Lynda Carter Focuses Her Superpowers on New Women’s History Museum

Lynda Carter, 72, is best known as the embodiment of female power in her 1970s TV role as DC comics superhero Wonder Woman. These days, she’s championing strong women as an advisory council member for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. Congress signed legislation to create the museum in 2020 with the goal of highlighting the often untold and overlooked historical accomplishments of American women. Carter explains why she jumped at the chance to be a part of the museum’s leadership team, the women who have inspired her and how she’s still speaking out through song.

At 17, you start singing professionally. By 19, you’re crossing the country with a band. At 21, you’re crowned Miss World USA, and at 23, you land the role of Wonder Woman. That’s quite a ride at a young age.

Well, there were some lean years when I didn’t have a penny. I really couldn’t squander anything. I stayed with some friends for a while when I ran out of money. Eventually, I got the part of Wonder Woman, but I really survived by singing jingles and things to stretch the budget. But I had support from my mom in terms of “You can do it! You’re going to be great!” Looking back, I had a lot of tenacity and determination. I was naive in a helpful way.

Wonder Woman made you ­famous. How do you explain her enduring appeal?

Carter rose to fame playing the role of DC comics superhero Wonder Woman.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

I think it’s because this is the portrayal of a woman as the powerful creature that she is, one who cannot be diminished or overlooked. She is not a victim. She is extraordinary, as women are.

You became identified with your first big role. Any regrets?

No! I’ve always embraced Wonder Woman as the ideal of what womanhood is. It’s what we are trying to capture at the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.

You serve on the advisory council for that museum, which is in its planning stages. What drew you to the project?

They were looking for people who would bring some new blood to the process. I jumped at the chance. I live in the D.C. area, so it was a thrill to see something in its early stages and know that it will last for generations to come.

What need will this museum fill?

It’s about creating a space for women’s history on the National Mall in Washington, to inspire conversations and connections and change. This has to do with really having an understanding of stories that have not been told about women with true grit.

Wonder Woman has been a role model for millions of girls. What women past or present influenced you?

I would say Betty Friedan ... Hillary Clinton ... Golda Meir ... Indira Gandhi. Oh, and Dinah Shore —The Dinah Shore Chevy Show! [Sings “See the USA in your Chevrolet!”] Dinah inspired me because she could sing and dance!