Lynda Carter lassoed TV viewers half a century ago with her star-making turn on Wonder Woman.
Following the success of its Adam West-led Batman in the 1960s, ABC set its sights on fellow DC Comics superhero Wonder Woman, aka Diana Prince, an Amazon princess aided by her Lasso of Truth, bulletproof bracelets and invisible plane. After a pilot in 1974 that starred Cathy Lee Crosby did not move forward, the network tried again, this time with Stanley Ralph Ross’ script for The New Original Wonder Woman.
Future Charlie’s Angels stars Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith were considered for the lead until Carter, who won Miss World USA in 1972 and had only a few small roles to her name, nabbed the part. Co-starring Lyle Waggoner as pilot Steve Trevor, the project was set amid World War II as Wonder Woman fought to keep America safe.
After the pilot film debuted to strong ratings, ABC added two one-hour specials, the first of which aired April 21, 1976. While the first season remained popular, ABC balked at a renewal due to its hefty budget as a period piece.
The show moved to CBS for two seasons set in the present day, introducing a roster of new characters alongside Waggoner, now as his former character Steve Trevor’s son. The Hollywood Reporter’s review of the second season noted that, “to a great extent, the show succeeds,” and praised Carter’s performance.
“I feel very lucky to have the two episodes I did,” Ed Begley Jr., who was introduced as Harold Farnum in season two, tells THR. “Like everybody else — get in line — I was in love with Lynda Carter long before I met her. Then certainly after I met her, one of the nicest people with the most beautiful voice. Wonderful actress — just a wonderful person.”
It was Carter’s idea that her character spin when she transforms into her costume, and this became a signature move for the hero. Carter has praised her character for inspiring young women: “Wonder Woman is so much bigger than a character I played. She does live within us.”
This story appeared in the April 8 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
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