The Timeless Beauty of Victoria Principal: A Journey from ‘Dallas’ to Philanthropy
Introduction
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‘Dallas’ remains one of the most successful primetime soaps in TV history, captivating audiences with its drama and iconic characters. Among them, Victoria Principal’s portrayal of Pamela Barnes Ewing stood out, captivating viewers alongside Larry Hagman’s ruthless J. R. Ewing. Today, at the age of 73, Victoria Principal continues to impress with her timeless beauty and remarkable accomplishments.
Early Life and Career
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Victoria Principal, born Victoria Ree Principal on January 3, 1950, in Japan, had a diverse upbringing due to her father’s military service. She moved frequently, adapting to new environments, living in various places such as England, Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, and Florida. Despite the challenges, Victoria excelled in her education, attending 17 different schools, including the prestigious Royal Ballet School in England.
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While accounts differ on the nature of her childhood, Victoria started working at a young age, landing her first job in a television commercial at the age of five. Initially pursuing a career in medicine, she enrolled at Miami–Dade Community College in 1968. However, a life-altering car crash interrupted her studies, leading her to reevaluate her path.
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Moving to New York City, Victoria embarked on a career in acting and modeling. She eventually relocated to Los Angeles in 1971, where she secured significant film roles, including a part in John Huston’s “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean.” Her talent became evident, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for best newcomer.
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The Role of a Lifetime: Pamela Barnes Ewing
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Victoria’s true breakthrough came with the role of Pamela Barnes Ewing in the television series ‘Dallas.’ Recognizing the show’s potential, she negotiated her own contract with CBS, allowing her to explore various opportunities while the series gained global acclaim.
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“When I went in for the part on ‘Dallas,’ I had already fallen in love with the show and with the part, so my feeling from the moment I read it was that it was incredibly special and that I really, really wanted to be a part of it. I could not imagine not being Pam,” Victoria expressed.
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Victoria’s portrayal of Pamela captivated audiences, establishing her as a household name. During her nine-year run on ‘Dallas,’ she received a Golden Globe nomination and two Soap Opera Digest Awards.
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Life Beyond ‘Dallas’
After leaving ‘Dallas’ in 1987, Victoria faced a turning point in her career. Concerned about being typecast and seeking new challenges, she declined a lucrative contract that would have made her the highest-paid actress on television at the time.
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“The first five years on ‘Dallas’ were so unbelievably wonderful — then some key writers departed, and by year seven there was a decline in the writing, which was an enormous part of my decision to leave. I informed the producers during renegotiations in the seventh year that I would only stay for two more. They wanted a longer contract, and I said no. I was completely transparent,” Victoria explained.
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Following her departure, Victoria embarked on a new venture. In 1984, she founded Principal Secret, a skincare company that experienced tremendous success, generating over $1.5 billion in revenue. Victoria’s entrepreneurial pursuits allowed her to amass a net worth of $350 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
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In recent years, Victoria has shifted her focus to.
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Facebook / Victoria Principal
Facebook / Victoria Principal