The Trailblazing Wonder Woman Who Conquered Tennis, Television, and Hollywood

Some stars are remembered for a single defining role. Others, like Cathy Lee Crosby, are remembered for their versatility, their charisma, and the way they broke barriers. Stunning, sensual, and captivating, she didn’t just play Wonder Woman—she was a wonder in every sense. As the first actress to bring the Amazonian heroine to Hollywood screens in 1974, she opened the door for female superheroes. But her career was more than a costume and lasso. From professional tennis courts to hit TV shows and beloved films, Cathy Lee Crosby became an unforgettable icon of the 1970s and 80s.

Early Life: A Hollywood Beginning with Athletic Dreams

Cathy Lee Crosby was born on December 2, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. Growing up with entertainment in her blood, she was surrounded by creativity from day one—her father was a songwriter and spokesman, while her mother had been an RKO actress. It almost seemed inevitable that Cathy would find her way into the spotlight.

But before acting called her name, sports did. At the age of 12, she picked up a tennis racket and never looked back. She became a top-ranked junior player, competing in national tournaments and even at Wimbledon. By the time she was in college at the University of Southern California, where she graduated cum laude in psychology, Cathy had already proven herself as a competitor with discipline and drive.

Video : Wonder Woman (Cathy Lee Crosby) – All Powers Scenes

From Tennis Courts to Television Cameras

By the late 1960s, Cathy began shifting from professional tennis to acting. Her competitive spirit, honed on the courts, gave her the persistence to chase opportunities in Hollywood. She landed early TV roles in shows like It Takes a Thief (1968) and worked her way into feature films such as The Laughing Policeman (1973).

Her beauty, paired with her determination, made her stand out. Unlike many actresses who were boxed into one type of role, Cathy was able to move seamlessly between thrillers, comedies, and dramas, always leaving an impression.

Breaking Barriers: The First Wonder Woman

In 1974, Cathy Lee Crosby made history when she starred in the television movie Wonder Woman. While her portrayal differed from the later Lynda Carter version—her Diana Prince wore a sleek jumpsuit instead of the classic red-and-blue costume—it was groundbreaking. Cathy’s performance proved that female superheroes could hold their own in a genre dominated by men.

Audiences were mesmerized by her charisma. She wasn’t just beautiful—she was commanding, confident, and brought a new kind of energy to the character. Though the film didn’t lead to a long-running series, it established her as a trailblazer and earned her lifelong recognition as the first Wonder Woman on screen.

A Versatile Career Beyond Superheroes

Cathy didn’t let one role define her. In the years that followed, she built a career that showcased her range. She starred in films like Trackdown (1976), Coach (1978), and appeared on hit shows like The Love Boat, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, and World War III (1982).

But perhaps her most famous work outside of acting was as a co-host of That’s Incredible! from 1980 to 1984. Week after week, she engaged audiences with her natural warmth, humor, and professionalism. The show became a household favorite, and Cathy became one of the most recognizable television personalities of the era.

She even crossed into sports entertainment, appearing at WrestleMania 2 in 1986, once again proving there was no stage too big for her.

Personal Life: Resilience and Reinvention

Like her career, Cathy’s personal life was full of highs and challenges. She married Alexander Ingle in the 1960s, though the marriage ended quickly. High-profile relationships followed, including romances with actor Richard Roundtree and NFL quarterback Joe Theismann.

In the 1990s, her breakup with Theismann made headlines due to a lawsuit over financial disputes. But Cathy handled the turmoil with the same grace and strength that had defined her life. She continued to focus on her career, her friendships, and her charitable work.

Video : Cathy Lee Crosby’s Secret Life: What You Didn’t Know!

Where Is Cathy Lee Crosby Now?

As of 2025, Cathy Lee Crosby is 80 years old and living a quieter life in Los Angeles. Though she has stepped away from acting, her influence continues to ripple through Hollywood. She occasionally makes public appearances and remains admired for her groundbreaking role as Wonder Woman and her work as a beloved TV host.

With an estimated net worth of over $50 million, she has built a stable and successful life beyond the spotlight. Today, her focus is on personal projects and philanthropy, supporting causes close to her heart, including women’s empowerment and education.

Why Cathy Lee Crosby’s Legacy Endures

So why does Cathy still captivate fans decades later? It’s because she represents more than just one era or one role. She embodies versatility: a professional athlete, an actress, a host, and a trailblazer. She showed young women that they could be strong, glamorous, and unstoppable—all at once.

Her role as Wonder Woman may have been the spark, but it was her adaptability and resilience that cemented her place as a true Hollywood icon.

Conclusion

Cathy Lee Crosby’s journey is the story of a woman who refused to be limited. From smashing serves at Wimbledon to breaking barriers as the first Wonder Woman on screen, from co-hosting That’s Incredible! to building a multifaceted Hollywood career, she has lived a life as dynamic as the characters she portrayed.

At 80, she continues to inspire with her legacy of strength, beauty, and intelligence. Cathy Lee Crosby isn’t just a memory from the past—she remains a timeless example of how to live boldly, embrace change, and shine across every stage of life.