Inside Lynda Carter’s 20,000-Square-Foot Mansion That She Inherited from Billionaire Husband
- The original "Wonder Woman" star Lynda Carter, was married to billionaire, Robert A. Altman.
- The couple were together for over three decades and welcomed two children.
- They raised their kids in a beautiful mansion that consisted of "a lot of bathrooms," including a waterfall.
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."
Carter 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.
An aerial view of Robert Altman and Lynda Carter's estate in Potomac, Maryland | Source: Getty Images
"This is the room that we entertain in because the couches are very comfortable," said the celebrity of her lounge area during the home tour. At the time, the outlet reported that the pair had celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in their 18,000-square-foot estate, which boasts a personal wall of fame inside.
A personal wall of fame inside Robert Altman and Lynda Carter's estate in Potomac, Maryland | Source: YouTube/TheInsider
The now-72-year-old shared the reason why she and her spouse built their large home was because Altman was born in Washington D.C., so they wanted some land and privacy.
Carter described the couple's beloved 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."
Robert Altman and Lynda Carter's estate in Potomac, Maryland | Source: YouTube/TheInsider
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.
The former beauty pageant titleholder also mentioned that the abode has a good charm all around. She talked more about her taste displayed in the design of the house, featuring a mix of English and French styles.
Carter added that she has everything from Danish to Chinese antiques, not forgetting many Western pieces. Moreover, her estate sits on seven lush acres of land featuring a tennis court and an in-ground pool with an adjoining hot tub and waterfall.
A backyard view of Robert Altman and Lynda Carter's estate in Potomac, Maryland | Source: YouTube/TheInsider
Notably, Carter said her home is very active, sharing that she always has something going on there. Her late spouse and the couple's son used to spend much of their time downstairs where the large T.V., a card table, and pool tables are.
The house also features a spacious library adorned with family photos. Carter's daughter shared the best part about the room was seeing her parents' lives before she was born.
A library inside Robert Altman and Lynda Carter's estate in Potomac, Maryland | Source: YouTube/TheInsider
The family woman also showed off her favorite space in the abode, which was the piano room. Carter divulged it is where she rehearses and revealed her "special piano" is connected to an Ipad.
The piano room inside Robert Altman and Lynda Carter's estate in Potomac, Maryland | Source: YouTube/TheInsider
After showing off her home, online users raved about the property on Facebook. "Beautiful House Lynda! I Love You!!" gushed one person. Another simply wrote, "Nice house."
A front view of Robert Altman and Lynda Carter's estate in Potomac, Maryland | Source: YouTube/TheInsider
Meanwhile, others mentioned Carter's classic phone. One said, "I love your home. I'm very jealous that you have that 'Wonder Woman' phone. I've been looking for it for years for my memorabilia collection !!!! Glad to know it's in great hands." Another added, "Such a fantastic, beautiful home! Love the 'Wonder Woman 'phone."
Lynda Carter's "Wonder Woman" phone in her estate in Potomac, Maryland | Source: YouTube/TheInsider
Apart from her stunning home and family life, the Arizona native is best known for her iconic role, Diana Prince, from "Wonder Woman," which aired from 1976 to 1979.
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.
The brunette beauty then returned to her first love, 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.
Lynda Carter and Ron Samuels during Salute to Elizabeth Taylor and Jack Warner by Jewish National Fund Banquet on June 12, 1977, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Lynda Carter and Robert A. Altman attend the 41st Annual Gracie Awards on May 24, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Carter and Altman's relationship blossomed at the height of her career, and the lovebirds tied the knot in 1984. At the time, they lived in different states, so they had to compromise on a place to call home.
The "Smallville" alum revealed 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 the 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 children, their son James, and daughter Jessica.
Carter eventually found fulfillment in being a mother, a fundraiser, and an advocate for important causes. As her kids grew up, 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 D.C.
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.
Sadly, the billionaire 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 describing him as a true visionary, a friend, and a believer in the spirit of people and what they could accomplish together. The message further read, "He was an extraordinary leader and even better human being…We are proud to carry on the values and principles Robert taught us."
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."
Jessica Altman, Lynda Carter, James Altman, and Robert A. Altman at the premiere of "Wonder Woman," 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Altman’s widow shared that nothing could have prepared her family for the loss. Additionally, a friend disclosed that the family man’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 of bank fraud in the early 1990s.
Altman, in turn, supported his spouse when she went to rehab for alcoholism in 1997. A source said the two shared a special bond which made losing the father of her kids hard to digest for Carter.
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.
An insider further revealed that since his death, Carter honors him daily by keeping him in her prayers, her music, and through the time she spends with their children.
The same month Altman passed, his widowed wife took to her Instagram to remember him, sharing a throwback snapshot of them on a picnic outing. In her caption, Carter wrote that he 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, 2021, she paid homage to Altman once again. The veteran star posted another throwback snap of the couple, with her kissing him on the cheek as he grinned at the gesture.
Lynda Carter, who turns 73 on July 24, 2024, penned that she never imagined that one day, she would start another decade chapter without Altman. She reflected on the losses they faced together and how strong they were.