Wonder Woman has been fighting the good fight in the pages of DC Comics for nearly 80 years, and she’s been accompanied by military man Steve Trevor every step of the way. This partnership eventually translated to the live-action medium and is currently being showcased on the big screen. However, before Gal Gadot had Chris Pine, Lynda Carter had Lyle Waggoner. The actor who played Trevor alongside Carter’s Diana Prince passed away this week, and Carter is now paying her respects.
Lynda Carter took to Twitter to post a vintage, publicity photo of her and Wagonner in character. She also added a heartfelt message in which she referred to the actor as a friend:
Lyle Waggoner was a memorable colleague and co-star, but he was also a friend. His kindness meant the world to me when I was very young and just starting my career. Lyle and I last spoke in 2018 and I’m so glad we had the chance to catch up. I will miss you, Lyle.
It’s hard not to feel something when reading Carter’s tribute. Even though the two hadn’t been in regular contact, they seem to have still had a firm friendship.
Lynda Carter and Lyle Waggoner would first share the screen together as Diana Prince and Steve Trevor when it premiered on ABC in 1975. The two would continue their roles for the series’ entire run, even after the show switched networks and titles for its final two seasons. At one point, the series almost spawned a feature film adaptation.
Waggoner would actually play two characters on the show, as he would play Steve Trevor Jr. when the series transitioned from the dark days of World War II to the bright backdrop of the 1970s.
Wonder Woman may seem a bit dated to younger viewers but, for a generation, it was a weekly event that allowed comic book fans to visit with one of their favorite superheroines.
Together, Carter and Waggoner would help to define the relationship between Prince and Trevor and essentially serve as a precursor to the bond between Gal Gadot and Chris Pine’s iterations of the characters.
While Gadot and Pine’s relationship has thematic differences, it still maintains the love and respect that was established by their ‘70s predecessors. Their connection does, however, look as though it will enter more uncharted waters in the upcoming Wonder Woman 1984, which will seemingly resurrect Trevor and bring him back into Diana’s orbit in the 1980s.
Fans of the classic TV series undoubtedly hold a soft spot for Lyle Waggoner’s portrayal of the fan-favorite fighter pilot. The late actor leaves behind a role that will be preserved and reinvented for years to come. Those hoping to see more of Waggoner’s version of Steve Trevor can stream Wonder Woman on DC Universe now.
