Victoria Principal, best known for her iconic role as Pamela Barnes Ewing on the legendary television series *Dallas*, has lived a life as dramatic and complex as any of her on-screen characters.

Now at 75, Principal remains a figure of fascination—not just for her professional achievements, but for her romantic life, which has often been the subject of speculation and intrigue.

As she reflects on her journey, the reasons behind her failed marriages, especially her split from her last husband, Dr.

Harry Glassman, reveal a woman who has always prioritized independence, self-discovery, and personal growth.

 

Born on January 3, 1950, in Fukuoka, Japan, Victoria Principal was the daughter of a U.S.Air Force sergeant, Victor Roco Principal, and Bertha Ray Principal.

Her childhood was marked by constant movement, attending 17 different schools, including the Royal Ballet School in London.

This transient lifestyle instilled in her adaptability and a desire to explore different paths.

Although she started acting in commercials at the age of five, Principal initially considered more traditional careers such as medicine or law.

 

A life-changing car accident while studying medicine at Miami Dade Community College forced her to reevaluate her future.

During her recovery, she decided to pursue acting, moving to New York and then to London to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Eventually, she settled in Los Angeles, determined to make her mark in Hollywood.

Victoria Principal’s big break came with the 1972 film *The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean*, where her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

Despite a setback with the flop *The Naked Ape* in 1973, she rebounded with a role in the blockbuster disaster film *Earthquake* (1974).

Her early career also included a stint behind the scenes as a talent and booking agent, which she hoped would finance her law school ambitions.

However, acting remained her true calling.

 

Her defining role came in 1978 when she was cast as Pamela Barnes Ewing in *Dallas*.

By then, she had left law school behind and fully embraced her passion for acting.

Principal immediately connected with the character and was determined to make the role her own.

She even managed her own contracts, ensuring she had the freedom to pursue outside projects—a rarity for television stars at the time.

*Dallas* became a cultural phenomenon, with its 1980 “Who Shot J.R.?” episode becoming one of the most-watched television events in history.

Principal spent nine years on the show, leaving in 1991 when she felt the writing quality had declined.

She credits her time on *Dallas* with teaching her valuable lessons about integrity, courage, and the importance of fighting for what one believes in.

 

Determined not to be typecast, Principal founded her own production company, Victoria Principal Productions, focusing on television films.

She starred in and produced several notable TV movies, including *Naked Lie*, *Blind Witness*, and *Sparks: The Price of Passion*.

She even returned briefly to soap operas in the 2000s with the short-lived series *Titans*.

 

Principal’s professional drive was matched by her personal independence.

She has always been candid about her struggles to maintain long-term relationships, admitting that marriage was never truly her destiny.

“There were things that I was successful at, but long-term relationships were not one of them,” she once confessed.

“Marriage really didn’t interest me.”

 

Victoria Principal’s love life has been as varied as her career.

She was romantically linked to several high-profile men, including Frank Sinatra, Anthony Perkins, Desi Arnaz Jr., and Mark Sangor.

However, she insists that she had fewer serious relationships than most, with only three leading to marriage.

 

Her first marriage was to Christopher Skinner, whom she met on the set of *Dallas*.

The couple married in 1978 after a whirlwind romance but divorced just three years later.

Principal’s demanding 75-hour work weeks and Skinner’s desire for a more traditional marriage ultimately drove them apart.

There were also rumors of infidelity on Skinner’s part.

Her next significant relationship was with singer Andy Gibb, the youngest member of the Bee Gees.

The pair met in 1981 and quickly fell for each other, even recording a duet together.

Unfortunately, Gibb’s escalating drug problems led to their breakup in 1982.

Principal tried to help him, but ultimately told him he needed to choose between her and his addiction.

Gibb later admitted the split devastated him, but Principal maintained that she was not responsible for his struggles.

 

Victoria Principal’s longest marriage was to Dr.

Harry Glassman, a prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeon.

They met in 1983, both going through divorces, and married in 1985.

Principal grew close to Glassman’s children from his previous marriage, and the couple seemed happy for many years.

However, they never had children together, with Principal later revealing she struggled with fertility issues—contrary to rumors that she avoided pregnancy to maintain her figure.

 

Their marriage ended in 2006, after more than two decades together.

The split was marked by scandal, including allegations of domestic violence.

Glassman was arrested in 2002 on charges of inflicting corporal injury but was released on bail.

The divorce settlement was substantial, with Principal reportedly splitting over $50 million in assets with Glassman.

Rumors circulated that Glassman had leverage over her due to the cosmetic procedures he performed, but Principal has always denied these claims.

Now at 75, Victoria Principal lives life on her own terms.

She continues to explore new interests and maintains a sense of curiosity about the world.

While her marriages did not last, Principal remains unapologetic about her choices, valuing personal growth and self-respect above all else.

 

Her story is a testament to the challenges of balancing ambition, love, and self-discovery.

For Victoria Principal, the end of a marriage was never a failure—just another step on the journey to finding out what truly matters.

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