Lyle Waggoner

Lyle Waggoner was an American actor, model, and entrepreneur best known for his work in television during the 1960s and 1970s. He gained national fame as the original announcer and a recurring performer on the groundbreaking sketch comedy series The Carol Burnett Show. Waggoner later achieved further recognition for his starring role as Steve Trevor on the popular superhero series Wonder Woman alongside Lynda Carter.

Early life and education

Lyle Dean Waggoner was born on April 13, 1935, in Kansas City, Kansas. He developed an early interest in mechanics and engineering, which led him to study at Kansas State University before transferring to the University of Arizona. His academic pursuits were interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served for two years. Following his military service, Waggoner moved to Los Angeles and initially worked in the aerospace industry at companies like North American Aviation.

Career

Waggoner's career in entertainment began after he was discovered by a talent agent while working as a model. His big break came in 1965 when he was selected from over 200 candidates to be the announcer for The Carol Burnett Show, a role he held for its first five seasons. His handsome appearance and comedic timing made him a popular fixture on the program, where he worked alongside Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, and Vicki Lawrence. In 1975, he was cast as the male lead, Major Steve Trevor, in the television adaptation of Wonder Woman, which became a cultural phenomenon and cemented his status as a television star. Beyond acting, Waggoner was a savvy businessman; he founded Star Waggons, a highly successful company that rents customized trailers to the Hollywood film and television industry, serving major studios like Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures.

Personal life

Waggoner was married twice, first briefly to actress Sharon Kennedy in the 1960s. In 1970, he married Sharon, and the couple remained together until his death, having two sons. The family resided primarily in the Los Angeles area. An avid pilot, Waggoner owned several aircraft and was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various charities including the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He passed away on March 17, 2020, in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer.

Filmography

Waggoner's screen career spanned five decades, primarily in television. His notable credits include the film Surf Party (1964), the television movie The Love Boat pilot, and guest-starring roles on series such as The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Murder, She Wrote. He made numerous appearances on variety shows like The Dean Martin Show and game shows including The Hollywood Squares. His final acting credit was in the 2015 film The Selling.

Awards and nominations

While Waggoner did not receive major industry awards for his acting, his work on The Carol Burnett Show contributed to the program's multiple Emmy Award wins. His business acumen was widely recognized within the entertainment industry, with Star Waggons becoming an indispensable service for productions across Hollywood. In 2008, he was honored by the Location Managers Guild of America for his contributions to filmmaking logistics.

Category:American male television actors Category:American male models Category:American businesspeople Category:1935 births Category:2020 deaths