Dallas,” the epitome of primetime soap operas, holds a special place in my heart, especially because of Victoria Principal’s captivating presence as Pamela Barnes Ewing. Even today, I wouldn’t mind reliving the entire series just to bask in her timeless beauty.
Victoria, now 74, has worn many hats throughout her illustrious career, excelling as an actress, author, producer, and skincare entrepreneur. Her diverse talents might stem from her upbringing, which saw her traversing various locations due to her father’s military service.
Born Victoria Ree Principal on January 3, 1950, in Japan, Victoria’s childhood was marked by constant relocation, from England to Puerto Rico, and several U.S. Air Force bases. Despite the challenges, Victoria’s early exposure to different cultures and experiences likely shaped her versatile persona.
While Victoria’s childhood might have been tumultuous, her resilience shone through as she embarked on her professional journey. At the tender age of five, she landed her first gig in a television commercial, foreshadowing her future in the spotlight.
However, Victoria’s path took a drastic turn when a near-fatal car accident interrupted her college studies. The accident prompted her to reassess her goals, leading her to pursue acting in New York City instead.
Victoria’s transition to Hollywood wasn’t without its struggles. Despite early successes like “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean,” she grappled with self-doubt and the industry’s relentless pressures. However, fate intervened once again when she stumbled upon the script for “Dallas.”
Her portrayal of Pamela Barnes Ewing catapulted her to stardom, earning her a permanent place in television history. Victoria’s astute negotiation skills ensured her autonomy in an industry notorious for exploitation, allowing her to explore diverse ventures while “Dallas” dominated the airwaves.
“Dallas” became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with its portrayal of the wealthy and dysfunctional Ewing family. Victoria, in her role as Pamela, embodied grace and resilience, captivating audiences of all ages.
Despite the passage of time, Victoria’s impact as Pamela Barnes Ewing remains indelible. Her legacy extends beyond the small screen, serving as a beacon of strength and empowerment for generations of viewers.
Throughout her nine-year tenure on “Dallas,” Victoria garnered a Golden Globe nomination and two Soap Opera Digest Awards. In recent reminiscences, she shared insights from the set and reflected on her dynamic with iconic co-star Larry Hagman.
“Locking horns with J.R., aka Larry Hagman, was always a thrill,” she recalled. “Larry was a giving actor and would brainstorm with me before scenes on how to heighten the drama.”
Despite their on-screen chemistry, Victoria admitted to maintaining a professional distance from her castmates. “We didn’t socialize much off set,” she explained to People. “Our lives were quite different. While I was single, many of my co-stars were settling into family life.”
Victoria’s departure from “Dallas” in 1987 stemmed from various factors. She cited concerns about typecasting and dissatisfaction with the show’s declining writing quality. Despite being offered a lucrative contract, she opted to pursue other ventures.
Post-“Dallas,” Victoria ventured into entrepreneurship, launching her skincare line, Principal Secret, in 1984. The brand’s success, generating over $1.5 billion in revenue, contributed significantly to her estimated net worth of $350 million.
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Victoria expressed gratitude for the opportunities “Dallas” afforded her. “The show provided me with a platform to pursue my dreams,” she acknowledged in a 2018 interview with TV Insider.
Transitioning from business to philanthropy, Victoria established The Victoria Principal Foundation for Thoughtful Existence. Over the years, she’s made substantial donations, including providing rescue boats to the American Humane Society post-Hurricane Harvey in 2018.
Regarding her personal life, Victoria’s romantic history includes marriages to actor Christopher Skinner and plastic surgeon Dr. Harry Glassman. Despite speculation about cosmetic procedures, she maintains she’s never undergone surgery.
While Victoria doesn’t have biological children, she forged strong bonds with Glassman’s offspring from a previous relationship. Today, at 71, she leads an active life on her ranch outside Los Angeles, where she devotes herself to animal rehabilitation and shares glimpses of her journey with her social media followers.