Lyle Waggoner was an actor whose classic good looks and suave demeanor made him a beloved figure in American television during the 1960s and 1970s. He gained widespread recognition for his roles on The Carol Burnett Show and as Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman, cementing his place in TV history. While Waggoner’s on-screen career helped make him a household name, his off-screen work as a successful businessman demonstrated his versatility beyond acting.

This biography will explore Lyle Waggoner’s early life, his rise to fame, his memorable television roles, and his post-acting career, as well as his enduring legacy as one of television’s classic leading men.

Early Life and Military Service

Lyle Wesley Waggoner was born on April 13, 1935, in Kansas City, Kansas. Raised in the small town of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Waggoner displayed a natural charisma and athleticism from a young age. He attended Kirkwood High School in St. Louis County and later pursued higher education at Washington University in St. Louis. Although his studies were interrupted, Waggoner enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a radio operator. His time in the military helped him develop a sense of discipline and responsibility, traits that would later serve him well in both his acting and business careers.

After completing his military service, Waggoner returned to Missouri and briefly worked as a door-to-door encyclopedia salesman. However, it wasn’t long before he set his sights on a career in entertainment. In pursuit of his dreams, he moved to Los Angeles, where he began taking acting classes and auditioning for roles.

Early Career and Rise to Fame

Lyle Waggoner’s early career in Hollywood began with small roles in television and film. He made his first appearance in the 1966 film Swamp Country, but it wasn’t until later that year when he landed a breakout role on television that he began to make a name for himself. Waggoner auditioned for the role of Batman in the 1966 Batman TV series, a role that ultimately went to Adam West. Although Waggoner didn’t land the part, his audition caught the attention of casting agents, leading to more acting opportunities.

In 1967, Waggoner’s career took a major leap forward when he was cast as the announcer and regular performer on The Carol Burnett Show, a variety show that would become one of the most iconic and beloved programs of the era. Waggoner’s role on the show was multi-faceted; he served as the handsome announcer and often participated in sketches, playing a variety of roles. His striking good looks and comedic timing made him a perfect complement to the comedic talents of Carol Burnett and the rest of the cast.

Waggoner’s role on The Carol Burnett Show lasted from 1967 to 1974, during which time he became known for his versatility and willingness to play both the straight man and comedic foil. Whether he was playing a charming leading man or getting caught in the middle of one of Burnett’s zany sketches, Waggoner was a key part of the show’s success. His charm and easy-going nature made him a fan favorite, and he became known as one of television’s most handsome actors.

Despite his popularity on The Carol Burnett Show, Waggoner made the decision to leave in 1974 to pursue other opportunities, hoping to find more challenging roles that would allow him to showcase his range as an actor.

Steve Trevor and Wonder Woman

Lyle Waggoner’s most iconic role came in 1975 when he was cast as Major Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman, the television series based on the DC Comics superhero. Starring opposite Lynda Carter, who played the titular character, Waggoner’s portrayal of Steve Trevor was central to the show’s success. He played the dashing U.S. Army officer and ally to Wonder Woman, who often found himself in dangerous situations that required the Amazonian heroine’s help.

The Wonder Woman series originally aired as a television movie pilot in 1975, followed by the first season set during World War II. Waggoner played Major Steve Trevor, Wonder Woman’s love interest and confidant during the war, with his character being integral to many of the plotlines. When the show was renewed for a second and third season, the setting was updated to the 1970s, with Waggoner playing Colonel Steve Trevor, the son of his original character.

Waggoner’s on-screen chemistry with Lynda Carter was one of the highlights of the show. His portrayal of Steve Trevor struck a balance between action hero and charming leading man, often finding himself needing to be rescued by Wonder Woman, a reversal of the traditional damsel-in-distress trope. Waggoner’s good looks, charm, and heroic persona made him the perfect complement to Carter’s Wonder Woman, and together, they became one of television’s most memorable duos.

Wonder Woman ran from 1975 to 1979 and became a cultural phenomenon, with Waggoner’s portrayal of Steve Trevor remaining one of his most recognizable roles. Even decades after the show ended, Waggoner’s work on Wonder Woman continued to resonate with fans, and the series itself remained a beloved part of pop culture.

Post-Acting Career: Founding Star Waggons

After Wonder Woman ended, Waggoner shifted his focus from acting to entrepreneurship. In 1979, he founded Star Waggons, a company that provided custom trailers for actors on film and television sets. The idea for the company came to Waggoner after years of working on sets where he noticed the lack of comfortable, private spaces for actors to relax between scenes. Recognizing an opportunity, he used his industry connections and business acumen to develop a successful company that revolutionized the way trailers were used on production sets.

Star Waggons quickly became the go-to provider of luxury trailers for Hollywood productions, offering customized trailers equipped with all the amenities actors needed. Waggoner’s business thrived, and over the years, it expanded to include a large fleet of trailers used by studios, film crews, and major stars. His decision to step away from full-time acting and focus on Star Waggons proved to be a smart move, as the company became a leader in the entertainment industry.

While Waggoner’s focus shifted to his business ventures, he continued to make occasional guest appearances on television. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he appeared in shows such as The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Murder, She Wrote. He also made appearances on reunion specials and talk shows, where he discussed his time on The Carol Burnett Show and Wonder Woman.

Legacy and Impact on Pop Culture

Lyle Waggoner’s career in television and film left a lasting impact on pop culture, particularly through his work on two iconic shows: The Carol Burnett Show and Wonder Woman. His role as Steve Trevor made him a part of the superhero genre’s early television history, and his presence in The Carol Burnett Show helped shape the golden age of variety programming.

Beyond his on-screen work, Waggoner’s contributions as an entrepreneur and businessman also demonstrated his ability to innovate and succeed in an industry he had been a part of for decades. Star Waggons remains a thriving business, a testament to Waggoner’s entrepreneurial spirit and foresight.

Waggoner’s charm, charisma, and all-American good looks made him a familiar and beloved figure to audiences, and his work on Wonder Woman continues to be celebrated by fans of the show. His portrayal of Steve Trevor offered a rare depiction of a male character who could be both heroic and supportive, sharing the spotlight with a strong female lead—a dynamic that was ahead of its time in many ways.

In 2020, Lyle Waggoner passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy that spans acting, comedy, and business. His contributions to television remain cherished by fans of classic TV, and his work continues to inspire new generations who discover his performances in The Carol Burnett Show and Wonder Woman. Waggoner’s blend of humor, heroism, and entrepreneurial success made him one of the most versatile and admired figures in Hollywood history.