Lynda Carter was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Juanita (Córdova) and Colby Carter. Her father was of English and Scottish-Irish ancestry, while her mother was of Mexican descent. Carter showed an early interest in performing arts and participated in school and community theatre. She attended Arizona State University but dropped out to pursue a career in music and entertainment.
Full Name | Lynda Jean Cordova Carter |
Date of Birth | July 24, 1951 |
Age | 73 (as of 2024) |
Birthplace | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Actress, Singer, Model |
Famous Role | Wonder Woman |
Education | Attended Arizona State University |
Spouse | Robert A. Altman (m. 1984; d. 2021) |
Children | James Altman, Jessica Altman |
Years Active | 1972–present |
Notable Works | Wonder Woman (1975–1979), Sky High (2005), Supergirl |
Musical Career | Albums: Portrait (1978), Red Rock N’ Blues (2018) |
Philanthropy | Women’s rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, addiction recovery |
Career
Pageant Career
Lynda Carter began her career as a beauty pageant contestant. In 1972, she won the title of Miss World USA and later represented the United States in the Miss World pageant, where she finished in the top 15.
Breakthrough Role: Wonder Woman
Her most iconic role came in 1975 when she was cast as Wonder Woman in the television series based on the DC Comics character. The show ran from 1975 to 1979 and made Lynda Carter a household name. Her portrayal of the superhero became legendary and is considered one of the most definitive performances of the character.
Acting Career After Wonder Woman
After “Wonder Woman,” Lynda appeared in several films and TV shows. Some notable roles include appearances in “Sky High” (2005), “The Dukes of Hazzard” (2005), and voice acting in “Fallout 4” (2015). She also guest-starred in the TV series “Supergirl” as President Olivia Marsdin, paying homage to her superhero past.
Music Career
Besides acting, Lynda Carter pursued a successful music career. She released albums including “Portrait” (1978) and more recent works like “Red Rock N’ Blues” (2018). She performed in concerts and has toured the United States, showcasing her vocal talent.
Personal Life and Family
Spouse:
Lynda Carter married Robert A. Altman, a Washington, D.C. lawyer, in 1984. The couple remained married until his death in 2021. They had two children together:
- James Altman (son)
- Jessica Altman (daughter)
Carter has been vocal about her struggles with alcoholism, revealing in interviews that she sought treatment and has since been sober.
Awards and Recognition
Lynda Carter has been honored with numerous awards for her contributions to entertainment and her advocacy for women’s rights. In 2018, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her impact on television and pop culture.
Philanthropy and Activism
Lynda Carter has been involved in various charitable causes, particularly for women’s rights, the LGBTQ+ community, and addiction recovery. She is also a supporter of animal rights and has worked with organizations like PETA.
Net Worth Table
2022 | $10 million |
2023 | $12 million |
2024 | $12 million |
Lynda Carter’s wealth comes from her long-standing career in television, film, music, and live performances. Her ongoing contributions to entertainment continue to sustain her financial success.
Legacy and Influence
Lynda Carter remains an iconic figure in both the acting and music worlds. Her portrayal of Wonder Woman helped pave the way for future portrayals of strong female superheroes on screen. She continues to inspire both fans and younger generations of actors and performers.