For many, Lynda Wiesmeier was the quintessential blonde bombshell of the 1980s. Her voluptuous figure graced the pages of Playboy Magazine, and her brief but memorable film career captured a very specific moment in pop culture. But it’s a particular image of her — one that feels like a direct glimpse into a bygone era — that has gained renewed attention in recent years.
From a Military Family to the Pages of Playboy
Born in 1963 in Washington, D.C., Lynda Ann Wiesmeier spent much of her childhood on the move. Her father served as a doctor in the U.S. Air Force, and the family lived in Bitburg, Germany, before eventually settling in Los Angeles. She also spent time in Bound Brook, New Jersey, where she became a regular sunbather at the Jersey shore.
Lynda was always busy, balancing three careers at once: modeling, acting, and clerical work in a medical office. Then, in 1982, her life changed forever when her beauty caught the eye of Playboy. She was featured as the centerfold Playmate in the July issue, launching a whirlwind phase in her show business career.
A Flurry of ’80s Film Roles
After her Playboy feature, Lynda starred in a string of films that showcased her stunning natural physique. She appeared in Real Genius (1985), Teen Wolf (1985), Malibu Express (1985), and R.S.V.P. (1984).
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But it was her final film that might have put her on the map — for better or worse. In 1987, she was cast as Dianne in the zombie horror flick Evil Town. The film starred legendary actor Dean Jagger as a mad scientist seeking eternal youth by synthesizing a drug from human pituitary fluid. As he extracted the fluid, things took a turn — resulting in mindless zombies created from the unfortunate donors.
By an interesting twist of fate, Evil Town also featured Keith Hefner, the younger brother of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. With both Lynda and Keith on board, the film had quite the Playboy connection. It was set to hit theaters on June 3, 1987, but excitement was so high that many theaters started showing it a day early.
Despite the buzz, Evil Town didn’t live up to expectations. Critics panned it, calling it a “silly horror film.” Cavett Binion of All Movie Guide pointed out that the movie was a mishmash of scenes from earlier films, including an unfinished project from the 1970s, and added that it was “spiced up with some gratuitous nudity courtesy of former Playboy Playmate Lynda Wiesmeier.”
The Photo That Went Viral Decades Later
In the years since its release, a particular scene from Evil Town has gone viral — though not for the reasons some might assume. In the memorable moment, Lynda shares the screen with the nearly unknown actor Scott Hunter.
At first glance, it looks like your classic 1980s snapshot. In front of a Dodge car, a young man and woman strike a pose, both rocking quintessential ’80s attire. The man sports dark shorts and a gray hoodie splashed with colorful motifs, while Lynda shows off high-waisted white shorts paired with a bright red top, artfully knotted at the waist.
Short shorts were just the style back then, and Scott wore them with corduroy shirts, which everyone seemed to have. Their retro outfits scream ’80s fashion, making it a delightful throwback to the era. And that’s exactly what has people falling in love with this image. Fashion in the 1980s was big, bright, and bold — and we embraced a mix of styles, including punk, glam rock, and preppy looks. We could play with colors, hair, makeup, and lots of plastic jewelry and other crazy accessories.
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple image from a lesser-known film to transport us back to this fantastic era.
A Quiet Life After Hollywood
After leaving the film industry, Lynda embraced family life, marrying and welcoming two 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 role of records manager in a law office.
However, life took a turn, and after a divorce in 2004, Lynda packed her bags and headed to sunny California, ready to start anew. Even as she moved on, Lynda cherished her connection with her fans. She became a familiar face at various fan conventions, like Glamourcon, The Hollywood Collectors Show, and WonderCon, where she shared her stories and signed autographs.
Her Cause of Death
Sadly, Lynda’s journey was cut short when she passed away at just 49 in December 2012, following a brave battle with a brain tumor.
It’s bittersweet to think about what she might have shared about her time in films like Evil Town — a charming piece of cinematic history that captures a different era. But even in her absence, we can still celebrate Lynda’s legacy and the joy she brought to her fans. 🕊️
