Lynda Wiesmeier was an actress who made a significant impact with several memorable films.
However, it’s a specific image of her that has attracted attention in recent years, capturing a sense of nostalgia for a past era…
Born in 1963 in Washington D.C., Lynda Ann Wiesmeier embodied the classic blonde bombshell, with her curvaceous figure featured in Playboy Magazine.
Her story began in Bitburg, Germany, where her father worked as a doctor in the U.S. Air Force. The family relocated frequently before Lynda eventually settled in sunny Los Angeles. She also spent some time in Bound Brook, New Jersey, where she became a familiar face sunbathing at the Jersey shore.
Starring in a zombie film
Lynda enjoyed staying active and busy, juggling three careers: modeling, acting, and clerical work in a medical office.
In 1982, her beauty captured the attention of Playboy, and she was highlighted as the centerfold Playmate in their July issue. Following her Playmate debut, Lynda entered a dynamic phase in her entertainment career, featuring in films that highlighted her breathtaking natural physique. She appeared in movies such as Real Genius (1985), Teen Wolf (1985), Malibu Express (1985), and R.S.V.P. (1984).
However, it was her last film that could potentially make Lynda Wiesmeier a household name. In 1987, she landed the role of Dianne in the zombie horror movie Evil Town.
The film featured none other than the iconic Dean Jagger, who portrayed a mad scientist in search of eternal youth. His approach? Creating a drug from human pituitary fluid, naturally. As he harvested the fluid, things spiraled out of control — leading to the creation of mindless zombies from the unfortunate donors.
In a fascinating twist, Evil Town also included Keith Hefner, the younger sibling of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. With both Lynda and Keith involved, the film certainly had a notable Playboy link.
The movie was scheduled to premiere in theaters on June 3, 1987, but due to overwhelming anticipation, many theaters began screening it a day earlier, on June 2. Nevertheless, despite the hype, Evil Town ultimately fell short of expectations.
Critics were harsh, labeling it a “silly horror film.” Cavett Binion from All Movie Guide noted that the film was a jumble of scenes from previous movies, including an incomplete project from the 1970s, and remarked that it was “enhanced with some unnecessary nudity thanks to former Playboy Playmate Lynda Wiesmeier.” Ouch!
Fortunately, Lynda Wiesmeier was on her way to a bit of a revival. Interestingly, a specific scene from Evil Town has gained popularity over the years since it was released.
Yet, it’s not for the reasons that some might think.
Lynda Wiesmeier photo
In this unforgettable scene, Lynda shares the spotlight with the relatively unknown actor Scott Hunter.
At first glance, this appears to be a typical snapshot from the 1980s. In front of a Dodge car, a young man and woman pose together, both dressed in classic ’80s fashion. However, if you take a closer look, you might discover something surprising!
The man is wearing dark shorts and a gray hoodie adorned with vibrant designs, while Lynda flaunts high-waisted white shorts matched with a bright red top, stylishly knotted at the waist. Back then, short shorts were all the rage, and Scott paired them with corduroy shirts that seemed to be everywhere.
Their nostalgic outfits shout ’80s style, making it a charming reminder of the era for many. This is precisely what draws people to this image.
Fashion in the 1980s was characterized by its boldness, brightness, and variety – we embraced an eclectic mix of styles, from punk to glam rock to preppy looks.
We had the freedom to experiment with colors, hairstyles, makeup, and an abundance of plastic jewelry and quirky accessories. Sometimes, a simple image from a lesser-known film can whisk us back to this amazing time – thanks for that, Lynda and Scott.
Left the industry
After stepping away from the film industry, Lynda embraced family life, marrying and welcoming two wonderful children —a son and a daughter— from her first marriage.
According to Joyce’s Take, the family settled in Lafayette, Louisiana, where Lynda took on the position of records manager in a law office.
However, life took an unexpected turn, and after a divorce in 2004, Lynda packed her belongings and moved to sunny California, eager to start fresh. Even as she moved forward, Lynda valued her bond with her fans. She became a well-known presence at various fan conventions, such as Glamourcon, The Hollywood Collectors Show, and WonderCon, where she shared her experiences and signed autographs.
Cause of death
It is with a heavy heart that we remember Lynda, who left us too soon at the age of 49 in December 2012, after her courageous fight against a brain tumor.
Reflecting on her life brings a mix of emotions, especially when considering the stories she could have told about her experiences in films such as Evil Town — a delightful film that represents a unique time in cinema.
Even though she is not here, we can continue to honor Lynda’s legacy and the happiness she brought to her fans. If you also miss the 80s, feel free to share this article!
