This actress, who was formerly a TV star, enthralled viewers for years with her part on a popular program. But she left Hollywood in search of something more satisfying after numerous unsuccessful romances and a need for a change in her life.
In the 1970s and 1980s, this actress became well-known for her work on the critically acclaimed soap opera “Dallas.” But after years of great success and a series of disastrous relationships, including the divorce from her first marriage, she came to the realization that she wanted something else.
She gave up the limelight for a more sedate existence and now dedicates her life to saving and caring for animals, a daily joy. Check out her journey and how “beautiful” she is now at the age of 74.
The Rise of the ‘Dallas’ Star
Beginning with a part in “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” with the renowned Paul Newman in the early 1970s, this actress’s career took off.
But four years after making her acting debut, the celebrity quit acting completely because she was so unhappy with the direction her career was taking. She changed her concentration and worked as an agent for the next three years.
By 1978, she was planning to go to law school and perhaps work as a studio executive since she was passionate about the law and wanted to get into the business side of the entertainment industry.
But when renowned television producer Aaron Spelling offered to pay for a year of her law school tuition in exchange for her agreeing to a part in the “Fantasy Island” pilot in 1977, fate had other ideas. She seized the chance, and within a year she was landing one of the biggest roles of her career.
Pamela Barnes Ewing played that pivotal part on the popular CBS soap opera “Dallas,” which swiftly gained popularity and became one of the longest-running television programs of its day.
“I was already in love with the program and the role when I went in for the ‘Dallas’ job. I therefore had the impression that it was truly unique as soon as I read it, and I sincerely hoped that I could be a part of it. She said, “I couldn’t imagine not being Pam.”
She became a mainstay of 1980s television because to her depiction as Pam. The actress reminisced, “The first five years were some of the best television I’ve ever seen,”.
While filming “Dallas,” the actress got to know actor Christopher Skinner, who would later become her first husband. following only three dates, the couple married in a secret ceremony in Las Vegas following a brief but intense affair.
Cracks, however, quickly appeared. “After a while, Christopher realized he really did want somebody who was home more, who had more traditional hours,” the actress said in reference to their relationship. He desired a more conventional union. Now, neither he nor I were at blame for that. Change is required.
“I couldn’t live the way he wanted me to, and he couldn’t live the way I lived,” she continued, “which is why we were divorced, not because we didn’t love each other. There was only sadness, not hate.
The actress had other romantic setbacks in her life besides her split from Skinner. She had a brief affair with Bernie Cornfeld, a known banker at the time. Before dating musical sensation Andy Gibb, she previously dated the renowned crooner Frank Sinatra.
The “Dallas” star then made the decision to depart the show after playing Pamela Barnes Ewing for nine years. Her discontent with the series had increased by that point.
“[…] There was a clear drop following year seven. When it came time for me to renegotiate my contract at year seven, I was very open about my displeasure and my concerns,” she said.
Following her contract discussions, the Hollywood celebrity resigned, citing her dissatisfaction with the writing’s evolving quality. Her career didn’t slow down, though. She started her own production firm and concentrated on both producing and acting in TV films.
Her first of four books on health and wellbeing, “The Body Principal,” was published in 1983. When she established a prosperous skincare business in 1991 and oversaw it for almost 30 years, her entrepreneurial drive reached new heights.
After a series of lucrative commercial endeavors and television appearances, including a part on “Titans” from 2000 to 2001, the actress felt that her goals had changed by the early 2000s. She remarked, “By the time I turned 50, I felt that I wanted to make a change in my life,” discussing her choice to permanently leave Hollywood.
From Hollywood Glamour to Ranch Life
Victoria Principal, a well-known actress, fell in love again in the middle of the 1980s. Principal met Harry Glassman, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, following her painful divorce from Gibb.
As they both dealt with the dissolution of their prior marriages, their bond grew. When Glassman and Principal started dating, he was going through a divorce from his first wife, Jane.
In 1985, they were married. “One of the things about the relationship with Victoria I’ve grown to resent is the lack of privacy,” Glassman previously disclosed. Eventually, after more than 20 years of dating, the couple split up in 2006.
Although Principal stayed committed to her skincare brand Principal Secret over the years, she felt that her heart was calling her in a different direction. She formally resigned from the company in 2019.
“[…] I will be stepping down to devote myself full-time to my philanthropic work through The Victoria Principal Foundation for Thoughtful Existence and my rescue work with animals,” she said in a statement.
After the actress relocated to a ranch outside of Los Angeles, her work rescuing animals became her main focus. The former actress led a more sedate existence as of 2012, living far away from the Hollywood spotlight. She rescues and rehabilitates abused and neglected animals on her property.
“To heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually, they require medical attention, tolerance, and love. They all spend the remainder of their lives with me, and this is not a charity; rather, it is something I have always dreamed of,” she remarked.
“It’s something that fills me with joy every day,” she said. The former Hollywood celebrity said that “I have no plans to resume acting, but I learned a long time ago to ‘never say never’ as life has a way of offering us unexpected gifts if we are paying attention.”
Principal is still adored by the fans even after leaving the glamor and sparkle of Hollywood. When the actress posted a gorgeous photo of herself cuddling her horse on social media in August, people were blown away by how gorgeous Principal looked at 74.
“You are so beautiful, Victoria,” someone said. “What a beautiful image. “You are stunning on the inside and out,” someone else said. “Two beauties,” typed a third. Enjoy your weekend.
Another social media user commented, “Dear Victoria, you are very gorgeous. My heart is always filled with love. It would be great to meet you someday. You have my undying affection, pal. I hope you and your furry family have a wonderful Saturday. “
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Victoria Principal found happiness in taking care of animals and committing herself to philanthropy after leaving the entertainment industry. She is still a beautiful figure at 74, demonstrating that living truly and pursuing one’s passion are the keys to true happiness.
