Lynda Carter is best known for her role as Wonder Woman in the 1970s TV series, where she embodied the superhero with grace, strength, and a sense of justice that inspired millions.
Her portrayal not only made her a pop culture icon but also helped shape the image of Wonder Woman as a symbol of female empowerment. Even today, decades after the show ended, Carter remains beloved by fans around the world who remember her for the impact she made both on and off the screen.
Whether it’s her musical talents, her activism, or her lesser-known acting roles, there are plenty of interesting facts about her that might surprise even her most devoted fans. Here are 8 things you might not know about Lynda Carter, the real-life wonder behind Wonder Woman.
1. She competed in beauty pageants
In 1972, Lynda Carter won a local beauty contest in Arizona and went on to claim the title of Miss World USA. She then competed in the international Miss World pageant, where she made it to the Top 15. Her success in these competitions showcased not just her stunning beauty, but also her intelligence and poise.
2. Carter is a musician & was in a band with Gary Burghoff
Before becoming a well-known actress, Lynda Carter was set on jumpstarting a music career. She made her public television debut at around four years old on Lew King’s Talent Show. During high school, she was a member of a band called Just Us, and later joined another band, The Relatives. Notably, MASH* star Gary Burghoff was the drummer for The Relatives, and the group performed at the Sahara Hotel and Casino lounge in Las Vegas for three months. In 1970, Carter toured as a singer with The Garfin Gathering. Over the years, she has released her own solo music, including recent songs like “Rise Up” and “Pink Slip Lollipop.” In an interview, Carter revealed she has been writing music, jingles, and lyrics for over 50 years.
3. She talks for eight hours a day, no matter what
Lynda Carter has confessed that she loves the sound of her own voice so much that she can talk for up to eight hours a day—even if no one is listening! To soothe her vocal cords after all that talking and singing, she likes to brew herself a strong cup of ginger tea.
4. Carter is half Hispanic and aimed to bring that to her ‘Wonder Woman’ character
Lynda Carter’s mother, Juanita Cordova Carter, was from Mexico, and Carter has always been proud of her heritage. When she was cast as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, she aimed to infuse the character with a bit of Latina flair, especially since television at that time lacked diversity.
5. Carter was broke before she got the role of Wonder Woman
At just 24 years old, Lynda Carter had only $25 left in her bank account when she got the call that she had landed the role of Wonder Woman. Despite the excitement, production didn’t start immediately, leaving her in a tight spot financially. She even had to borrow money to cover her rent that month, despite having just been cast as a superhero.
6. She invented the Wonder Woman spin
In an interview, Lynda Carter revealed, “I invented Wonder Woman’s spin. In the comic book, Diana Prince just left and returned as Wonder Woman. But for the show, they couldn’t figure out how to show the transformation. I was a dancer, so I suggested, ‘I can do a pirouette or a spin.’ They added the explosion effect later on.”
7. She has been a longtime advocate for women’s rights
Lynda Carter has long been an advocate for various important causes, particularly women’s rights. Recently, she attended a women’s rights rally in Philadelphia. Beyond her public appearances, she has supported and donated to organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, championed abortion rights, and fought for legal equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. Carter has also served as the Grand Marshal at several Pride Parades, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to these vital issues.
8. She played Rita Hayworth in an ’80s film
In 1983, Lynda Carter took on the role of actress Rita Hayworth in the TV movie Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess. While the film was based on a biography, it faced criticism for several historical inaccuracies, including its omission of Hayworth’s tumultuous affair with Glenn Ford.
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