TV’s Wonder Woman Lynda Carter: ‘We Still Need More Female Role Models’

To many fans, there is only one Wonder Woman. For a generation that came of age with the TV series that ran from 1975-79, no one will ever be able to swing the lasso of truth quite like Lynda Carter. She may have hung up her star-spangled suit when “Wonder Woman” went off the air, but Carter, 65, has stayed busy. She’s appearing as the president of the U.S. on the CW’s “Supergirl” and is recording an album. She spoke with Variety about the legacy of the character that made her a household name.

Why do you think Wonder Woman has stayed relevant for 75 years?
She looks pretty good for 75. The reason she existed in the first place was that, when she came on the scene, there was nothing for girls to look up to. We’re still fighting the same fight. We still need more female role models. But Wonder Woman is much more than a cartoon character. She’s fighting for truth and justice and the secret self that exists in all women and girls. There’s a moral fiber and a goodness about her that all women have.

Did you give Gal Gadot advice about playing Wonder Woman in the upcoming movie?
I would never give her advice; that would be presumptuous of me. I’ve spoken to [director] Patty Jenkins. She talked to me on the phone about the character, and we were trying to see if I could do something with the movie, but it didn’t work out. The timing was off, and I was doing other things and couldn’t get over to where they were shooting.

Would you appear in future Wonder Woman movies?
I might, but at this point in my life, I pretty much do new parts in things. There’s someone else doing the role now, and that’s OK. They should do it. I support Gal wholeheartedly, and I wish her and Patty all the success in the world.

Did you see “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice”?
No, I haven’t seen it. I’ve seen clips, and I think Gal looks great.

You’re not just a role model for women. You’re also a gay icon.
I’ve been on the front lines of this issue for 40 years. I’ve been standing with and united with the gay community. I know so many gay men and women that homophobia is such a baffling thing for me. That’s where the real Wonder Woman in me comes out, and I want to bop [homophobes] upside the head and go, “Get a grip. Get over yourself already.”

Do you still have your Wonder Woman costume?
Oh yes. Occasionally, I put it on for my husband. I’m joking, I’m joking. I’m not that kinky.

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