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PRx Host : |
Lynda Carter is one of the most well-known actresses in the country. In addition to her iconic role as Wonder Woman, Carter has starred in a number of television dramas, including "Born to be Sold," a movie that addressed the illegal sale of children. Carter has also been involved in a number of charities, including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation from which she received the Jill Ireland Award for Volunteerism. Carter is currently a spokesperson for Lens Express, Inc., a leading mail-order contact lens replacement company. Welcome to PlanetRx, Lynda Carter.
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Lynda Carter : |
It's great to be with you!
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PRx Host : |
You've been involved in image-conscious industries from a very young age, including Hollywood and the beauty contest world when you were Miss World USA. Do you handle the pressures of being in such worlds differently than you did when you were in your 20s?
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Lynda Carter : |
I should say so.
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PRx Host : |
Did you used to think you had to conform more to one ideal?
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Lynda Carter : |
No, I've tried to protect my own view of myself as separate from any one view of any one character that I've played. After all, it was just another role.
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PRx Host : |
Many women fall into eating disorders and hyperconsciousness about their beauty regimes as a result of trying to live up to one ideal. How do we raise our daughters to be happy with themselves despite outside pressures to conform to beauty standards?
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Lynda Carter : |
With my own daughter, who is now 9, we have discussed what was the most beautiful part of her ever since she was a small girl. The answer that she learned was "the most beautiful part of me is my heart."
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PRx Host : |
Have your makeup and beauty regimens gotten more complicated over the years?
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Lynda Carter : |
Absolutely not! Unfortunately, when I was younger, I thought I needed to wear a lot of makeup -- at that time, my skin, of course, was flawless!!! However, now, as I have matured and grown into my own skin, I wear makeup as little as possible. I also find that as women mature, it is very important not to load it on because excess make-up will find a home in the fine lines on your face.
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PRx Host : |
What about diet and exercise -- are you religious about your diet and exercise?
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Lynda Carter : |
Yes, I have decided that I don't really don't need to be a size 4 because when I was extremely thin, I could eat absolutely nothing and had to exercise 3 hours a day. Those days are long gone. I am now interested in the quality of life and the taste of food!! I do, however, watch my fat intake, but do occasionally enjoy a piece of triple chocolate delight. I do enjoy exercise, in particular as it relates to sports -- tennis, skiing, hiking, and biking. In the winter I substitute with weights 3 times a week and yoga, and I have gotten into Spinning, which really kicks B...!!
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PRx Host : |
Sounds like a healthy approach. We have lots of questions from the audience, so let's turn to them.
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ladypsalm : |
You are one of the most beautiful women I know. Do you think beauty is something you are born with, or does it have more to do with the makeup you choose, the colors, clothing, your diet and exercise, or is it a combination of these things?
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Lynda Carter : |
Well, thank you, what a great compliment -- it may sound clichéd, but beauty fades, and the true beauty of any individual is the quality of their heart. That is something I am constantly pursuing to improve my understanding and tolerance of other people and their ideas, of other points of view rather than my own, and I try to look at people as individuals each on their own journey.
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gdwaldo : |
What spiritual and holistic practices have made a difference in your life?
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Lynda Carter : |
When I was 15 years old, I began to study with a music teacher in Arizona who was very involved with holistic, homeopathic herbal remedies. I learned a lot from him and I have tried to include those lessons in my everyday life. It's nice to see so much of the world has now embraced the natural approach to health and beauty.
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zrica : |
I saw you in a movie recently about bulimia. Do you have a strong interest in eating disorders and what would you tell young people who are suffering from them?
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Lynda Carter : |
As we discussed earlier, it is a problem of great concern. The image that young girls now have inundated their lives with, with magazine covers, etc., of women who are super-thin perfection -- if you ask almost any one of these girls, they will freely tell you that they wished they look like that, too. It is a false image projected onto these covers and ads that is largely due to expensive clothes, expensive makeup artists, photographers, and excellent lighting. But it is not reality.
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Artemisboy : |
Are you interested at all in writing a book?
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Lynda Carter : |
I've been asked many times to write a book. However, I do keep journals and at some point in my life I may take the time to do so. Right now, my life is far too full and busy to attempt a book.
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conari99 : |
I just want you to know what fond memories I have of watching you play Wonder Woman. I always wanted to tell you that. Thank you!
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Lynda Carter : |
It is people like you who bring such joy to my life and allow me to also recall my own fond memories. Thank you!
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Artemisboy : |
What would you have changed now in your beauty video you released a few years ago?
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Lynda Carter : |
EVERYTHING!!!!! That was done in the '80s, and I think I was still attached to my makeup palette.
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FunLust69 : |
What do you recommend as a facial cleanser to rid of excess oil and to prevent acne?
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Lynda Carter : |
My tried and true is a soap called Purpose and warm water and a clean white washcloth. Then I use a facial moisturizer that is suitable for the climate or time of year. More recently I have unfailingly applied a facial sunscreen on my face, neck and hands every day, rain or shine, even if I'm not wearing any makeup. My sister Pamela in Arizona has been using a sunscreen as hand lotion for years, and her hands look like they belong to a 17-year-old.
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Poptart5 : |
As a young boy watching Wonder Woman, you made a big impression as a female super-hero. What do you think of the current state of women in television?
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Lynda Carter : |
I think we are ever-evolving, and as women are hired more as producers, writers and directors, our point of view will continue to be shown and accepted. If you remember when I first started in 1975 there were no woman my age on television, because they (the producers and network) did not believe a woman could hold an audience. How times have changed.
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AlexF : |
Lynda, do you do any spiritual reading? If you do at all, whom do you admire?
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Lynda Carter : |
My personal reading is very eclectic. I like Deepak Chopra, Neil Donald Walsh, and histories of different religions as well as biographies of religious leaders. In my view there is room for everyone as long as I don't try to force my personal ideas on anyone else.
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dakania : |
If you had one bit of advice for all of us busy women like yourself, what one thing each day you would do to ensure quality in your life?
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Lynda Carter : |
Take time for yourself where there are no phones, no children, no traffic, whether it is a long walk or a bike ride -- any solitary time at all. I guess what I'm saying is a time to reflect. In addition, once a week, do something indulgent for yourself -- a massage, reflexology, anything that strikes your fancy. Oh, and also laugh a lot!
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PRx Host : |
The next question is about your work with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Maybe you can tell us about the foundation when you answer the question.
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LYNDAFAN : |
I admire the work you've done with the Komen Foundation. Would you be willing to speak at charity events for cancer education and research?
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Lynda Carter : |
I do a lot of that already. As often as my schedule permits, I try to spread the word about early detection to empower women to take control of their own health in a positive way.
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LYNDAFAN : |
When your personal website is complete, will you be including your own personal health and fitness information?
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Lynda Carter : |
It's taking a little longer than I expected because there are so many different things I would like to include, and yes, I will be including my ideas on health and fitness. I hope to also have a regularly scheduled online chat not unlike the one we're doing right now.
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LYNDAFAN : |
What is the nature of your next television project, and when can we expect to see it?
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Lynda Carter : |
I have had a few things come my way recently, but they haven't fit in with my schedule so, as of today, I'm on hold and just living my life, tending to my kids and my family!
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lafleurv : |
Who are your own heroines, "wonder women," as it were?
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Lynda Carter : |
My heroines are ordinary women who accomplish extraordinary things through their own tenacity and drive. I tend to gravitate personally to women who are strong but not necessarily tough.
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agentscott : |
Any thoughts about the current Wonder Woman TV project (you can NEVER be replaced -- not even close!)?
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Lynda Carter : |
Thank you. It will be interesting to see how the new Wonder Woman movie is approached. I enjoyed playing this archetype and it is time to pass the baton ... or lasso, as it were.
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Poptart5 : |
Do you get to spend much time with your family?
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Lynda Carter : |
My family is my life! I have had and continue to have a very fulfilling creative life, but by far the greatest joy that I have ever experienced is having my own sweet children and wonderful, supporting husband. I'm very lucky to have had, thus far, such a full life, and I don't want to diminish the creative aspect of my life, but I would give up everything in a flash for my family.
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BAMA68 : |
How do you feel about plastic surgery and would you ever consider it?
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Lynda Carter : |
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I think plastic surgery is really scary. I think my greatest fear is to look like some of the women I have seen in the grocery store.
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bbooper : |
What type of educational background do you have? Any regrets?
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Lynda Carter : |
I was bent on seeking my fame and fortune at a very early age. I was singing in nightclubs at the age of 15. Although I had the opportunity to go to college, I opted instead to go on the road with the band. Do I regret it? Sometimes, I think the experience certainly would have been enriching, but, no, I don't have any regrets.
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zrica : |
How did you become a cover girl for Maybelline?
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Lynda Carter : |
I was already doing Wonder Woman when Maybelline decided to add a celebrity to their ad campaign. I was lucky enough to have been with Maybelline for 13 years. It was a fabulous experience.
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agentscott : |
What memorabilia from Wonder Woman did you keep and have your children seen it? What are their thoughts?
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Lynda Carter : |
I actually collect WW memorabilia for my children. I have the original costume, etc., and I think that later on they will appreciate the effort. Right now, I think they couldn't care less.
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LYNDAFAN : |
Do your children have any aspirations to work in the entertainment industry?
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Lynda Carter : |
Unfortunately, I think they do. We have a very artistic family. Both of my children have extraordinary talent. I believe that having a creative outlet is extremely important for a well-balanced life. However, how they choose to incorporate their talents into their everyday lives is up to them, and I will be in their corner cheering them on.
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LYNDAFAN : |
Besides your Portrait recording project, what other musical releases have you had?
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Lynda Carter : |
Oh, gosh, over the years, I have recorded a number of different single releases. I can't remember how many.
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butterqueen : |
You have told us your regimen for keeping such beautiful skin, but what about your gorgeous hair?
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Lynda Carter : |
Gorgeous hair? Well, that's kind of a joke. My hair is extremely fine but it is also quite thick, so you know everyone has something irritating about themselves. My hair gives me a headache.
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Artemisboy : |
I noticed you and your sister look very much alike. Has she been approached to do film or television work as you did?
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Lynda Carter : |
My sister Pamela is a very gifted singer in her own right; however, her passion is in Evangelical speaking.
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butterqueen : |
I am a little chubby. Can you give me any diet tips?
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Lynda Carter : |
I think everyone has a problem with their body image whether it's 5 pounds or 50 pounds. Number one, as long as you are eating healthy and exercising, I wouldn't obsess about a few extra pounds. Not everyone is a perfect size 6 or 8 or whatever. The thing that has worked the best for me when I want to lose weight is to avoid any carbs: rice, corn, bread, pasta, etc. Don't eat any of those things after your mid-day meal, and stick to fruits, veggies, and proteins.
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Artemisboy : |
Is there any other role besides Rita Hayworth you would have liked to tackle?
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Lynda Carter : |
Doing somebody's life is inherently difficult. I would not personally seek out those larger-than-life characters. However, I would very much seek out the opportunity to play a historical female character.
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CharlieOrange : |
Of your entire body of work in show business, what is your favorite movie/series episode/music special, etc.?
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Lynda Carter : |
I think my favorite thing was a music special I did called "Streetlife" in which I musically explored some of my Hispanic roots.
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bbooper : |
Just a comment to Lynda on her educational background. I admire you for who you are and what you have accomplished. I'm sure there are things that some people wonder "what if" but I am agree with you -- our background is what makes us who we are. I wouldn't change a thing about my past because it is "who" I am. :-)
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Lynda Carter : |
That's nice to hear.
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PRx Host : |
Did you grow up listening to Latin music?
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Lynda Carter : |
Absolutely. My mother's side of the family was very musical and whenever we would visit there was a lot of guitar music and dancing and laughter. Some of my best memories were of those rich days.
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Poptart5 : |
Do you consider yourself a feminist? Did playing Wonder Woman consciously affect how you thought of that?
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Lynda Carter : |
Yes to both questions. Wonder Woman was ahead of her time when it was first released in the '40s and definitely hitting her stride in the '70s. I was very fortunate to have played such an endearing character.
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PRx Host : |
Was your mother a role model for you?
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Lynda Carter : |
In some ways, yes. My mother was a single parent. However, I would say my father was a very big influence in my life. I was buoyed by his love and support.
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AlexF : |
Are you often recognized on the streets? Does it get to you?
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Lynda Carter : |
Yes, I am still amazed when I am wearing a helmet, ski goggles, and scarf that someone would recognize my eyes and my voice. The only time it really bothers me is when I'm with my children.
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PRx Host : |
Unfortunately, we've run out of time. Thanks so much for a lively chat. And thanks to the audience for so many interesting questions.
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Lynda Carter : |
It has been so much fun to connect with so many of you on the platform of the "new frontier." Thank you for your constant support.
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PRx Host : |
Lynda, you've been a great guest
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Lynda Carter : |
Bye-bye.
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