In Search of . . . Lynda Carter, Once a Wonder Woman

“Being famous was the most important thing in the early years--even though I cared about being good,” confesses Lynda Carter, the former Miss World USA, who starred as “Wonder Woman” on ABC and CBS from 1976-1979. “But I don’t care about being famous anymore. I don’t care how much money I’m making.”

What she cares most about, she says, is her second marriage--to prominent Washington lawyer Robert Altman, in 1984--and son Jamie, born in 1988. They all live in suburban Maryland, a life for which Carter gave up her Malibu ranch and Hollywood career. “Prior to meeting my husband, my real source of joy came from my work. Pretty soon that didn’t make it anymore.”

In the late 1970s, the statuesque Carter won a lucrative contract as spokeswoman for Mabelline--which continues today--and in the early ‘80s, she hosted five TV specials and starred in several TV movies. Recent years have been leaner, and while she hasn’t been actively seeking roles, she admits, the offers no longer pour in.

Now 38, she insists she’s content with her personal life, but says she’d like to work again. She’s been jetting to New York regularly for auditions and acting workshops, and is developing projects she’d like to star in and produce (she produced the 1987 CBS movie, “Stillwatch,” in which she also starred).

“Professionally,” she says, “I would like to be known as a good actress, and I’m working my little tail off in New York to be able to do that.”