The Only Surviving Stars From The Bionic Woman
To truly grasp the essence of Jaime Sommers, the iconic protagonist of “The Bionic Woman,” one must first understand her origins in “The Six Million Dollar Man.” This unique blend of a young tennis player and a partially cyborg heroine first emerged in the second season of the latter show, designed as a counterpart to its male lead. The premise was compelling: Jaime, after a harrowing skydiving accident, receives advanced technological enhancements that not only save her life but also grant her extraordinary abilities like enhanced hearing, immense strength, and super-speed. These talents set the stage for a new dual identity as both a schoolteacher and a spy. While the premise may not fare well in contemporary television unless backed by a major franchise like DC or Marvel, audiences in the 1970s were captivated. The character’s demise in “The Six Million Dollar Man” was met with such backlash that it prompted her resurrection and the launch of her own series. “The Bionic Woman” aired for a modest 58 episodes on ABC starting in 1976, yet its legacy endures in the cultural lexicon, especially as advancements in biomedical technology continue to inspire jokes about “bionic women.” The surviving cast members have enjoyed recognition for their contributions to the series, and they have continued to pursue various projects in the years since.
Lindsay Wagner, who portrayed Jaime Sommers, made significant strides with this groundbreaking role, earning an Emmy despite the awards’ historical reluctance towards sci-fi. Throughout the show’s three seasons, Wagner’s career was almost altered drastically when, in 1979, she avoided boarding American Airlines Flight 191, which tragically crashed. Following “The Bionic Woman,” she reprised her role in several spin-offs and remained a consistent presence in film and television. In the ’80s, she headlined shows like “Scruples,” “Jessie,” and “A Peaceable Kingdom.” More recently, viewers may recognize her from “Warehouse 13” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” where she played a pivotal role as Alex Karev’s mother. Her filmography includes notable works such as “Nighthawks” and “Ricochet.” In addition to her acting career, Wagner has authored books, taught at San Bernardino Valley College, and engaged in advocacy work for child abuse prevention. She has been transparent about her experiences with domestic violence and alternative medicine practices.
Lee Majors, the actor behind Colonel Steve Austin, although only appearing in select episodes of “The Bionic Woman,” is famously known as the titular star of “The Six Million Dollar Man.” Majors continued to solidify his status as an action star with his role as bounty hunter Colt Seavers on “The Fall Guy.” In a candid reflection during a 2015 convention, he acknowledged the hard work that defined his career, often performing his own stunts, which now contribute to ongoing health issues. Beyond acting, Majors has produced content, sung theme songs, and even co-owned a Los Angeles football team. His film appearances embraced a wide range, including comedic roles in “Scrooged” and “Big Fat Liar,” while also making guest appearances on shows like “Weeds” and “Ash vs Evil Dead.” He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984, marking his impact on the entertainment industry.
Sam Chew Jr., who played Mark Russell, was a recurring figure in “The Bionic Woman” as an OSI agent. By the time he joined the cast, he had already made appearances in the “Planet of the Apes” films. Post-series, Chew continued acting, landing roles on shows like “The Incredible Hulk” and “Petticoat Junction,” as well as featuring in films such as “10 To Midnight” and “Oscar.” While he hasn’t acted on screen since 1998, Chew remains active in commercial voice work, lending his voice to programs on the Discovery Channel and contributing to the iconic Shark Week broadcasts. His career also spans documentary narration, public speaking education, and work as a radio DJ.
Jennifer Darling, known for her role as Peggy Calahan, was integral to the operation of OSI under Oscar Goldman. This character remains her most recognized role. After “The Bionic Woman,” Darling expanded her acting resume, transitioning into voice work for popular ’80s animated shows, alongside live-action performances in series like “Eight is Enough.” Throughout the years, she voiced characters in beloved animated films and contributed to multiple video games. With a robust background in stage acting, Darling has blended stage and voice work seamlessly, though she appears to have stepped back from acting since 2019.
As the surviving cast members reflect on their time in this groundbreaking series, their contributions continue to resonate through the fabric of television history, marking a unique era of entertainment.
