Victoria Principal is an American actress, entrepreneur, producer, and author best known for her role as Pamela Barnes Ewing on the iconic primetime soap opera Dallas. Throughout the 1980s, Principal captivated audiences as the wife of Bobby Ewing, bringing depth and complexity to her portrayal of a woman caught in the crossfire of family feuds and corporate battles. While Dallas launched her to international stardom, Principal’s career expanded far beyond acting, as she established herself as a successful businesswoman, author, and philanthropist. Her entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly in the skincare industry, and her dedication to environmental and humanitarian causes have solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and influential figures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Victoria Principal was born on January 3, 1950, in Fukuoka, Japan, where her father, Victor Rocco Principal, was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. Her mother, Ree Veal, was a homemaker. As the daughter of a military officer, Principal’s early life was defined by frequent relocations, spending her childhood in various parts of the United States and in Europe, including London and Puerto Rico. This transient lifestyle gave her a sense of adaptability and resilience, qualities that would later serve her well in Hollywood.
From a young age, Principal developed an interest in the performing arts. After completing high school, she moved to New York City, where she began studying acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. While pursuing her acting career, she also modeled to support herself, appearing in numerous commercials and print advertisements. Her striking beauty and poise made her a sought-after model, but Principal remained focused on her dream of becoming an actress.
In the early 1970s, Principal relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. She quickly landed small roles in film and television, including an appearance in Love, American Style and the cult-classic film The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972), where she played opposite Paul Newman. Her breakout role came just a year later when she starred in Earthquake (1974), a disaster film that cemented her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Dallas and Pamela Barnes Ewing
In 1978, Victoria Principal was cast in the role that would define her career: Pamela Barnes Ewing on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas. Created by David Jacobs, Dallas followed the wealthy Ewing family and their oil empire, but it was the intense drama between the Barnes and Ewing families that became one of the show’s central conflicts. Pamela, the daughter of the Ewing family’s rival Digger Barnes, married Bobby Ewing, played by Patrick Duffy, creating a Romeo-and-Juliet-style love story that captivated audiences.
Principal’s portrayal of Pamela brought a sense of warmth, intelligence, and emotional depth to the series. As Bobby’s loyal and loving wife, Pamela was caught between her love for her husband and her loyalty to her own family. The tension between the Ewings and the Barnes made for gripping television, and Principal’s performance made her one of the show’s standout stars.
Dallas became a massive success, and at its peak, it was one of the most-watched television programs in the world. Principal’s on-screen chemistry with Patrick Duffy made the romance between Pamela and Bobby one of the most beloved elements of the series. Fans were drawn to the couple’s genuine love for one another, even as they faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles, including family betrayals, business rivalries, and personal tragedies.
One of the most memorable storylines involving Principal’s character occurred in 1983 when Pamela was involved in a car accident that left her scarred and struggling with her identity. Principal delivered a powerful and emotionally charged performance, further establishing her as one of the strongest actors on the show. Her portrayal of Pamela as a woman of strength and resilience resonated with viewers, particularly in the way the character navigated the complexities of her relationships and the challenges of life in the high-stakes world of the Ewings.
Victoria Principal remained on Dallas for nine years, from 1978 to 1987, and her departure from the series was met with widespread disappointment from fans. However, Principal left on her own terms, eager to pursue new opportunities both in and out of the entertainment industry.
Transition to Entrepreneurship
After leaving Dallas, Victoria Principal made a significant career shift, transitioning from acting to entrepreneurship. In 1989, she founded Principal Secret, a skincare company that would become the cornerstone of her post-acting career. Principal’s passion for skincare stemmed from her own struggles with sensitive skin and her desire to create high-quality, effective skincare products that addressed a variety of concerns.
Principal Secret launched with a line of products designed to promote healthy, youthful skin, and quickly gained a loyal customer base. The company’s success was fueled by Principal’s hands-on approach to product development and her ability to connect with customers through direct-to-consumer marketing, including infomercials and personal appearances. Principal’s understanding of her audience and her commitment to creating products that delivered real results helped her build a multimillion-dollar business.
Under her leadership, Principal Secret expanded to include a wide range of skincare and beauty products, from anti-aging treatments to cleansers and moisturizers. The brand’s enduring success, more than three decades after its launch, is a testament to Principal’s entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
Author and Producer
In addition to her work as an actress and entrepreneur, Victoria Principal is also an accomplished author. She has written several best-selling books on beauty, wellness, and fitness, sharing her knowledge and insights with readers around the world. Her books include The Body Principal (1983), The Beauty Principal (1984), and Living Principal: Looking and Feeling Your Best at Every Age (2001). These books reflect Principal’s holistic approach to health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of balance in all aspects of life, from diet and exercise to skincare and mental health.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Principal expanded her career into producing. She founded Victoria Principal Productions, a production company that allowed her to take greater control over her creative projects. Through her company, Principal produced several made-for-television movies, including Naked Lie (1989) and Blind Witness (1989), in which she also starred. Her work as a producer demonstrated her ability to navigate both the business and creative sides of the entertainment industry, further solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent.
Philanthropy and Environmental Advocacy
Beyond her work in entertainment and business, Victoria Principal is also deeply committed to philanthropy. Over the years, she has supported a wide range of causes, including animal welfare, environmental conservation, and disaster relief efforts. Principal’s passion for protecting the planet and advocating for sustainable practices has led her to work with numerous environmental organizations, including Oceana and the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council).
Principal has been a vocal advocate for animal rights, supporting organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and dedicating her time and resources to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. Her love for animals is reflected in her personal life as well, where she has opened her home to numerous rescue animals over the years.
In 2010, Principal made headlines for her generous donation to the cleanup efforts following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. She donated $200,000 to Oceana to support its efforts to restore and protect marine ecosystems affected by the disaster. Her commitment to environmental causes remains a central part of her philanthropic work.
Legacy and Influence
Victoria Principal’s career as an actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist has left a lasting impact on Hollywood and beyond. Her portrayal of Pamela Barnes Ewing on Dallas remains one of the most memorable performances in television history, and her work in the beauty industry has made her a respected figure in the world of skincare. As a businesswoman, author, and activist, Principal has proven herself to be a woman of many talents, with a dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Throughout her life and career, Victoria Principal has consistently demonstrated the importance of reinvention and resilience. From her breakout role on Dallas to her successful skincare empire and her philanthropic efforts, Principal continues to inspire others with her drive, passion, and commitment to living life on her own terms.