Lynda Carter: A Legendary Star With Heart

How Much Is Lynda Carter Worth?

Lynda Carter, the iconic American actress and singer, has built an impressive career spanning decades, earning her a net worth of $10 million. She first captured the world's attention as Miss World USA 1972, but it was her role as the unforgettable Wonder Woman that cemented her place in pop culture history. Beyond her iconic TV role, Lynda has graced the big screen in films like "Super Troopers," "Sky High," and "The Dukes of Hazzard." She’s also made her mark in made-for-television movies such as "Hotline," "Daddy," and "Slayer," proving her versatility as an actress.

From Arizona to Stardom: Lynda's Early Years

Born on July 24, 1951, in Phoenix, Arizona, Lynda Carter grew up in a vibrant household filled with diverse cultural influences. Her father, Colby Carter, was of English and Scots-Irish descent, while her mother, Juanita Carter, had Mexican, Spanish, and French roots. Lynda was the middle child between her older brother, Vincent, and younger sister, Pamela. From an early age, she showed a flair for the performing arts, making her TV debut at just five years old on "Lew King's Talent Show." During high school, she honed her musical talents by playing with local bands, even performing at a Las Vegas lounge. After attending Arizona State University, she left to chase her dreams in the music industry, touring with The Garfin Gathering before shifting her focus to acting in 1972.

Her big break came when she won Miss World USA 1972, which thrust her into the national spotlight. Following this win, Lynda took acting classes in New York and made her television debut in an episode of the police drama "Nakia" in 1974. She continued to build her resume with guest appearances on shows like "Matt Helm," "Starsky and Hutch," and "Cos," setting the stage for the role that would define her career.

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The Wonder Woman Era and Television Success

In 1975, Lynda Carter became a household name when she was cast as the iconic superhero Wonder Woman in the live-action TV series. The show aired on ABC for two seasons before moving to CBS, running until 1979. As the Amazonian warrior, Lynda captured the hearts of millions with her charisma and strength, becoming a symbol of female empowerment. During this time, she became a sought-after face for advertising campaigns, signing a modeling deal with Maybelline cosmetics in 1977 and appearing in a commercial for Diet 7Up in 1979.

After "Wonder Woman," Lynda continued to build her TV career with numerous made-for-television movies. She starred in thrillers like "Hotline" and biopics like "Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess," where she portrayed the legendary Hollywood star. She also tackled dramatic roles in films like "Mike Hammer: Murder Takes All" and "Daddy." In 1984, she headlined the short-lived drama "Partners in Crime," and a decade later, she starred in another short-lived series, "Hawkeye." Her later TV credits include appearances on "Law & Order," "Smallville," and "Supergirl," proving her enduring appeal.

Lynda Carter's Musical Journey

Lynda’s passion for music has always been a significant part of her career. In 1978, she released her debut album, "Portrait," which showcased her vocal talent and included three original songs co-written by her. Two of these tracks were featured in an episode of "Wonder Woman." Her second album, "At Last," didn’t come out until 2009, over three decades later, but it was well worth the wait, reaching #10 on the Billboard Jazz Albums Chart. She followed up with "Crazy Little Things" in 2011 and "Red, Rock n' Blues" in 2018, further solidifying her status as a respected musician.

Lynda's Film and Media Adventures in the 2000s

The 2000s saw Lynda Carter expand her horizons in film and media. In 2001, she played Governor Jessman in the comedy "Super Troopers," followed by a memorable role as a washed-up beauty queen in the comedy/horror film "The Creature of the Sunny Side Up Trailer Park." In 2005, she appeared in two major studio films: the Warner Bros. remake of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and the Disney action comedy "Sky High," where she portrayed the headmistress of a superhero academy. Beyond film, Lynda has also made her mark on the stage, playing Mama Morton in a London production of "Chicago" in 2005 and touring the U.S. with her one-woman cabaret show, "An Evening with Lynda Carter."

In addition to her acting and singing career, Lynda has lent her voice to video games, including the popular "The Elder Scrolls" series, "Fallout 4," and "Rage 2." Her versatility as a performer continues to impress fans across multiple platforms.

Personal Life and Advocacy: Lynda Carter, the Real-Life Wonder Woman

Lynda Carter's personal life has been as colorful and impactful as her career. In 1973, she had a romantic relationship with French singer Michel Polnareff. She married her former talent agent, Ron Samuels, in 1977, but they divorced in 1982. In 1984, she tied the knot with attorney Robert A. Altman, with whom she had two children, James and Jessica. The couple lived in Potomac, Maryland, in a stunning 20,000-square-foot Georgian-style home they built in 1987. Tragically, Altman passed away in 2021 due to complications from surgery.

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Beyond her family life, Lynda has been a dedicated advocate for various causes. In 2003, after learning her mother had irritable bowel syndrome, she embarked on a nationwide tour to raise awareness about the condition. She’s also been a vocal supporter of abortion rights and LGBTQ equality, serving as the Grand Marshal for Pride Parades in Phoenix, New York, and Washington, D.C. Drawing from her own struggles with alcoholism and addiction, Lynda shares her story at events focused on health and wellness, inspiring others to seek recovery.

In 2016, on the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman's debut, Lynda joined forces with fellow Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot, director Patty Jenkins, DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson, and UN Under-Secretary General Cristina Gallach at the United Nations. Together, they used the character's legacy to promote gender equality and female empowerment, proving that Lynda Carter is truly a real-life Wonder Woman both on and off-screen.