You may not have heard her name in a while, but Victoria Principal is far from forgotten. Despite stepping out of the public eye, she has built a remarkable legacy, both in the entertainment industry and beyond. Let’s take a closer look at the life of this incredible woman.
Victoria Principal, born on January 3, 1950, in Fukuoka, Japan, is the eldest child of Bertha Ree and Victor R. Principal. With Italian and southern American heritage, Victoria grew up in various locations due to her father’s career in the American Airforce. Her upbringing took her to London, Florida, and Puerto Rico, creating a nomadic lifestyle.
At the young age of five, Victoria got her first taste of acting in a commercial, igniting a passion for theater and performing arts that would shape her future. Despite attending 17 different schools, her determination remained unwavering. Originally planning to study chiropractic medicine at Miami-Dade Community College, Victoria decided to follow her true passions and moved to New York City to pursue modeling and acting.
Continuing to chase her dreams, Victoria studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before making her way to Los Angeles in 1971. However, her career hit a roadblock after appearing in The Lives and Times of Judge Roy Bean as the Mexican mistress. Frustrated, she temporarily left acting and worked as an agent for several years.
But Victoria’s love for acting was too strong to ignore. In an unexpected turn of events, she was offered a role on the show Fantasy Island, with law school tuition as the bribe. This opportunity eventually led to her most iconic part yet: Pam Ewing in CBS’s hit primetime drama, Dallas.
Dallas captured the hearts of millions, with its captivating storyline of forbidden love between Pam and Bobby Ewing, the son of a wealthy oilman in Texas. Facing obstacles similar to Romeo and Juliet, their relationship weathered countless storms, making it one of the most beloved soap opera romances. Dallas even went on to win four Emmy Awards.
After nine seasons, Victoria made the difficult decision to leave Dallas. She wanted to embark on a new journey and started her own production company, Victoria Principal Productions. Additionally, she delved into the world of cosmetics, launching her own brand, and authored health and beauty books. Reflecting on her time as Pam, Victoria said, “I learned a lot from portraying her. She had intrinsic goodness and was fearless in battling for her beliefs. It was a true honor to play her.”
In 2001, Victoria retired from acting and sold her successful business, choosing to spend her days at her ranch, where she dedicates her time to rescuing and rehabilitating animals. Her love for animals led her to establish The Victoria Principal Foundation for Thoughtful Existence, further demonstrating her dedication to making a difference.
Victoria remains active on Instagram, delighting her followers with images of her rescued horses, goats, and dogs. Her kindness and compassion continue to inspire others, and though her name may have faded from the public eye, her legacy lives on.
So, the next time you think about forgotten stars, remember Victoria Principal. An extraordinary woman who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the world at large.