12/05/2024
The allure of Hollywood in the 1970s created stars who seemed to have it all — beauty, talent, and the adoration of millions. One such star captured hearts with her elegance and charm, becoming an icon of her era.
The beauty icon circa 1975. | Source: Getty Images
The beauty icon circa 1975. | Source: Getty Images
Her journey to stardom began modestly, fueled by ambition and undeniable talent. A breakthrough moment came when she landed a role in "The Bionic Woman," playing Jaime Sommers, a tennis pro who becomes a crime-fighting hero after receiving bionic implants.
The Hollywood star on the set of "The Bionic Woman" in 1975. | Source: Getty Images
The Hollywood star on the set of "The Bionic Woman" in 1975. | Source: Getty Images
The series became a cultural phenomenon, making her a household name and a symbol of strength and grace. "It was the beginning of changing the image of women in the media, the actress revealed in 2018. "Anybody over the age of 34 still tells me how I was such a big part of their childhood."
"Wow! My childhood hero!!" one person commented on a throwback post the actress shared of herself on Instagram. Another typed, "Absolutely Beautiful!!😍😍😍."
Despite the show's success, her life behind the scenes was far from glamorous. By the time "The Bionic Woman" concluded in 1978, she was completely burnt out. Reflecting on her experience, she admitted that her character's emotional disconnect mirrored her own struggles.
She even wrote the show's final episode, saying, "How Jaime Sommers was feeling — not like a woman but like a kind of robot — was the way I was feeling about the series."
The famous actress filming "The Bionic Woman" circa 1976 | Source: Getty Images
The famous actress filming "The Bionic Woman" circa 1976 | Source: Getty Images
The demands of fame took a heavy toll. Working 16-hour days left her physically and emotionally drained, and inter-studio battles added to her stress. The actress confessed to turning to alcohol and drugs to cope, adding, "I felt betrayed, friendless. [...] I knew I had to make some changes; I had to become more relaxed about people and within myself."
Her reputation began to suffer as colleagues labeled her as difficult and demanding. While filming CBS's "The Incredible Journey of Doctor Meg Laurel," she reportedly became petulant on set, asking crew members to clear stones and sticks from her path after tripping several times.
The famous '70s actress circa 1977. | Source: Getty Images
The famous '70s actress circa 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Defenders claimed that much of her behavior stemmed from the relentless pressure placed on her by Hollywood executives. She later reflected, "I was raised by the Golden Rule, but no one in this business has heard of it. At one point I found myself talking to God, yelling, 'You forgot the movie industry!'"
The actress circa 1977. | Source: Getty Images
The actress circa 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Adding to her struggles were a series of health issues. The Hollywood star experienced severe side effects from medication that nearly caused her to lose her hair, and a car accident left her with scars on her lip and scalp.
Later, she suffered from chronic urticaria, a condition that caused painful welts and swelling across her body. "It would burn. It would itch like crazy. It's something that could just make you go insane," she recalled.
The '70s beauty icon on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1977. | Source: Getty Images
The '70s beauty icon on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Treatments like steroids and antihistamines offered temporary relief but came with side effects. After eight months of suffering, she was desperate for a cure.
Her personal life was equally tumultuous. Her first marriage to music publisher Allan Rider lasted only two years. Her second, to actor Michael Brandon, ended after three years. A third marriage, to stuntman Henry Kingi, began with a Lake Tahoe ceremony where the couple recited a Paiute Indian blessing.
"The Bionic Woman" star photographed with her ex-husband, Michael Brandon, at their home in 1977. | Source: Getty Images
"The Bionic Woman" star photographed with her ex-husband, Michael Brandon, at their home in 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Despite their romantic beginnings, the marriage ended in divorce. Friends described their relationship as volatile, with one noting, "It was like living with a roller coaster."
Emotionally and physically depleted and recognizing the need to rebuild, she turned inward and began focusing on personal growth. "I went back to reading the Bible," she revealed. She credited her renewed faith with helping her find balance and overcome her fears.
"The Bionic Woman" star circa 2000. | Source: Getty Images
"The Bionic Woman" star circa 2000. | Source: Getty Images
"Every commitment you make, to your career or to anything else, is an expression of God. You must do it with love and faith," she explained. Embracing spirituality allowed the Emmy award-winning actress to let go of the toxic demands of her earlier life and focus on healing.
The '70s star at the Roma Fiction Fest 2008 Closing Ceremony and Diamond Awards in Italy. | Source: Getty Images
The '70s star at the Roma Fiction Fest 2008 Closing Ceremony and Diamond Awards in Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Her journey toward wellness didn't stop there. She adopted a holistic approach to health, inspired by teachings she had encountered as a teenager. After suffering from severe ulcers and gallbladder problems, she avoided surgery through alternative methods.
The actress at the 38th Annual Saturn Awards on July 26, 2012, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images
The actress at the 38th Annual Saturn Awards on July 26, 2012, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images
These early experiences left a lasting impression, shaping her commitment to balance and natural healing. She later shared these practices with others through workshops and retreats, including her Quiet the Mind & Open the Heart events.
The actress at the 60th anniversary party for the Monte-Carlo TV Festival on February 5, 2020, in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The actress at the 60th anniversary party for the Monte-Carlo TV Festival on February 5, 2020, in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Then after years of focusing on her well-being, the former Hollywood star felt drawn back to Hollywood. In 2018, she appeared in the film "Samson" and took on a role in "Grey's Anatomy." Speaking about her comeback, she said, "I'm kind of being guided to come back. The heart wants what the heart wants, as they say."
The woman behind this story is none other than Lindsay Wagner, 75, whose rise to fame in "The Bionic Woman" captivated a generation. Now in her sixties, Wagner dedicates her life to wellness, teaching others how to find peace and balance in their lives.
She attributes her timeless beauty and vitality to maintaining a holistic lifestyle and staying connected to her spiritual roots."Lindsay. Wow you're still so beautiful ###" one social media user commented in reaction to one of the actress's Instagram posts in recent years.
"😍😍Lindsay ahhhh eternal child in love, the most beautiful woman on the planet," another person said of her timeless beauty.
Wagner's journey from Hollywood's golden girl to a wellness advocate is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. Her story continues to inspire, proving that it's never too late to redefine success and find true happiness.
