Victoria Principal

Victoria Principal

Principal at the 39th Emmy Awards in 1987
Born Vicki Ree Principal[1]
(1950-01-03) January 3, 1950[1]
Fukuoka, Japan
Occupation Actress, entrepreneur
Years active 1970–2001 (acting)
1987–present (entrepreneur)
Spouse(s) Christopher Skinner (m. 1978–80)
Harry Glassman (m. 1985–2006)

Victoria Principal (born January 3, 1950)[1][2] is an American actress, author and businesswoman best known for her role as Pamela Barnes Ewing on the CBS nighttime soap opera Dallas (1978–87).

Early life

Vicki Ree Principal was born in Fukuoka, Japan, the elder daughter of United States Air Force sergeant Victor Rocco Principal (1918–2001), who was then stationed in Fukuoka. Her paternal grandparents were emigrants from Italy, originally surnamed Principale. Her mother, Ree (née Veal) Principal (1924-2009), was born in Gordon, Georgia, and was of English descent.[3] She has a younger sister, Kim, who is married to composer Russell Fetherolf.[4][5]

As her father was in the U.S. military, they moved often; she grew up in London, Puerto Rico, Florida, Massachusetts, and Georgia, among other places. She attended 17 different schools, including studying at the Royal Ballet School while her family was stationed in England.[6]

She began her career in TV commercials, appearing in her first at age five. After graduating from South Dade Senior High School in 1968, she enrolled at Miami-Dade Community College, intending to study medicine. However, months before completing her first year of studies, she was seriously injured in a car crash while driving home from the library. The other driver was convicted of drunk driving and served jail time. Principal spent months in recovery and was faced with the prospect of having to take her first year of studies over again. After a period of serious introspection, she drastically changed her life by moving to New York City to pursue her acting career, and shortly thereafter to Europe. She studied privately with Jean Scott (professor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in London, and then in 1971 moved to Los Angeles.[6]

Career

Acting

In 1970, Principal moved to Hollywood. She had no money, no car, no agent, and no prior television or movie-making experiences beside the commercials she had made in her teenage years. She reportedly supported herself by teaching backgammon. Nine months later she had a car, an agent, a little money but auditioned and won her first film role as Marie Elena, a Mexican mistress, in Paul Newman's The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972), for which she earned a Golden Globe Nomination as Most Promising Newcomer. Based on the positive response to Principal, her role was enlarged by writer John Milius.

During this period, Warren Cowan flew in, introduced himself to Principal, and offered to represent her free of charge for the next year. She flew to Arizona a complete unknown; when she returned to Los Angeles three months later, the commercial flight she was on was greeted by throngs of paparazzi. Subsequently, she appeared in The Naked Ape (1973) and appeared nude in the September 1973 issue of Playboy to promote the film.[7] The film's failure disappointed her.[8]

Principal and George Peppard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In 1974, she was cast in the disaster film Earthquake. Principal won the role when she showed up for the third audition having cut off her waist-length brown hair, dyed it black, and put it into an afro. The producer was stunned and impressed by Principal's risky transformation to look more closely like the character "Rosa". She continued to act in lesser-known films such as I Will, I Will... for Now and Vigilante Force with Kris Kristofferson. She signed a three-picture deal with Brute Productions. However, Principal decided to stop acting and became an agent, which was her profession from 1975 to late 1977.

In 1977, Aaron Spelling offered her a role in the pilot of his television series, Fantasy Island, which she accepted. Soon after, in 1978, she landed her most famous role, playing Pamela Barnes Ewing in the evening soap opera television series Dallas. In 1983, she earned a Golden Globe Nomination as Best Actress in a Television Series for her role in Dallas. After nine years, Principal left Dallas in 1987. She went on to star in various made-for-television movies, a few of which she co-produced. In 1994, she appeared in an episode of the hit sitcom Home Improvement. Principal returned to primetime soap operas in 2000, when she appeared in another Aaron Spelling production, the short-lived NBC television series Titans.

Principal declined to revive the role of Pamela Barnes in the 2012 revival of Dallas.

Entrepreneur

When Principal signed her Dallas contract, she omitted the clause that would have given the network the right to consent and profit from her outside endeavors. She explained, "As a result that's why, you can only notice in hindsight, I was the only person in the cast who did commercials, who was doing movies of the week, who wrote books and these all belong to me. I retained the control and ownership of my image. No one owns me."[9]

Principal at 1993 Emmy Awards

When she left the show in 1987, she began her own production company, Victoria Principal Productions, producing mostly movies for television. In the mid-1980s, she became interested in natural beauty therapies and in 1989 she created a self-named line of skin care products, Principal Secret. In August 2013, the CEO of Guthy Renker revealed to Women's Wear Daily that Principal's business, Principal Secret Skincare, had revenue of more than 1.5 billion dollars to date, an increase of more than a half billion dollars over the revenue up to 2007.[10]

In 1993 Principal received an honorary Law Degree from The University of West Los Angeles.[11] In 1995, she was named "Entertainment Business Woman of the Year" by the National Association of Women Business Owners. In 2004 she received an honorary degree from Drexel University's Business School and gave the commencement address.[12] In 1999, Principal became the youngest ever recipient of the Genii Lifetime Achievement Award for women in television.[13]

In 2003, Principal became a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. In January 2011, Principal launched a line of jewelry called Keys & Hearts available on the same site as her skin care line, Principal Secret.[14]

She became a best-selling author, writing three books about beauty, skin care, and health: The Body Principal (1983), The Beauty Principal (1984), and The Diet Principal (1987). She published a fourth book, Living Principal (2001). After twelve weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list in the general non-fiction category, The Body Principal was the first "Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous" #1 Best Seller when that List debuted January 1, 1984.[15]

Personal life

Principal met Christopher Skinner in 1978 when he played a bit role on Dallas. Soon after, they married but divorced two years later in 1980. She dated teen idol Andy Gibb after meeting him on The John Davidson Show in 1981. The two hit it off immediately and she sang a duet with Gibb. A year later, she gave him an ultimatum: "Choose me or choose drugs." The couple split in March 1982. She married Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Harry Glassman, in June, 1985. The couple divorced in December, 2006, with Principal stating, "We have had a loving relationship for over 20 years."[16] She later moved to Malibu, California.[17] She owns homes in Big Sur, California and in Switzerland.

In 2006, Principal formed a charitable organization to help subsidize the environmental movement, which she had been a part of since 1978.[18]

In 2007, it was reported that she was training for her booked flight on Richard Branson's commercial space flight venture.[19] Principal stated, "Going into space fulfills many desires I have of seeing the planet, going fast, going someplace very few people have been—and hopefully coming back down!"[20] Principal and Branson held a joint worldwide press conference in New Mexico where the space center is to be built.[21][22] In 2012 Principal withdrew from the program.

Philanthropy

Principal provided assistance to aid those in need after the 2008 California wildfires. On June 2, 2010, she donated $200,000 to the cleanup effort in the Gulf Coast region. Her donations brought together two huge environmental non-profits, Oceana and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), to work together on the cleanup.[23]

In 2003, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to her.[24]

Principal appeared with other celebrities on June 21, 2010, in a CNN Larry King-sponsored Telethon to support the Gulf Coast Region following the Deepwater Horizon explosion. Principal was on a panel with King, answered phones, and spoke to donors for the entire two hours. The telethon raised over $1.8 million.[25]

Principal was honored at the opening of Legacy Park in Malibu on October 2, 2010. She was a founding member of the park in 2004, and was honored at the opening for helping get the 15-acre park off the Pacific Coast Highway off the ground.[26] Over a 12-year period, she served the Arthritis Foundation as honorary chairman and Ambassador to Government.[6]

She is the co-chairman of Victory Over Violence, the LA County Domestic Violence Council Community Advisory Board. The Community Advisory Board is a coalition of representatives from the entertainment industry, business, government, and community who have come together with the dual purposes of increasing public awareness of issues surrounding domestic violence and increasing shelter and victim resources.

On December 13, 2011, it was announced that Principal donated a substantial sum to OCEANA and NRDC to stop the expansion of offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and Arctic Ocean, fearing such activity could lead to another disastrous oil spill.[27][28] On December 20, 2011, The Giving Back Fund named Principal as one of the Top 30 Celebrity Charity Donations for 2011.[29]

In 2012 Principal funded and participated in an online campaign with the NRDC in an effort to stop sonic blasting along the California coastline, and prevent the deaths of hundreds of marine mammals and marine life.[30] In 2012 Principal funded, through Tree People, the creation of a mobile, emergency Fire Warning System for the Los Angeles area. In 2013 this system was completed and implemented, the first of its kind in California.[31]

In 2013, she funded an ad bringing awareness to the plight of Sea Lion pups washing up along the California Coastline and provided funds to Wildlife Org. for their rescue and rehabilitation.[32]

In 2013 after the deadly Moore, Oklahoma EF5 Tornado, Principal funded the American Humane Association's famous Red Star Rescue Team to help search, rescue, and shelter injured and missing animals with the ultimate goal of reuniting them with their families.[33] In August 2013 Principal funded in collaboration with Tree People a new mobile system that allows citizens to participate in critical wildfire prevention by texting.[34]

In July 2014 Principal made a substantial contribution to NRDC’s campaign for “Save the Bees”, she said, “As of yesterday, I’ve now made a substantial donation and joined in support of the NRDC’s campaign for “Save the Bees”. Without bees, our fruit and vegetable bearing plants and trees will cease to be productive.”[35] In August 2014 Principal fully funded with the help of Mission K9 rescue the return of military working dog Maxi from Japan to the United States to be reunited with her former Marine handler.[36]

In September 2014 Principal donated $100,000 to support Malibu ballot initiative Measure R which to limit the environmental impact of development in Malibu by requiring a vote on any new developments over 20,000 square feet. In November the initiative was successfully passed by voters.[37]

In May 2015 Principal fully funded the Red Star Rescue Team of the American Humane Association for the rescue and rehabilitation of 150 dogs that had been injured and displaced by tornadoes and floods in Oklahoma and Texas.[38]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1972 The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean Maria Elena Nominated - Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer - Female
1973 The Naked Ape Cathy
1974 Earthquake Rosa Amici
1976 I Will, I Will... for Now Jackie Martin
1976 Vigilante Force Linda Christopher
1998 Michael Kael vs. the World News Company Leila Parker

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1973 Love, American Style Valerie Stephens 2 episodes
1973 Love Story Karen Episode: "When the Girls Came Out to Play"
1974 Banacek Brooke Collins Episode: "Fly Me- If You Can Find Me"
1975 Last Hours Before Morning Yolanda Marquez TV movie
1977 Fantasy Island Michelle Pilot episode
1977 The Night They Took Miss Beautiful Reba Bar Lev TV Movie
1978–1987 Dallas Pamela Barnes Ewing Series regular, 251 episodes
Nominated - Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama (1983)
Nominated - Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role on a Prime Time Serial (1986)
Nominated - Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Super Couple: Prime Time (1988)
1979 Greatest Heroes of the Bible Queen Esther Episode: "The Story of Esther"
1979 Hawaii Five-O Dolores Kent Sandover Episode: "The Year of the Horse"
1980 Pleasure Palace Patti Flynn TV movie
1982 Not Just Another Affair Dr. Diana Dawson TV movie
1982 Fridays Herself Live TV comedy variety show. ABC
1987 Mistress Rae Colton TV movie
1989 Naked Lie Joanne Dawson TV movie
1989 Blind Witness Maggie Kemlich TV movie
1990 Sparks: The Price of Passion Patricia Sparks TV movie
1991 Don't Touch My Daughter Linda TV movie
1992 The Burden of Proof Margy Allison TV movie
1992 Seduction: Three Tales from the 'Inner Sanctum' Patty/Sylvia TV movie
1993 River of Rage: The Taking of Maggie Keene Maggie Keene TV movie
1994 Beyond Obsession Eleanor DiCarlo TV movie
1994 Home Improvement Les Thompson Episode: "Swing Time"
1995 Dancing in the Dark Anna Forbes TV movie
1996 The Abduction Kate Finley TV movie
1997 Love in Another Town Maggie Sorrell TV movie
1999 Tracey Takes On... Herself Episode: "Tracey Takes On... Erotica"
1999 Just Shoot Me! Roberta Episode: "Love Is in the Air"
1999-2001 Jack & Jill Mrs. Cecilia Barrett 3 episodes
1999-2000 Family Guy Pamela Barnes Ewing/Dr. Amanda Rebecca 2 episodes
2000 Providence Donna Tupperman 3 episodes
2000 The Practice Courtney Hansen Episode: "Black Widows"
2000-2001 Titans Gwen Williams Series regular, 13 episodes
2004 Dallas Reunion: The Return to Southfork Herself TV Special

Books

References

  1. 1 2 3 Born January 3, 1950 as per travel manifests at ancestry.com, showing Vicki R. Principal and her mother, Ree V. Principal here, departing Southampton, England, on January 20, 1958, for New York (age given for Vicki R. Principal is 8; birthdate is January 3, 1950) (registration required)
  2. ↑ This travel manifest for Vicki R. Principal and her mother, Ree V. Principal, shows that on April 8, 1950, Principal's age was given as two months on a travel manifest leaving Yokohama, Japan to Seattle, Washington (registration required)
  3. ↑ Stated on Lifetime Television's Intimate Portrait
  4. ↑ Victoria Principal biodata, ans-wer.com; accessed November 9, 2015.
  5. ↑ Ree V. Principal obituary, memorialobituaries.com; accessed November 9, 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 "Victoria Principal". Victoriaprincipal.com. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  7. ↑ Profile, People.com; retrieved July 10, 2015.
  8. ↑ Jarvis, Jeff. (May 23, 1983) "Darling of Dallas", People.com; retrieved 2012-06-03.
  9. ↑ David Massey - Goldlion. "Official Dallas website - Victoria Principal exclusive interview". Ultimatedallas.com. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  10. ↑ Rachel Brown. "Victoria Principal Launches Reclaim Botanical Skin Care". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  11. ↑ David Massey. "Official Dallas website: Victoria Principal profile". Ultimatedallas.com. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Honorary Degree Recipients". Drexel.edu. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  13. ↑ "Alliance for Women in Media". Awmsocal.org. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Principal Secret® Reclaim® - Anti-Aging Skin Care". Principalsecret.com. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  15. ↑ The New York Times Book Review Best Sellers, The New York Times, January 1, 1984, pg. BR28
  16. ↑ Silverman, Stephen M.; Breuer, Howard (May 25, 2006). "Victoria Principal Files for Divorce". People. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Victoria Principal Gets Legal Apology From Maid". Tmz.com. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  18. ↑ "Victoria Principal Donates $25K For Forest Restoration Efforts". Ecorazzi. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  19. ↑ Finn, Natalie (April 17, 2007). "Victoria to Be Principal Character in Space". E!. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  20. ↑ Breuer, Howard (December 8, 2009). "Victoria Principal to go into Space". CNN. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Richard Branson unveils Spaceship Enterprise". The Telegraph. December 8, 2009.
  22. ↑ Hennigan, W.J. (October 17, 2011). "Virgin Galactic Moves into New Mexico Spaceport". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Victoria Principal donates to oil-spill cleanup". The Victoria Advocate. June 2, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
  24. ↑ "Palm Springs Walk of Stars: LISTED BY DATE DEDICATED" (PDF). Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Larry King telethon raises $1.8M for Gulf". CNN. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Malibu's 'Central Park' opens to begin a legacy". Malibu Times. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  27. ↑ Niland, Kurt (December 14, 2011). "Victoria Principal funds oil-spill research & response". Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
  28. ↑ Alan Duke, CNN (December 13, 2011). "Victoria Principal puts up money to prevent oil spills". CNN. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  29. ↑ "Giving Back Fund Announces Top 30 Celebrity Charity Donations For 2011". Look to the Stars. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  30. ↑ "Help Stop the Assault on Whales and Dolphins With Just Your Facebook Photo". Onearth.org. October 9, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  31. ↑ "Angeles Forest Fire Restoration, $25,000 Gift Kicks Off $250,000 Goal". PR Newswire. October 30, 2009. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  32. ↑ "Specific Funding Needs". Cawildlife.org. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  33. ↑ "Victoria Principal Joins Americans Across The Country To Support American Humane Association And...". PR Newswire. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  34. ↑ "Victoria Principal to the (Fire Prevention and Reforestation) Rescue!". Blog.treepeople.org. August 2, 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  35. ↑ "Victoria Principal Fansite". Victoriaprincipalfan.com. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  36. ↑ "Marine reunites with military dog". Khou.com. August 28, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Rob Reiner, Other Celebs, Oppose Malibu Development". Jewishbusinessnews.com. October 28, 2014. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
  38. ↑ "Victoria Principal Fansite". Victoriaprincipalfan.com. Retrieved June 1, 2015.

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