The primetime soap opera Dallas remains a towering achievement in television history, standing out as one of the most successful and influential series of all time. Among its many memorable characters, Victoria Principal’s portrayal of Pamela Barnes Ewing captured the hearts of viewers across the globe. Decades later, her legacy endures, not just as an actress, but as a writer, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. This article delves into the life and career of Victoria Principal, exploring the factors that have contributed to her lasting impact on both Hollywood and the world at large.
The Timeless Appeal of Victoria Principal
Victoria Principal’s role as Pamela Barnes Ewing was instrumental in the success of Dallas. Her on-screen chemistry with Larry Hagman’s J.R. Ewing and Patrick Duffy’s Bobby Ewing made the show must-watch television. Even now, at 74 years old, Victoria Principal continues to exude beauty and grace. Recent photos of her, unedited and untouched, reveal a woman who has aged with dignity, maintaining the allure that captivated millions during her time on Dallas. Her enduring appeal is not just skin deep; it reflects a life lived with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to excellence in everything she does.
A Multifaceted Career Beyond Acting
While many know Victoria Principal primarily for her role on Dallas, her career is far more diverse and accomplished. Born Victoria Ree Principal on January 3, 1950, in Fukuoka, Japan, she was the daughter of a U.S. Air Force sergeant. This military upbringing meant a childhood of constant relocation, which instilled in her a sense of adaptability and resilience. These qualities would later serve her well in the unpredictable world of show business.
Victoria Principal’s early years were marked by frequent moves across the globe, from England to Puerto Rico, and various parts of the United States. Despite the challenges of attending 17 different schools, including the prestigious Royal Ballet School in England, Victoria’s nomadic childhood prepared her for the demands of a career in Hollywood. However, her upbringing was not without its difficulties. Reports of a strained relationship with her mother, Ree Principal, cast a shadow over her formative years. Despite these hardships, Victoria credits her parents with instilling in her a belief in her own equality and potential, a mindset that would guide her throughout her life.
From Aspiring Doctor to Hollywood Star
Victoria’s path to stardom was far from straightforward. Initially, she pursued a career in medicine, enrolling at Miami-Dade Community College in 1968. However, a serious car accident forced her to reconsider her future, leading her to New York City to chase her acting dreams. This pivot proved to be the turning point in her life.
Her big break came in 1972 with John Huston’s The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, where she starred alongside Paul Newman. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and established her as a rising star in Hollywood. However, the road to sustained success was not without its bumps. After The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, Victoria struggled to find quality roles, and her next film, The N-ked Ape, was a box office disappointment. Despite these setbacks, she remained determined to succeed, stating, “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.”
The Role of a Lifetime: Pamela Barnes Ewing
In 1978, Victoria Principal made a career-defining decision that would solidify her place in television history. She auditioned for the role of Pamela Barnes Ewing on Dallas—a role that would become iconic. The show, centered around the wealthy and dysfunctional Ewing family, became a cultural phenomenon, with Victoria’s portrayal of Pamela as the moral compass of the Ewing clan earning her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
Victoria’s tenure on Dallas was marked by a keen understanding of her worth and the importance of controlling her image. She negotiated a groundbreaking deal with CBS that allowed her to retain significant control over her career, making her a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry. Her performance on the show earned her multiple awards, including a Golden Globe nomination and two Soap Opera Digest Awards.
Leaving Dallas and Expanding Her Horizons
In 1987, after nine years on Dallas, Victoria Principal made the bold decision to leave the show at the height of its popularity. Her departure was motivated by a desire to avoid being typecast and to explore new opportunities beyond acting. Despite being offered a lucrative contract to stay, she chose to walk away and pursue other passions.
One of those passions was skincare. Drawing on her interest in health and wellness, Victoria founded Principal Secret, a skincare line that quickly became a massive success. Over the years, the brand generated over $1.5 billion in revenue, cementing Victoria’s status as a savvy entrepreneur. Her commitment to quality and innovation in skincare mirrored her dedication to excellence in acting, and her products garnered a loyal following.
A Commitment to Philanthropy
Beyond her achievements in entertainment and business, Victoria Principal is also known for her philanthropic efforts. In 2019, she made the decision to step down from her skincare company to focus full-time on her charitable work. Her foundation, The Victoria Principal Foundation for Thoughtful Existence, has donated millions to support environmental conservation, disaster relief, and other causes close to her heart.
Victoria’s philanthropic work is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to give back. She has been involved in numerous initiatives, including efforts to provide aid in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey and the Australian wildfires. Her commitment to making a positive impact on the world is a testament to her character and the values she holds dear.
Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Resilience
Victoria Principal’s personal life has been as dynamic and complex as her career. She has been married and divorced twice, with her first marriage to actor Christopher Skinner lasting only two years. Her second marriage, to plastic surgeon Dr. Harry Glassman, lasted over 20 years before ending in divorce. Despite her reputation as a “man-hunter” in the media, Victoria has always maintained that her romantic history is relatively modest.
Throughout her life, Victoria has faced her share of challenges, but she has always emerged stronger and more determined. Her ability to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and resilience is one of the qualities that has endeared her to fans around the world.
A Life of Purpose and Legacy
Today, at 74, Victoria Principal continues to live a life of purpose and fulfillment. She remains active in philanthropy, dedicating her time and resources to causes that matter to her. On social media, she shares glimpses of her life on her ranch, where she finds peace and contentment in nature. With over 400,000 followers, Victoria’s online presence is a source of inspiration to many, as she reflects on her career and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Victoria Principal’s journey from a nomadic childhood to Hollywood stardom and beyond is a story of resilience, determination, and grace. Her impact on the entertainment industry, her success as an entrepreneur, and her commitment to philanthropy have left an indelible mark on the world. As she continues to inspire others with her story, Victoria Principal’s legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
