Victoria Principal, a former TV star, captivated audiences for years with her role on the hit soap opera “Dallas.” Rising to fame in the 1970s and ’80s, she became a household name as Pamela Barnes Ewing. However, despite her immense success, Principal decided to leave Hollywood and pursue a more fulfilling life after a series of personal challenges, including failed relationships and a shift in priorities.
After her rise to stardom, Principal’s career faced a turning point when she considered leaving acting to attend law school. However, a role in the pilot for “Fantasy Island” in 1977, offered by famed producer Aaron Spelling, reignited her passion for the entertainment industry. This decision ultimately led her to the role of Pam Ewing on “Dallas,” which became one of the most iconic and beloved TV shows of its time.
Principal’s portrayal of Pam Ewing earned her widespread acclaim, and she became a staple of 1980s television. Reflecting on her time on the show, she said, “I could not imagine not being Pam.” However, after nine years on “Dallas,” she decided to leave due to her dissatisfaction with the show’s direction and her desire for more creative freedom. She launched her production company and starred in various TV movies, continuing to make her mark in the entertainment world.
While her career flourished, Principal’s personal life was filled with ups and downs. She married actor Christopher Skinner after a whirlwind romance, but the marriage ended due to conflicting lifestyles. Principal later had brief relationships with notable figures like financier Bernie Cornfeld and singer Andy Gibb. Her second marriage to Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Harry Glassman lasted over two decades, but it too ended in divorce in 2006.
Despite these personal challenges, Principal remained resilient. In addition to her acting career, she authored health and wellness books and founded a successful skincare company, Principal Secret, which she led for nearly 30 years. However, by the early 2000s, Principal felt a shift in her priorities and made the decision to leave Hollywood for good.
In 2019, Principal officially stepped down from her skincare business to focus on her true passion—animal rescue and philanthropy. She established The Victoria Principal Foundation for Thoughtful Existence, dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, and began devoting herself full-time to rescuing and rehabilitating animals on her ranch outside of Los Angeles. “They need medical care, patience, and love to recover… This is not a charitable organization, but something I have dreamed of,” she said, describing how deeply fulfilling this work has become.
Now living a quieter life far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Principal has found peace and joy in her new path. At 74, she remains a beloved public figure, and fans continue to admire her dedication to her passions. Recently, a stunning photo of Principal with one of her horses sparked admiration on social media, with users praising her radiant beauty and compassionate heart.
Victoria Principal’s journey proves that true fulfillment comes from following one’s passion and living authentically.