As partbof our Wondercon 2026 coverage, Genevieve and I spoke with Author Mike Pingel. Mike is a Pop Culture expert and we discussed Wonder Woman, Charlie’s Angels and Betty White.
Can you tell us about your career and how acting and writing came about?
I grew up on TV in the 70s and I wanted to be like all those people I watched on TV. I just love the story telling and the excitement of the median of TV. Acting was really my only passion. During High School I took on any role on stage and then later in college I moved into working in film and TV. I got my first agent and auditioned for many films as John Water’s Cry Baby, Toy Solders, and Chances Are. I was cast in Chances Are which starred Ryan O’Neal and Cybill Shepard. I spent 3 days on the set sitting in my trailer waiting for my scene and then got word it was cut. But that’s Hollywood!
As far as writing, dyslexia has always been my kryptonite. But it was my Charlie’s Angels newsletter in the 90s which struck that path for me. I have written five books and for online publications of Remind magazine.com and WeHoTimes.com.
What influenced you on Charlie’s Angel’s, Betty White, and Wonder Woman of all the Pop Culture topics?
When I was a kid that’s all we did was play outside and watch TV! The late 70s was the best time for TV. There were only three channels, and nothing was better! It was not pop culture, back then it was just TV. TV held some of my best memories. Charlie’s Angels, Wonder Woman, Bionic Man, The Muppet Show, The Love Boat, Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries – just to name a few. So, it was easy to write about my favorite characters and those shows I loved.
In regards to Wonder Woman; which season of the classic series is your favorite and why?
I would have to say my favorite season was the second. I think the whole Nazi storyline was a bit over my head at age 6 or 7. The third season she was set in our time and seemed more real to me. My personal favorites episode is “Amazon Hot Wax” which was in season three and was the episode Lynda used her singing talents on. Yes, btw I did have her record album!
Given your interviews with Lynda Carter, was there a specific story she told you about her time as Diana that took you by surprise?
I asked Lynda which one of the Wonder Woman outfits was her favorite she told me: “Beside than the classic one, the coolest was the motorcycle outfit. Yet the cape was really cool too.” I thought it was surprising and fun answer!
What do you think went wrong with “Wonder Woman 84”?
I really liked it, especially Lynda Carter’s appearance as Asteria in the film. I think the films storylines were not built solidly – especially Cheetah (Kristen Wiig) storyline needed to be much stronger and the body possession of the return of Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) was a bit crazy. Plus, it I did not help with the Covid pandemic happening that year with the delays of the release of the film. But once the film hit streaming it was a wonder hit!
Who do you want to play the character next?
That’s easy: I just love Ana de Armas from James Bond’s No Time to Die, John Wick’s Ballerina and Knives Out. She is gorgeous and can kick butt!!!
Which villain is your favorite and why?
Formicida! This villain character was seen in both comics and the TV series. The episode was titled “Formicida” and was seen in Season 3, Episode 6. The character was played by actress Lorene Yarnell Jansson. Her super-power was to control insects which she uses to bring down tall buildings. It was fun to see a female villain who also has a double life similar to Diana Prince/Wonder Woman.
Switching to Charlie’s Angel’s, why do you think the latest film did not have the same success as the prior films?
It was horrible. Honestly the Angels were mean to each other throughout the film. They lacked the detective skills and the whole 1000s Bosleys was just confusing. The erasing of David Doyle and Bill Murray from the Angel universe. Elizabeth Banks (director, producer, star) took images from the past TV show and film and replaced their heads with Patrick Stewart who played the main Bosley in that film. It showed disrespect for those who came before and who laid the ground worked for the 2019 film. To be honest, the film really should have started at the end of the film when the Angels really became a team.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing a modern version versus the original?
No one really understands the concept. They feel if you just put three women together you get Charlie’s Angels. That is only one part of the formula. Call Kate Jackson if you want to know more!
Of your Angels memorabilia, what is the Holy Grail item you will never part with?
That is a very tough question. I have many personal items from the actresses themselves such as the Kris Munroe Prop Business Card which Cheryl Ladd gave me as a birthday gift, Tanya Roberts gave me her Julie Roger’s Detective badge & crew jacket, and most recently I acquire a clapper from the 1980s season. As far as mass produced toys: Rainy Day Set [contains a Charlie’s Angels umbrella, rain jacket and purse] is a favorite. Another one close to my heart is the Best Buy Lunch Box for Season 1 DVD release in 2006 because it was the final item Farrah Fawcett signed for me.
Who is your ultimate Angels lineup from film and TV combined?
Season 2 Sabrina Duncan, Kelly Garrett & Kris Munroe aka Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd. That was the season I started watching the show. Plus, Ladd is my favorite angel of the series, I feel in love with Ladd and her character Kris Munore plus she was Jill Munore’s little sister (Farrah Fawcett). In April 2026 was with the actresses at the PaleyfestLA event in Los Angeles, CA were Kate, Jaclyn and Cheryl celebrated the shows 50th anniversary – and I got a photo with my favorite cast. I think now that is my favorite collectable!!!
If you could cast anyone as Bosley, who would it be and why?
ME! I have always wanted to play Bosley. I pitched the idea for the 2000 film with me as Bosely’s nephew. They kind of used that idea in the Full Throttle film (2003). Bosley is a kind of guy that everyone loves, is not too sexy, a little bit funny and is always there to help the Angels.
To what do you attribute the enduring appeal of the series and franchise?
Girl Power! The show broke the glass ceiling for women not only in television as three woman dominated a hit tv show but it showed woman and girls that they could do what every they wanted to do. Go Girls! Plus the original actress because it was just perfect casting and the opening theme, the logo, the Angels iconic pose!
What was your favorite. Classic episode and why?
I have two. Circus of Terror (Season 2) which was Cheryl Ladd’s audition episode. The Angels go under cover at a circus to find out who want to sabotage it. The second one is Angels at Sea (Season 1) from the first season where the Angels try to uncover who is sabotaging a cruise ship and they must get rid of three bombs before the ship blows up. My best friend Brian and I went to the Queen Mary where the episode was filmed and recreated many of the photos which they used for many Charlie’s Angels trading card. Were such Angel Geeks!!
Betty White?
Because she rules the world!
She was a true legend. Why do you think she enjoyed such a surge in popularity late in her career?
She loved to work. I’m sure she just loved the popularity! She kept all of us laughing until the end!
What are your favorite performances from her career?
She was so much fun in Lake Placid as the foul mouth woman feeding the alligator. Just amazing in The Proposal as Grandma Annie with her naked dancing. At the top of my list is her wicked/loveable/sexdriven Sue Ann Nivens character of on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
In your research and interviews, what did you find were the difference between the “sweetheart of America” persona and the woman she was behind the scenes?
No, I wish that would have been some juicy dish …. but everyone I talked to for my book said she was sweet as apple pie!
What do you have upcoming?
I’m going to be playing Santa Claus in a short feature Death Takes a Jollyday. That will be a fun part to tackle. I’m also working on getting a book out on the 50th Anniversary of Charlie’s Angels.
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