Lynda Carter, the iconic actress best known for portraying Wonder Woman on television from 1975 to 1979, has shared a heartfelt and poignant message on social media. The 74-year-old star took to Instagram on Thursday to commemorate what would have been her 42nd wedding anniversary with her late husband, Robert Altman.
A Lasting Love Remembered
Carter posted a photograph with Altman, accompanied by a deeply personal note expressing her enduring love and grief. "Robert Altman was a powerful man, but above all, he was the most decent man I have ever known. Everyone who met him can attest," the actress and lounge singer wrote. She added that the phrase "It was a privilege to know him" is often repeated by those who knew him.
"Today marks our 42nd anniversary. I love you always, Robert. Our family has never been the same without you, my love," Carter concluded in her anniversary post. This public expression of sorrow comes nearly three years after Altman's passing in Baltimore in February 2021. He was 73 years old at the time of his death, which resulted from complications following a medical procedure.
An Enduring Presence
In a 2024 interview with People magazine, Carter revealed that she is still grappling with the profound loss. "He was the great love of my life. I think of him every day," she confessed. The actress described the lingering habits of their relationship, noting, "There's so much of my day to day where I find myself thinking, 'Oh Robert will know.' Or if I'm on a flight, I still expect him to text to ask, 'Did you land safely? Was everything alright?'"
This enduring connection inspired Carter to write a song titled Letters From Earth, which she describes as a love letter to those who have passed away. "The soul of the song is about how you miss a person so much, because they're such a presence in your life that it's almost impossible to imagine that you won't physically see them again in this life," she explained. "You wonder, 'How can I communicate with you? Where are you? You didn't just die — there's too much of you left on this earth, too many people that love you.'"
A Life and Legacy
Robert Altman led a distinguished career as a lawyer and video game executive. He initially practiced law in Washington, D.C., at the firm Clifford & Warnke before establishing his own practice. His legal career included involvement in the high-profile scandal surrounding the Bank of Credit and Commerce International.
Altman later co-founded the influential video game company ZeniMax Media in 1986. Under his leadership, the company became renowned for publishing major franchises such as The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. ZeniMax's success led to significant corporate moves, including the acquisition of id Software in 2009 and the company's own acquisition by Microsoft in 2020 for $7.5 billion.
Following his passing, Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax subsidiary, released a statement praising Altman as "a true visionary, friend, and believer in the spirit of people and the power of what they could accomplish together." The tribute noted he was "an extraordinary leader, and an even better human being."
Family Bonds and Personal Tributes
Lynda Carter and Robert Altman shared 37 years of marriage and had two children together: Jessica and James. In her social media tributes, Carter has frequently emphasised the importance of their family. "We have always been grateful for the two beautiful lives we created together: our children, Jessica and James," she wrote. "They are the lights of my life, and were the greatest joy of Robert's. I see so much of Robert in them, and I know he lives on through them."
Their son, James, also shared touching words about his father, describing him as "fiercely loyal to his friends" with "a way of connecting with people instantly. Inspiring them, getting the best out of them, and often teaching them with his seemingly endless wisdom."
In a previous Instagram post from 2021, shortly after Altman's death, Carter reflected on their relationship: "We shared the passion I hope everyone is lucky enough to experience in their lifetime. We protected each other and were each other's champions always." She added, "Robert is the love of my life and he always will be," describing their marriage as "an extraordinary gift."
The actress finished that tribute with a promise: "Nothing could prepare our family for this moment, but we will do our best to follow our dreams and honor the legacy you've left behind. I will love you always and forever."
