She took the world’s breath away when she was crowned Miss USA in 1972 and went on to represent her country on one of the most prestigious beauty stages, Miss World. At the time, few could have predicted that this moment would mark the beginning of a cultural legacy that would span decades. Yet for Lynda Carter, that title became the doorway to a career that would define her forever.
Winning Miss USA opened many opportunities, but the most life-changing one arrived a few years later when she was cast as Diana Prince in the television series Wonder Woman. Almost overnight, Carter became a household name. Men admired her grace and presence, while women around the world celebrated her strength, elegance, and undeniable talent.
Looking back on her pageant experience, Carter has been candid about its emotional cost. She once explained that she did not receive prizes or rewards, only a crown and a banner, and described the process as both painful and difficult because of what she called the built-in cruelty of beauty competitions. Despite the glamour from the outside, she learned early that public admiration often comes with private struggle.
Before landing the iconic superhero role, Carter faced real uncertainty in her acting career. She worked small roles, struggled financially, and came close to abandoning her dreams entirely. At one point, she considered taking a regular job just to stay afloat. Then, unexpectedly, her manager called with news that another actress had been turned down and that Carter had been chosen to play both Diana Prince and her powerful alter ego.
At the time, Wonder Woman was one of the first female superheroes to lead a television series. The timing was significant. Only a few years earlier, women had marched through Fifth Avenue demanding equal rights. Carter’s portrayal arrived at a moment when audiences were ready to see strength and compassion combined in a female hero.
In one memorable episode, Wonder Woman warned that any civilization that failed to recognize women was doomed to collapse, declaring that women represented the future and that sisterhood was stronger than anything else. Carter delivered these lines with conviction, helping transform the character into a lasting symbol of empowerment.
Her influence extended beyond the screen. Writers, producers, and young viewers alike found inspiration in her performance. When critics suggested that women might feel jealous of her portrayal, Carter rejected the idea. In an interview with CBS News, she explained that she wanted women to either see themselves in the character or want to be her friend. She believed Wonder Woman allowed people to imagine that they could fly, even if only for a moment.
In 1978, Carter was voted the most beautiful woman in the world. A poster featuring her in a crop top became the best-selling image of the year, surpassing one million copies. Surprisingly, the attention made her uncomfortable. She later explained that the photo was taken casually, never intended to become iconic, and that dealing with its widespread display was emotionally challenging.
Beyond television, Carter expanded her career into films, guest appearances, and theater. She starred in series like Partners in Crime alongside Loni Anderson and appeared in The Dukes of Hazzard. She also performed on stage, earning praise for her role in the musical Chicago.
In 2016, Carter attended a ceremony at the United Nations marking the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman’s first appearance. The character was named Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls. Carter said the greatest responsibility of playing Wonder Woman was serving as a role model, inspiring women to believe in themselves and encouraging men to support equality.
Carter’s personal life was equally eventful. She married agent Ron Samuels, and together they became one of Hollywood’s most admired couples. However, differences over family decisions created strain, and the marriage ended in divorce in 1982. Carter later expressed forgiveness and wished him peace.
Two years later, she married attorney Robert A. Altman. After meeting at a Maybelline event, they formed a lasting partnership. Following their marriage, Carter stepped away from the spotlight to focus on raising their two children. The couple remained together until Altman’s death in 2021 from a rare leukemia.
Carter has spoken openly about her grief, sharing a moving tribute on what would have been his 75th birthday. She described how his love continues through their children and the lives he touched, expressing that she still sings her love to him in quiet moments.
She has also been honest about her past struggle with alcohol, explaining that she has been in recovery for more than two decades. With the support of her late husband, she found stability, peace, and happiness.
Now 71, Lynda Carter remains a symbol of timeless beauty, resilience, and grace. She defies expectations, proving that age does not diminish strength or elegance, and her legacy continues to inspire generations around the world.
