The Enduring Legacy of Dallas and Victoria Principal
The primetime soap Dallas remains the most successful in TV history, holding a special place in the hearts of fans. Personally, I could rewatch the entire series just to savor the captivating presence of Victoria Principal.
The Appeal of Victoria Principal
Victoria Principal was a major draw for viewers, much like Larry Hagman’s portrayal of the ruthless oil tycoon J.R. Ewing. As Pamela Barnes Ewing, Victoria won the hearts of fans everywhere.
Now 74, Victoria Principal still radiates beauty and grace. Her recent photos are a testament to her timeless allure.
A Versatile and Dynamic Career
Victoria Principal, now 74, has excelled in various fields throughout her remarkable career. She has not only been a successful actress but also a writer, producer, and entrepreneur with her own skincare line.
Born Victoria Ree Principal on January 3, 1950, in Fukuoka, Japan, she learned to adapt early on, thanks to her father’s career in the U.S. Air Force.
A Childhood on the Move
As a child, Victoria lived a nomadic life, moving frequently between U.S. Air Force bases. Her upbringing spanned across England, Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, Florida, and other locations.
A Challenging Childhood
Victoria attended 17 different schools, including the renowned Royal Ballet School in England. Her childhood, however, was not without its difficulties. Reports suggest a strained relationship with her mother, Ree Principal, leading Victoria to describe her early years as miserable. Yet, she also acknowledged the positive aspects, stating, “I feel really fortunate. My parents brought me up in a way that made me believe I was always equal.”
A Pivot to Acting
Victoria’s career began at an early age, with her first television commercial at just five years old. In 1968, she enrolled at Miami-Dade Community College, initially pursuing a career in medicine. But a serious car accident changed her path, leading her to New York City to chase her acting dreams. Her breakthrough role came in John Huston’s The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination and solidified her presence in Hollywood.
Struggles and Triumphs in Hollywood
Despite her success, Victoria faced challenges in Hollywood. After The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, she found it difficult to secure quality roles, and her next film, The N-ked Ape, was a box office disappointment. She admitted, “I wanted to be successful simply because I didn’t want to get hurt. I began to get hard. I became very protective of myself.”
Transition to Dallas and TV Stardom
In 1974, Victoria starred in Earthquake, a popular disaster movie. However, the pressures of maintaining a flawless image soon took their toll. In 1975, she shifted her focus to law, becoming a talent agent, which offered her a reprieve from Hollywood’s superficiality. But when she discovered the script for Dallas, she knew it was meant for her. She boldly auditioned for the role of Pamela Barnes Ewing, which became a defining moment in her career. Victoria negotiated a deal with CBS that allowed her to retain control over her image and career, making her a trailblazer in the industry.
The Impact of Dallas
Dallas premiered in 1978 and quickly became one of the most iconic TV dramas. The show, centered around the wealthy Ewing family, captivated audiences worldwide. Victoria’s portrayal of Pamela Barnes Ewing made her a fan favorite, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and two Soap Opera Digest Awards.
Moving Beyond Dallas
In 1987, Victoria decided to leave Dallas, influenced by a decline in the show’s writing and her desire to avoid being typecast. Despite being offered a lucrative contract, she chose to pursue other opportunities. After Dallas, she focused on her skincare brand, Principal Secret, which achieved tremendous success, generating over $1.5 billion in sales.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Victoria Principal’s success in business and entertainment has been matched by her commitment to philanthropy. In 2019, she stepped down from her skincare company to dedicate herself to charitable work. She has made significant contributions to various causes, including disaster relief efforts.
Victoria’s personal life has also been a journey. She has been married and divorced twice, and despite a reputation for being a “man-hunter,” she describes her romantic history as relatively modest. She was married to actor Christopher Skinner and later to plastic surgeon Dr. Harry Glassman, with whom she shared a loving relationship for over 20 years.
A Life of Purpose
Today, Victoria Principal remains active in philanthropy and is deeply involved in her foundation. She continues to share glimpses of her life on social media, delighting her 400,000 followers with updates from her ranch and reflections on her career. Her journey, both personal and professional, has been one of resilience, grace, and purpose.
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