In the dazzling world of 1970s Hollywood, one actress captured the hearts of millions. With beauty, grace, and charm, she became a TV icon, leaving an unforgettable mark on the era. But her journey wasn’t as perfect as it appeared.
Behind the fame and fortune, she faced incredible challenges, from health struggles to burnout, and even failed relationships. Yet, after decades of hardship, she discovered peace, a renewed sense of purpose, and a new path in life.
This is the remarkable journey of Lindsay Wagner, a Hollywood star who found her true calling.
In the 1970s, Hollywood had stars who seemed to have it all — stunning looks, undeniable talent, and the adoration of fans. One such star was Lindsay Wagner, a young actress who quickly became a household name.
Her big break came when she landed the role of Jaime Sommers in the hit TV show The Bionic Woman. Jaime was a tennis pro who, after a terrible accident, becomes a crime-fighting hero thanks to bionic implants.
The show was a sensation. It was a huge cultural phenomenon, and Lindsay’s portrayal of a strong, resilient woman made her an icon of the era. Fans everywhere admired her for her strength and beauty.
“It was the beginning of changing the image of women in the media,” she said in 2018. “Anybody over the age of 34 still tells me how I was such a big part of their childhood.”
The love for Lindsay didn’t stop there. On Instagram, fans still comment on her old photos. One person shared, “Wow! My childhood hero!!” Another wrote, “Absolutely Beautiful!! 😍😍😍.”
But despite the success of The Bionic Woman, Lindsay’s life was anything but easy. By the time the show wrapped up in 1978, she was exhausted. She later admitted that her character, Jaime Sommers, felt emotionally disconnected, and she was living in a similar way behind the scenes.
“How Jaime Sommers was feeling — not like a woman but like a kind of robot — was the way I was feeling about the series,” she said, reflecting on her time working on the show.
The pressures of fame were taking their toll. Working 16-hour days left her physically drained, and the constant tension between the studios only added to her stress. Lindsay turned to alcohol and drugs to cope.
She admitted, “I felt betrayed, friendless. […] I knew I had to make some changes; I had to become more relaxed about people and within myself.”
Things started to unravel. On the set of The Incredible Journey of Doctor Meg Laurel, Lindsay’s behavior reportedly became erratic. She asked crew members to clear stones and sticks from her path after tripping several times. She was described as difficult and demanding.
However, some believed that her actions were a response to the immense pressure placed on her by Hollywood executives. Lindsay herself once said, “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!’”
But her struggles didn’t end with the pressures of Hollywood. Lindsay also faced serious health issues. The medications she was prescribed caused her to lose her hair, and a car accident left her with scars on her lip and scalp.
She was also battling chronic urticaria, a painful condition that caused welts and swelling all over her body. “It would burn. It would itch like crazy. It’s something that could just make you go insane,” she said.
For months, Lindsay sought relief from treatments, but nothing seemed to work. She turned to alternative methods for healing, eventually finding some comfort from the condition.
Her personal life mirrored her professional struggles. Lindsay’s first marriage, to music publisher Allan Rider, lasted just two years. Her second marriage to actor Michael Brandon ended after three years.
She then married stuntman Henry Kingi, and their ceremony took place in Lake Tahoe, where they exchanged a Paiute Indian blessing. But even this marriage ended in divorce, with friends describing their relationship as “like living with a roller coaster.”
Exhausted both physically and emotionally, Lindsay knew she needed a change. She turned inward and began to focus on her personal growth. “I went back to reading the Bible,” she shared. It was this renewed faith that helped her rediscover balance and let go of her fears.
“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. Her spirituality allowed her to release the toxic energy from her past and heal from the pain.
Her focus on healing didn’t stop there. She embraced a holistic lifestyle, drawing inspiration from teachings she had encountered as a teenager. After suffering from severe ulcers and gallbladder problems, she avoided surgery by turning to alternative health methods.
These early experiences shaped her commitment to natural healing, and she later began to share these practices with others through workshops and retreats, including events called Quiet the Mind & Open the Heart.
For years, Lindsay focused on her health and well-being, embracing a life of balance and spiritual growth. But in 2018, after decades away from the spotlight, she felt a pull back toward acting.
She appeared in the film Samson and also landed a role in Grey’s Anatomy. Reflecting on her return to Hollywood, Lindsay said, “I’m kind of being guided to come back. The heart wants what the heart wants, as they say.”
Now in her seventies, Lindsay Wagner has transformed herself from Hollywood’s golden girl to a wellness advocate. She dedicates her life to helping others find peace and balance.
Fans still comment on her timeless beauty, with one person writing, “Lindsay. Wow, you’re still so beautiful xxx.” Another fan posted, “😍😍 Lindsay ahhhh eternal child in love, the most beautiful woman on the planet.”
Lindsay’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of never giving up. She shows us that it’s never too late to redefine success, find happiness, and live with purpose. Her story continues to inspire countless people, reminding us all that no matter how difficult life may get, peace and fulfillment are always within reach.
What do you think of Lindsay’s incredible journey? Share your thoughts below!
