Wonder Woman Lynda Carter's Rare Photos & Little Known Shocking Facts

In the world of entertainment, there are stars, and then there are icons. Linda Carter, best known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, undoubtedly falls into the latter category. But beneath the superhero costume and the star-spangled armor lies a woman of astonishing talents and surprising secrets. As we delve deeper into Linda Carter's life, prepare to be astonished by "The Woman Behind The Tiara."

A Star is Born

Linda Carter's journey to stardom began in the heat of Phoenix, Arizona, on July 24, 1951. From an early age, she exhibited a natural flair for music and dance, growing up in a culturally diverse environment that immersed her in Latin and European musical traditions. Her mother, Juanita Cordova, boasted Spanish, French, and Mexican heritage, while her father, Colby Carter, hailed from a mix of Scots, Irish, and English roots.

At just five years old, Linda's talents caught the attention of Lou King's talent show, earning her a spot on the nationally syndicated program. The young prodigy formed her first band, "Just Us," alongside three school friends, mesmerizing audiences with their Latin-inspired percussive music, featuring an eclectic blend of instruments. Linda Carter was on her way to stardom.

The Musical Odyssey

As a teenager of 15, Linda Carter embarked on her first professional singing gig, entertaining patrons at a local pizza joint. Her journey escalated at 16 when she joined her cousin's band, "The Relatives," which notably featured Gary Berghoff as their drummer. The band's tour took them to Las Vegas, where they performed as the opening act at the renowned Sahara Hotel and Casino lounge, an experience etched in Carter's memory.

Following her stint with "The Relatives," Carter completed high school and began college at Arizona State University. However, her innate talent won her the title of "Most Talented" at a college competition, a momentous turning point that spurred her to pursue her true passion for music and entertainment. Carter left college to chase her dreams, auditioning for local bands and securing the position of lead vocalist in the newly formed group "The Garfin Gathering."

The subsequent two years saw Carter touring with "The Garfin Gathering" in Nevada before she shifted her focus to acting. Crowned as Miss World USA, she embarked on a year-long series of engagements and media appearances, representing the Miss World organization and advocating for charitable causes, reflecting her compassionate nature and commitment to humanitarian efforts.

The Wonder Woman Era

Linda Carter's ascent to stardom reached its pinnacle with her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the new original "Wonder Woman" television series. The feature-length pilot premiered on November 7, 1975, and its immense success led to additional episodes. Carter's authentic depiction of the character resonated with audiences, solidifying her place as the true embodiment of the Marvel Comics Wonder Woman.

As her acting career flourished, Carter also delved into her first love, music, and released her debut album, "Portrait," showcasing her remarkable talent as a musician. Additionally, she appeared in various television commercials and worked behind the scenes on musical variety shows, collaborating with legends like Tom Jones and Kenny Rogers.

Not content with just her acting and music career, Linda Carter also made strides in voice-over work, becoming the first woman to record a voiceover for a movie trailer. Her involvement in the "Drowning Pool" promotional materials opened doors for women in the voice acting domain, highlighting her pioneering spirit.

The Unexpected Journey

Linda Carter's journey to stardom began unexpectedly when she competed as Miss United States in the 1972 Miss World pageant in the UK. Little did she know that this pageant venture, which she never envisioned for herself, would eventually pave the way for her illustrious career in the entertainment industry. Carter's natural talent for performing on stage, coupled with her beauty and charm, captivated audiences and marked the start of her incredible journey.

Carter's breakthrough came with the iconic portrayal of Wonder Woman in the 1970s television series. The show's massive success in both the U.S and the UK catapulted Carter to international stardom, turning her into a household name. During a visit to London, she was greeted with adoration and excitement from fans who had embraced Wonder Woman as a beloved figure across the city and the country.

Her impact as the superheroine transcended borders, solidifying her status as an international icon. As her fame grew, Carter's career diversified. She starred in seven television movies throughout the next decade, showcasing her acting abilities in various roles. However, in 1992, she took a break from acting to focus on her family during her husband's trial for financial fraud and money laundering related to the Bank of Credit and Commerce International scandal. Resuming her acting career with vigor, Carter starred in her only feature film of the decade, "Lightning Bolt," which unfortunately failed to impress both audiences and herself.

Nevertheless, she continued to showcase her talent in television, including the critically acclaimed series "Hawkeye," which, despite positive reviews, was canceled after one season. Alongside her acting pursuits, Carter ventured into voice-over work, narrating audiobooks and engaging in endorsements. She also founded her own company, Potomac Productions, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to expanding her creative endeavors.

The 2000s marked another fruitful period for Carter as she engaged in voice-over work for video games, notably the Elder Scrolls series, and appeared in several cult classic independent and low-budget films. Throughout her stellar career, she battled alcoholism, entering rehab in 1998 and attributing her recovery to the love and support of her family.

A Beacon of Philanthropy

Carter's activism and philanthropy have been notable aspects of her life. She advocated for the LGBTQIA+ community, participated in Pride parades, campaigned for abortion rights, and raised funds for charitable organizations like the Susan G. Komen fund. Honored with her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018, Carter's impact on film and television remains profound. Her groundbreaking role as Wonder Woman paved the way for future female action heroes, leaving an enduring legacy in the entertainment world.

Through her extraordinary journey, Linda Carter has shown the world the power of talent, determination, and dedication in achieving remarkable success in the industry she loves. In the realm of Wonder Woman, the second season ushered in a transformative era for the Amazonian Warrior Princess, shifting from ABC to CBS, embracing the modern age, and offering a fresh perspective on the classic character.

Gone were the iconic red, blue, and gold tights, replaced by a sleek white outfit that embodied Diana's warrior spirit. Even if only for a fleeting moment, this welcomed change provided audiences a chance to witness the softer side of Diana as she navigated her new home and the challenges it brought, making the second season a must-watch for any legendary superhero fan.

The New Adventures

Titled "The New Adventures of Wonder Woman," this season saw significant changes. While the first season achieved good ratings on ABC, the period setting became a leap too far for some viewers, leading to its eventual move to CBS. However, this relocation also brought a shift in setting, transporting Diana Prince from the 1940s to the groovy and liberated 1970s. Accompanied by a change in narrative, Diana traded international intrigue for a more detective-s