety of musical TV specials in the 1980s, including Lynda Carter’s Special (1980), Celebration (1981), Street Life (1982), and Body and Soul (1984). What is the fate of Wonder Woman in the DCU?
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