Victoria Principal is a name that resonates with fans of classic television, particularly those who followed the dramatic twists and turns of Dallas. But behind her iconic portrayal of Pamela Barnes Ewing is a woman who has navigated love, loss, and reinvention on her own terms. From a childhood shaped by global travel to a career that spanned Hollywood glamour and business savvy, Victoria’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
Born on January 3, 1950, in Fukuoka, Japan, Victoria spent much of her early life on the move due to her father’s career in the U.S. Air Force. She attended 17 different schools, including the Royal Ballet School in London. Though she started acting in commercials at age five, she initially pursued medicine at Miami Dade College. A life-altering car accident forced her to reevaluate her path, ultimately leading her to study acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before settling in Los Angeles to pursue her career in earnest.
Her breakout role came in 1972’s The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Yet it was her portrayal of Pam on Dallas that made her a household name. Victoria became more than just a TV star—she was a businesswoman, managing her own contracts and founding Victoria Principal Productions. Despite Dallas‘s success, she eventually left the show in 1991 when its creative direction no longer resonated with her.
Victoria’s personal life was often as public as her acting roles. She had high-profile relationships with stars like Andy Gibb and two marriages that ended in divorce. Her second marriage to plastic surgeon Dr. Harry Glassman lasted over two decades before ending in a highly publicized split. Despite the challenges, Victoria remained fiercely independent and focused on self-growth. She has since shifted away from acting, dedicating time to philanthropy and her passion for skincare through her former brand, Principal Secret.
Victoria Principal’s life is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of staying true to oneself. Whether on-screen or off, she has continually reinvented herself, never afraid to walk away from what no longer served her.
