Victoria Principal stepped away from her iconic role as Pamela Barnes Ewing on the television series Dallas back in 1987, leaving millions of fans wondering where her path would lead. Rather than fading into quiet retirement, she transformed her celebrity status into a powerhouse of entrepreneurship, authorship, and dedicated animal rescue. Today, she lives a purposeful life primarily focused on philanthropy and land stewardship in California, far removed from the daily grind of Hollywood studios.
Understanding where she is now requires looking past the glitz of 1980s primetime television. Her journey spans massive business success, a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio, and a deep-seated commitment to environmental and animal welfare causes.
The Rise to Stardom and Leaving Dallas
Born in Fukuoka, Japan, Principal moved frequently during her childhood as part of a military family. After studying acting in London and New York, she landed her breakthrough film role in The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972) alongside Paul Newman, earning a Golden Globe nomination.
However, her career skyrocketed globally when she joined the cast of CBS's Dallas in 1978. As Pamela Barnes, she anchored one of television's most-watched series. When she chose to leave the show after nine seasons, she wanted a definitive break, famously requesting that her character exit through a dramatic storyline rather than a simple recast.
Building an Empire: Skincare and Bestselling Books
Instead of chasing standard acting roles after Dallas, Principal pivoted into business and publishing. Her transition showed a sharp instinct for consumer trends long before celebrity lifestyle brands became standard.
Authoring Health and Beauty Guides
During and immediately after her time on Dallas, she wrote multiple health and fitness books that resonated with the public:
- The Body Principal (1983)
- The Beauty Principal (1984)
- The Diet Principal (1987)
- Living Principal (2001), which climbed to the top of The New York Times bestseller list
Principal Secret Skincare
In 1989, she launched her own skincare line, Principal Secret. What started as a personal passion for natural beauty solutions turned into a massive direct-response retail empire. Over three decades, the company generated more than $1.5 billion in cumulative revenue. In April 2019, she sold the company to Guthy-Renker to fully dedicate her time to philanthropic efforts.
Philanthropy and Animal Rescue Ranch
Today, Principal's primary daily focus centers on environmental conservation and animal rescue. She established the Victoria Principal Foundation for Thoughtful Existence, funneling financial support into ecological preservation, ocean cleanup, and human rights causes.
On her rural property outside Los Angeles, she operates an active animal rescue sanctuary. She rehabilitates abused, neglected, or abandoned animals—ranging from horses to smaller rescue pets. Rather than attending red-carpet galas, she spends her mornings working directly with her animals, maintaining a private lifestyle grounded in physical labor and land stewardship.
Real Estate Portfolio and Financial Standing
Through decades of smart business investments, media royalties, and real estate acquisitions, Principal accumulated an estimated net worth of approximately $350 million.
Her portfolio includes strategic properties across high-value locations:
- A primary estate in Malibu, California, offering coastal privacy.
- Land holdings and homes in Big Sur and Beverly Hills.
- An international residence in Switzerland.
These holdings provide her with the financial independence to fund her charitable foundations entirely on her own terms, without relying on outside corporate sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Victoria Principal leave Dallas?
She chose to leave Dallas in 1987 after nine seasons to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions, specifically focusing on her production company and her growing interest in health and skincare product development.
Was Victoria Principal married?
She has been married twice. Her first marriage was to writer-producer Christopher Skinner from 1978 to 1980. Her second marriage was to Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Harry Glassman, whom she married in 1985 before filing for divorce in 2006. She does not have children.
What is Victoria Principal's net worth?
Industry estimates place her net worth around $350 million, built through her acting salary, her bestselling books, the multi-billion-dollar success of Principal Secret Skincare, and long-term real estate investments.
Does she still act in movies or television?
No, she is officially retired from acting. Her last major television appearance was in the early 2000s, after which she permanently transitioned away from entertainment to prioritize business and full-time philanthropy. More details on her early career milestones can be found on Wikipedia.
