Victoria Principal, the captivating actress best known for her role as Pamela Barnes Ewing on the iconic TV show Dallas, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Dallas, the most successful primetime soap opera in television history, owes much of its appeal to Victoria’s compelling performance alongside Larry Hagman’s ruthless portrayal of J.R. Ewing.
Now at 74, Victoria continues to dazzle, not just as an actress, but as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. This article explores her illustrious career, personal challenges, and the lasting impact she has had both on and off the screen.
Victoria Principal: A Versatile Talent
Victoria Principal’s journey is a testament to her versatility and resilience. Born on January 3, 1950, in Fukuoka, Japan, to a U.S. Air Force Sergeant, her early life was marked by constant movement. Victoria’s upbringing across various U.S. Air Force bases, including stints in England, Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, and Florida, exposed her to diverse cultures and experiences. These formative years, which saw her attend 17 different schools—including the prestigious Royal Ballet School in England—fostered her adaptability and laid the foundation for her multifaceted career.
Early Struggles and the Path to Stardom
Victoria’s childhood was not without its challenges. Her relationship with her mother, Ree Principal, was complex, and she has often described her early years as difficult. Despite these struggles, her parents instilled in her a strong sense of equality and resilience. Victoria’s career began remarkably early, with her first job in a television commercial at just five years old. Initially, she seemed destined for a career in medicine, enrolling at Miami-Dade Community College in 1968 with aspirations of becoming a doctor. However, a severe car accident during her first year of college altered her path dramatically, leading her to pursue her true passion: acting.
Breaking into Hollywood
After recovering from her accident, Victoria moved to New York City to chase her acting dreams. She found work as an actress and model in New York and Europe before relocating to Los Angeles in 1971. Her breakthrough came with a role in John Huston’s The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, where she played the mistress of the main character, portrayed by Paul Newman. This performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Newcomer, boosting her visibility in Hollywood. However, despite this early success, Victoria faced challenges, quickly realizing that Hollywood often viewed her as just another “hot meal ticket.”
The Role of a Lifetime: Pamela Barnes Ewing
In 1978, Victoria Principal landed the role that would define her career—Pamela Barnes Ewing on Dallas. The show, which became one of the greatest television dramas of all time, revolved around the wealthy and dysfunctional Ewing family. Victoria’s portrayal of Pamela, the beautiful wife of Bobby Ewing and sister-in-law to J.R. Ewing, captivated audiences worldwide. During her nine-year tenure on Dallas, Victoria became one of the show’s most beloved characters, earning a Golden Globe nomination and two Soap Opera Digest Awards.
Victoria’s time on Dallas was marked by both triumph and personal challenges. Despite the show’s success, she struggled with the pressures of maintaining a perfect image in Hollywood. By 1975, while filming Vigilante Force, Victoria was so unhappy that she contemplated leaving acting altogether. However, her role on Dallas reignited her passion, and she negotiated a unique contract with CBS, allowing her to retain control over her image and career. This move ensured she could pursue various projects, from writing books to starring in movies of the week, while maintaining her independence.
The Impact of ‘Dallas’
After leaving Dallas in 1987, Victoria Principal could have retired comfortably. However, she chose to channel her energy into creating a skincare empire. In 1984, she launched Principal Secret, a company that became highly successful, generating over $1.5 billion in revenue. Victoria’s business acumen and dedication to her brand were evident, as she continued to innovate in the skincare industry for nearly three decades.
A Shift Toward Philanthropy
In 2019, after 30 years at the helm of Principal Secret, Victoria announced her decision to step down to focus on philanthropy. She established The Victoria Principal Foundation for Thoughtful Existence, dedicated to various charitable causes. Her philanthropic efforts include donating a fleet of rescue boats to the American Humane Society after Hurricane Harvey and contributing $25,000 for fire restoration efforts following the California Wildfires. Victoria’s commitment to giving back, particularly her work in animal rescue, has become a central focus of her life.
Personal Life and Legacy
Victoria Principal’s personal life has been as eventful as her career. She has been married and divorced twice, with her first marriage to actor Christopher Skinner and her second to Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Harry Glassman. Despite the public’s fascination with her romantic life, Victoria has always maintained a relatively private and modest approach to her relationships. Today, she lives on a ranch outside Los Angeles, dedicating her time to rehabilitating animals and managing her foundation.
A Life of Purpose and Impact
Victoria Principal’s journey from a young actress to a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist is a story of resilience, adaptability, and purpose. Her impact on the entertainment industry, particularly through her role on Dallas, remains significant. Beyond her acting career, Victoria’s achievements in the skincare industry and her philanthropic contributions have solidified her legacy as a multifaceted talent and compassionate individual.
Conclusion: A Life of Purpose and Inspiration
Victoria Principal’s life is a testament to the power of versatility and determination. From her iconic role on Dallas to her successful skincare business and her ongoing philanthropic work, Victoria has continually reinvented herself while staying true to her values. As she continues to inspire others through her actions, her legacy as a timeless beauty, talented actress, and dedicated philanthropist remains firmly intact.
