Born on June 22, 1949, Lindsay Wagner carved out her own chapter in television history when she brought Jaime Sommers to life in The Bionic Woman. Long before today’s wave of female action heroes, Wagner’s Jaime was leaping buildings in a single bound, racing at 60 miles per hour, and taking down bad guys — all while reminding audiences that strength can exist side by side with warmth and compassion.

Originally introduced as a love interest for Lee Majors’ Six Million Dollar Man, Jaime Sommers was never meant to stick around — but Wagner’s magnetic presence and the character’s compelling blend of power and vulnerability captured viewers’ hearts. So much so that Jaime got her own groundbreaking spin-off series, which ran from 1976 to 1978, earning Wagner an Emmy Award and cementing her as one of television’s first truly iconic sci-fi heroines.

But Lindsay Wagner brought so much more to Jaime than just bionic parts and superhuman stunts. She infused the character with humanity and moral depth — Jaime wasn’t just a robot with super hearing; she was a teacher, a friend, and a symbol of inner and outer strength. Her stories balanced action with real human dilemmas: love, loss, and the burden of being different in a world that didn’t always understand.

Beyond her legendary role, Wagner’s career has spanned decades and genres — from TV movies and mini-series to guest appearances on cult favorites and sci-fi reunions. Off-screen, she’s a passionate advocate for holistic wellness and has written and spoken widely about personal growth, healing, and living with heart.

For generations of fans, Lindsay Wagner remains the gold standard for what a strong, layered female hero can be — and her influence still echoes through every fearless TV heroine who followed.

Happy 76th Birthday to the woman who proved that sometimes the most powerful force is a kind heart and an unstoppable spirit. Here’s to you, Lindsay Wagner — the original Bionic Woman, forever running faster, hearing farther, and inspiring millions.