This famous heartbreaker is now 71, try not to smile when you see her today!

Lynda Carter: From Miss USA to Timeless Icon

When Lynda Carter was crowned Miss USA in 1972, the world paused to take notice. Her striking looks, elegance, and charisma made her an instant sensation. She went on to represent the United States at the Miss World pageant, but that crown was only the opening act of a career that would cement her as one of Hollywood’s enduring icons.

Carter has often spoken candidly about those early pageant days. “I didn’t get any prizes,” she said. “They smack a little banner on you, they stick a crown on your head and call you a beauty queen.” Though bittersweet, the experience opened doors that would eventually lead her to stardom.

Before landing her most famous role, Carter faced challenges. Acting opportunities were scarce, and she nearly ran out of money pursuing her dream. She even considered giving up entirely. Then, a call changed everything: Joanna Cassidy had turned down the role of Diana Prince — Wonder Woman — and Carter was offered the part.

The timing was symbolic. Just a few years earlier, women had marched for equality, and now millions tuned in weekly to watch a female superhero on screen. Wonder Woman was more than entertainment; she was empowerment.

In a standout episode, Carter’s Diana Prince declared, “Any civilization that does not recognize the female is doomed to destruction. Women are the wave of the future and sisterhood is stronger than anything.” She infused the character with warmth, strength, and dignity, saying, “I wanted women to want to be me, or be my best friend.” For many, watching her felt like a moment of liberation.

By 1978, Carter had been voted The Most Beautiful Woman in the World. A poster of her in a tied-up crop top became a nationwide phenomenon, plastered on walls across bedrooms and dorms. Yet Carter admitted discomfort with its fame. “It’s uncomfortable because I just simply took a photograph,” she explained. “It suddenly became everywhere.”

Her career continued with roles in projects like Partners in Crime, The Dukes of Hazzard, and stage productions including Chicago. But no role surpassed Wonder Woman in impact. In 2016, the United Nations named her an Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls, celebrating the character’s 75th anniversary. Carter reflected, “The greatest honor of playing Wonder Woman was serving as a role model. I’ve seen how a powerful yet compassionate superhero can inspire women to believe in themselves and men to support equality.”

Carter’s personal life had its share of highs and lows. Her first marriage to agent Ron Samuels ended in 1982, and she later spoke with grace about the difficulties. Two years later, she met Robert A. Altman, a Washington D.C. attorney, at a Maybelline event. They married in 1984, raised two children, and shared decades of devotion until Altman’s death from leukemia in 2021. On what would have been his 75th birthday, Carter wrote poignantly about enduring love: “The love you gave so freely endures… I would sing my heart and love to you.”

Carter has also openly discussed her battle with alcoholism, crediting Altman’s support during her recovery. She has been sober for over 23 years, describing him as her “knight in shining armor.”

Now 71, Carter continues to radiate grace, beauty, and resilience. She is remembered not just as Wonder Woman, but as a woman who embodied strength, vulnerability, and humanity — inspiring generations both on-screen and off.

Lynda Carter’s story proves that true influence and beauty are timeless.