Lynda Carter Net Worth

Lynda Carter’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of Wonder Woman

Lynda Carter, the iconic actress and singer best known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, has captivated audiences for decades. Beyond her superhero role, Carter has built a diverse career in television, film, and music, establishing herself as a beloved figure in entertainment. This comprehensive article delves into Lynda Carter’s net worth, exploring her career, personal life, and lasting impact on popular culture.

Early Life and Career

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1951, Lynda Carter’s journey to stardom began with her early interest in performing. Her diverse heritage, with roots in English, Scots-Irish, Mexican, Spanish, and French cultures, shaped her unique perspective and talent. At the tender age of five, she made her television debut on “Lew King’s Talent Show,” hinting at the performer she would become.

During her high school years, Carter honed her musical skills by joining bands and performing at a Las Vegas lounge. While she briefly attended Arizona State University, her passion for music led her to drop out and pursue a music career. She toured with The Garfin Gathering before transitioning to acting, setting the stage for her future success.

In 1972, Carter’s beauty and talent shone through as she won Miss World USA, capturing national attention. She further refined her acting skills by taking classes in New York, preparing for her first television role in the police drama “Nakia” in 1974. This marked the beginning of her television career, with appearances on shows like “Matt Helm,” “Starsky and Hutch,” and “Cos.”

“Wonder Woman” and Television Stardom

Lynda Carter’s breakthrough role came in 1975 when she was cast as Wonder Woman in the eponymous television series. The show, which aired first on ABC and later on CBS, quickly propelled her to stardom. Carter’s portrayal of the Amazonian superhero became iconic, defining the character for a generation and solidifying her place in pop culture history.

The success of “Wonder Woman” led to numerous promotional opportunities. In 1977, she signed a modeling contract with Maybelline cosmetics, and in 1979, she appeared in a commercial for Diet 7Up. These endorsements further increased her visibility and cemented her status as a household name.

After the end of “Wonder Woman,” Carter continued to work extensively in television. She starred in numerous made-for-television movies, including the thriller “Hotline,” the biopic “Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess,” where she portrayed the legendary Hollywood actress, and the mystery crime thriller “Mike Hammer: Murder Takes All.” She also appeared in the romantic drama “Daddy.”

Carter took on leading roles in the short-lived dramas “Partners in Crime” in 1984 and “Hawkeye” a decade later. Her television credits continued to expand, including appearances in “When Friendship Kills,” “A Prayer in the Dark,” “Someone to Love Me,” “Terror Peak,” and “Slayer.” She also made guest appearances on popular shows like “Law & Order,” “Smallville,” and “Supergirl,” showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal.

Music and Entertainment Ventures

Alongside her acting career, Lynda Carter has also pursued a successful music career. In 1978, she released her debut album, “Portrait,” which featured original songs and cover songs. Two of the album’s tracks were even performed in an episode of “Wonder Woman.”

More than 30 years later, Carter released her second album, “At Last,” in 2009. The album reached number 10 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums Chart, demonstrating her enduring musical talent. She followed up with “Crazy Little Things” in 2011 and “Red, Rock n’ Blues” in 2018, further cementing her status as a versatile performer.

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Film and Media Appearances in the 2000s

In the 2000s, Lynda Carter’s film career continued to flourish. She appeared in the comedy “Super Troopers” (2001), where she played Governor Jessman. She also starred in “The Creature of the Sunny Side Up Trailer Park,” a comedy/horror film where she portrayed a washed-up beauty queen.

Carter made appearances in two major studio films in 2005: the Warner Bros. remake of “The Dukes of Hazzard” and the Disney action comedy “Sky High,” where she played the headmistress of a superhero school. These roles showcased her ability to adapt to different genres and audiences.

In addition to her film work, Carter has participated in numerous theatrical productions. In 2005, she played Mama Morton in a production of “Chicago” on London’s West End. In 2007, she toured the US with her one-woman cabaret show, “An Evening with Lynda Carter.”

Carter has also lent her voice to various video games, including the popular “The Elder Scrolls” series, “Fallout 4,” and “Rage 2.” Her voiceover work has further expanded her reach and cemented her legacy as a multifaceted entertainer.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Lynda Carter’s personal life has also been of interest to the public. She was romantically involved with French singer Michel Polnareff in 1973. She married her former talent agent, Ron Samuels, in 1977, but they divorced in 1982.

In 1984, she married attorney Robert A. Altman, and they lived in Washington, DC, for a time. The couple had two children, James and Jessica. They resided in a 20,000-square-foot Georgian-style house in Potomac, Maryland, that they built in 1987. Sadly, Robert A. Altman passed away in 2021 due to complications from a medical operation.

Beyond her acting and musical endeavors, Carter is also an advocate for various causes. In 2003, she began touring the US to raise awareness of irritable bowel syndrome after her mother was diagnosed with the condition. She is a strong supporter of abortion rights and LGBTQ equality, and she has served as the Grand Marshal at Pride Parades in Phoenix, New York, and Washington, DC.

Drawing on her own experiences with alcoholism and addiction, Carter has also become a vocal advocate for health and well-being. She speaks at events, sharing her story of rehabilitation and recovery to inspire others. She is a dedicated advocate for positive change.

Carter has continued to leverage her fame as Wonder Woman to effect change. On the 75th anniversary of the character’s first appearance in 2016, she appeared alongside 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 as an example to promote gender equality and female empowerment, demonstrating the enduring power of Wonder Woman to inspire positive change.

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Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter’s net worth reflects her successful and versatile career, but her impact extends far beyond financial measures. As Wonder Woman, she became a symbol of strength, empowerment, and inspiration. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her talent and adaptability, captivating audiences in various roles and artistic pursuits. Her contributions to entertainment and her commitment to advocacy make her a true icon.