When you think of the definitive Amazonian warrior, your mind probably goes straight to Lynda Carter spinning into that star-spangled suit. She basically defined the role for a generation. But honestly, it wasn't just the lasso or the crown that made her look the part—it was her presence. A huge part of that presence came down to the simple fact that she was, and is, undeniably statuesque.
So, let's get into the nitty-gritty. How tall is Lynda Carter? Most official records and her own history as a model point to a solid 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).
Now, that might not sound like "giant" territory in 2026, but back in the 1970s, it was a whole different story. Being a 5'9" woman was actually quite rare and often led to some pretty awkward teenage years. Lynda has actually joked about this, mentioning that by the time she was 14, she’d already hit a major growth spurt. She was taller than almost every boy in her class, except for maybe the guys on the football team. They even called her "Olive Oyl." Can you imagine? One of the most beautiful women in history being teased for being "tall and thin."
The Wonder Woman Illusion: Why She Looked 6 Feet Tall
If you watch the old show, you’d swear she was pushing 6 feet. There’s a reason for that. Camera angles did some heavy lifting, but the boots were the real MVP. When Lynda Carter stepped into those iconic red boots, she usually had a 2-to-3-inch heel. That easily pushed her "effective height" to around 6 feet (183 cm) on screen.
💡 You might also like: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes in 2026
Height Comparison: Carter vs. Gadot
People love to compare the "Classic" Wonder Woman to Gal Gadot. It’s funny because they are actually very similar in stature.
- Lynda Carter: 5'9"
- Gal Gadot: 5'10"
Basically, they are in the exact same ballpark. The difference is mostly in the "vibe" and the costume design. Carter had that 1970s hourglass athleticism—wide shoulders and a very small waist—while Gadot has more of a modern, lean athlete build.
The "Tall Girl" Struggle in 1970s Hollywood
Being tall wasn't always an asset for Carter. In high school, she was actually rejected as a cheerleader because of her height. Hollywood wasn't much better at first. Producers were often wary of casting women who might tower over their male leads.
📖 Related: Addison Rae and The Kid LAROI: What Really Happened
Luckily, Lyle Waggoner, who played Steve Trevor, was a solid 6'4". This was a huge relief for the production because it meant Lynda could wear her heels and still look "feminine" (by 1970s standards) next to her co-star. If she had been cast opposite a shorter actor, the "Wonder Woman" look might have been totally different.
Does Height Change with Age?
Lynda Carter is quite open about the realities of getting older. She’s mentioned in interviews that she isn't quite the same height she used to be. In 2021, she actually quipped, "I used to be almost 5-foot-10. But I'm not now!" It's a natural thing—gravity eventually wins a little bit of the battle. Even if she’s lost a fraction of an inch over the decades, she still carries herself with that same Amazonian dignity that made her a star in the first place.
Why Her Height Matters for the Character
Wonder Woman is supposed to be an Amazon. In the comics, Diana Prince’s height has fluctuated wildly, sometimes being depicted as 6'2" or even taller. By being 5'9", Lynda Carter brought a level of physical authority to the role that shorter actresses just couldn't replicate back then. It made the action sequences believable. When she stood up to a villain, she wasn't just a "pretty face"; she was a physical force.
👉 See also: Game of Thrones Actors: Where the Cast of Westeros Actually Ended Up
Fast Facts on Lynda's Stats:
- Shoe Size: She has been a size 11 since the 9th grade. Finding shoes back then must have been a nightmare!
- Weight during filming: She usually stayed around 122–130 pounds, which is quite lean for someone of her height.
- Natural Build: She’s often described as having an "inverted triangle" or "hourglass" frame, which emphasized her height.
If you’re looking to channel that Lynda Carter energy, it’s less about the specific inches and more about the posture. She always stood with her shoulders back and her head high. That’s the real secret to looking like a superhero.
If you are interested in more celebrity measurements or how Hollywood "cheats" height on screen, you can check out some of our other breakdowns on classic TV stars.
Next Steps for You:
Check out the original Wonder Woman pilot to see how they used low-angle shots to make Lynda look even more towering. If you're a fan of the new films, try re-watching Wonder Woman 1984 to spot Lynda's cameo as Asteria—she still holds that incredible presence even decades later.