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Date and Issue: August 1981.
If you think it's hard finding a good part in show biz, try finding a good partner-in business and in marriage ! In the competitive environment of Hollywood, having someone to depend on and trust is as important as talent itself. A starlet may have the right stuff, but if her agent doesn't send her on auditions, who will know? A celebrity may earn $100,000 a week at Caesar's Palace, but if his business manager fritters it away, that celebrity may be eating beans and franks a few months later. Agents, publicists, managers, secretaries, theatrical bookers—these are the people who are entrusted with strategic career decisions and important business details. But, as their client, how would you know if they're tending to your affairs properly? It seems many people have found a surprisingly simple solution: hire your spouse. After all, who can you trust if not your mate? Married couples working as business partners in Hollywood can be found in ever increasing numbers, for several reasons. For one, it can be more fun to work with someone you know and like. For another, it can be more convenient to do business with someone you live with. But perhaps more important is the sense of security such an arrangement provides.
LYNDA CARTER and RON SAMUELS Lynda Carter and Ron Samuels are a good example of the merging of two already-successful careers. Lynda was already the star of Wonder Woman when she met Ron, ten years her senior and the managing wizard behind such stars as Jaclyn Smith and Lindsay Wagner. The two married three years ago, and feel that two good careers combined work better than apart. Since Ron has been managing Lynda, her career has continued on an upward spiral, as evidenced by her third musical special! last May and her NBC telefeature this fall, The Baby Brokers.
Lynda claims that she prefers Ron over any other manager because she knows she can trust him and she knows that he cares about her career. She even admits to deferring to what she considers to be his better judgment when it comes to career decisions. She takes atraditional stance, and claims the final say should go to the man in the family—yet she clearly contributes her own ideas and suggestions, and takes an active interest in their personal finances.
While Ron is more inclined to making deals, Lynda is concerned about protecting their income and has urged Ron to investigate new areas for investment and shelters. She is fully aware of and informed about their persona! finances, and was knowledgeable in such matters long before she ever met Ron.
Lynda has been accused of allowing Ron to mold and control her, but this is a hazard of working with one's spouse. Were Ron not her husband, but merely her manager, people might be more likely to praise his career guidance. Besides, Lynda has certainly had as big an influence on Ron's life. Ron is now reported to be a "believing Jew" who accepts Jesus as the son of God, due in large part to Lynda's strong, born-again Christianity.
Ron and Lynda are moving forward with Lynda's career and she continues to develop her stage act and appear in the film and television properties which Ron is producing for her. On the home front, they also continue to enjoy their active life of tennis and riding.
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