The original “Wonder Woman” star Lynda Carter, and her late beloved husband, Robert A. Altman, raised their children in a beautiful mansion that consisted of “a lot of bathrooms.”
In October 2013, Actress Lynda Carter invited “HGTV” into her humble abode to showcase all that she loves about her homey space. She shared:
“My husband and I built this home in 1987.”
THE GIGANTIC ABODE
She explained the building was erected just before they welcomed their firstborn in 1988. The estate was designed with family and friends in mind as the couple loved hosting parties and having family stay with them.
“This is the room that we entertain in because the couches are very comfortable,” Carter said of her lounge area during the home tour.
At the time, the outlet reported that the pair had celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in the eighteen thousand square foot estate, which boasts a personal wall of fame inside.
Aerial views of the estate home of Robert Altman and Lynda Carter that boasts a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a tennis court situated in Potomac Maryland taken in 1991 | Photo: Getty Images
The now-70-year-old shared why she and her spouse built their large home. She shared that Altman was born in Washington D.C., so they wanted some land and privacy. Carter described their mansion saying:
“It’s a lot of bathrooms, it’s a lot of TVs, it’s a lot of telephones, and it's a lot of square footage.”
Carter also gave Closer Weekly a glimpse inside their Georgian-style Maryland home in Potomac in November 2013. She and Altman lived there for over two decades and revealed that she and her family are happy in their home.
She also mentioned the abode has positive mojo in its wall. The former beauty pageant titleholder talked more about her taste displayed in the design of the house, stating that she likes mixing English and French styles.
She added she has everything from Danish to Chinese antiques, not forgetting many Western pieces. The estate sits on seven lush acres of land featuring a tennis court and an in-ground pool with an adjoining hot tub and waterfall.
Carter said her home is very active, sharing that she always has something going on there. She also noted that the guys are always downstairs where the large T.V., a card table, and pool tables are.
CARTER’S CAREER
Apart from her stunning home, the Arizona native is best known for her iconic role as Diana Prince, which spanned from 1976 to 1979. During an interview with The San Diego-Union Tribune, she explained:
"People forget that I spent most of the time on television playing an alter ego. That's how I allowed people to really understand her."
Carter began her showbiz career as a singer and a model. She studied performing, and by her mid-teens, she was fronting bands as a lead vocalist.
She opted for a life on the road, touring and performing in venues from the Catskills to Las Vegas. However, that changed when she realized that such a life would not be good in the long run and decided to go back home to regroup.
Carter soon started modeling and participated in beauty pageants that earned her titles, including Miss Arizona and Miss World USA. Still, that journey was short-lived as it did not have any appeal to her.
She then returned to her first love, which is singing. Even though she dropped modeling, the titles came in handy as they landed her acting auditions, and in 1975, she rose to stardom as “Wonder Woman.”
Starring in the show gained Carter worldwide fame. During the series’ three-season run, she married Hollywood producer Ron Samuels in 1977, but the former couple divorced in 1982.
The “Two and a Half Men” actress referred to that time in her life as an “unfortunate chapter.” That same year, she met her future husband, Altman, at a dinner event where she was a spokesperson.
Carter and Altman’s relationship became more serious at the height of her career, and the lovebirds tied the knot in 1984. At the time, the pair lived in different states, so they had to compromise on a place to call home.
Lynda Carter and spouse/businessman Robert A. Altman attend the 41st Annual Gracie Awards at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 24, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California | Photo: Getty Images
THE BIG DECISION
The “Smallville” star told People that she had a heavy workload as she spent more time on movie sets but did not have substance in her life. Although she was grateful for her opportunities, she decided to leave her Hollywood career behind.
Carter and her significant other moved east to start a new life together. Within their union, they welcomed two kids, son James, 33, and 31-year-old daughter Jessica.
Carter eventually found fulfillment in being a mother, a fundraiser, and an advocate for important causes. As her children grew, she stepped back from performing but occasionally made guest appearances on T.V. shows and movies.
She chose a life in Maryland over Los Angeles and assured everyone that it was the best decision. Whereas her spouse Altman, whom she was married to for 37 years, was a successful lawyer working as an attorney in Washington.
Both Altman’s children followed his career path, attending and graduating from law school before scoring positions in respected law firms.
The father of two was also a video game executive who co-founded ZeniMax Media, the parent company of video game giant Bethesda Softworks.
ALTMAN’S PASSING & LEGACY
Sadly, Altman died on February 3, 2021, at 73 years of age. His family did not disclose the cause of death at the time of the announcement.
Bethesda Softworks released a statement saying Altman was a true visionary, a friend, and a believer in the spirit of people and what they could accomplish together. It further stated:
"He was an extraordinary leader and even better human being…We are proud to carry on the values and principles Robert taught us."
Lynda Carter, daughter Jessica Altman, son James Altman and husband Robert A. Altman arrive for the premiere of "Wonder Woman" held at the Pantages Theatre on May 25, 2017 in Hollywood, California | Photo: Getty Images
Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief executive, also paid tribute to Altman upon hearing about his passing. Taking to Twitter, he wrote:
“A sad moment for the games industry. Robert Altman built ZeniMax into what it is today. My heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and colleagues.”
Meanwhile, Altman’s widow shared that nothing could have prepared her family for the loss of her husband. A friend told Closer Weekly that Altman’s death was unexpected as he was healthy.
She revealed the surgical procedure the video game mogul underwent had complications that ultimately resulted in his death. The insider added Altman worshipped his wife, and she adored him as well.
Their long marriage experienced many obstacles, but their love for one another never wavered. Carter stood by her husband when he was tried and acquitted for bank fraud in the early 1990s.
Altman, in turn, supported his spouse when she went to rehab for alcoholism in 1997. The source said the two shared a special bond which makes losing the father of her kids hard to digest for Carter.
TRIBUTES IN HIS MEMORY
Months before Altman’s passing, he sold his company to Microsoft for a whopping $7.5 billion, and he and the mother of his kids had big plans for their future together.
The source shared that Carter honors Altman daily by keeping him in her prayers, her music, and through the time she spends with her children.
The same month he passed, the “Hawkeye” star took to her Instagram to remember her love sharing a throwback snapshot of them on a picnic outing. In her caption, Carter wrote that Altman is the love of her life and will always be.
Later that month, she posted a warm photo of Altman and herself showing off smiles while posing on the staircase. She wrote that she misses him but feels his presence in her heart.
Then on her birthday July 24, she paid homage to Altman once again. She shared another throwback snap of them, with her kissing him on the cheek as he grinned at the gesture.
Carter wrote she never imagined that one day, she would start another decade chapter without Altman. She said that she reflected on the losses they faced together and how strong they were.
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