Actress Lindsay Wagner has marked a major television milestone, celebrating the 50th anniversary of her iconic series, The Bionic Woman. The star took to Instagram on Wednesday to share her gratitude with the loyal fans who have kept the show's legacy alive for half a century.
A Grateful Star Thanks Her Fans
In a heartfelt video message posted online, the 76-year-old actress reflected on the journey from the show's debut in 1976. 'Here we are 50 years from 1976, happy anniversary,' Wagner said. She directly addressed her supporters, adding, 'I say happy anniversary to you [the fans] because without your support all these years we wouldn't be here, and I am so grateful.'
To commemorate the occasion, Wagner is launching 'Bionic 50', a special virtual event for enthusiasts. This exclusive offering will include never-before-released signed photographs and signed printed copies of the script for the final episode, titled On The Run.
Wagner explained to People magazine that the event is designed as a mutual celebration. She expressed a desire to hear stories from the audience, moving beyond the usual questions about production secrets. 'I like to hear their stories,' she said, highlighting how the show provided solace and inspiration to viewers during difficult times.
The Legacy of Jaime Sommers
The Bionic Woman was a spin-off from the popular 1970s series The Six Million Dollar Man. It aired for three successful seasons, from 1976 until 1978. Wagner played the lead role of Jaime Sommers, a professional tennis player who suffers a near-fatal skydiving accident.
Sommers is 'rebuilt bionically' with advanced technology, granting her superhuman abilities like enhanced hearing and the capacity to run at 60 miles per hour. She subsequently uses these skills as a special agent for the government. Her storyline was closely tied to Lee Majors' character, Steve Austin (The Six Million Dollar Man), who was her former fiancé and frequently guest-starred on the show.
From Game Show to Global Icon
Lindsay Wagner's path to stardom began unconventionally. She first appeared on screen as a contestant on The Dating Game in 1969. Her acting career built momentum through guest roles in series like Adam-12, Marcus Welby, M.D., and The Rockford Files.
Her big break came in 1975 with a role on The Six Million Dollar Man, which led directly to her own headline series the following January. After The Bionic Woman ended, Wagner continued a prolific career in television and film, including the 1980 miniseries Scruples and the 1981 film Nighthawks alongside Sylvester Stallone.
More recently, audiences may recognise her from roles in Warehouse 13, Alphas, and a memorable stint as Alex Karev's mother on Grey's Anatomy. She also starred in the 2021 festive film Christmas at the Ranch.
Fifty years on, the impact of The Bionic Woman and Lindsay Wagner's portrayal of Jaime Sommers continues to resonate, celebrated by an actress who remains deeply connected to the fans that made it all possible.
