Victoria Principal, the beloved actress and producer, has spent decades in the spotlight, and her personal life has often been as dramatic as the roles she portrayed. Her path to peace and stability, however, was neither simple nor straightforward. It was marked by a series of high-profile romances, heartbreaks, and deeply personal challenges that she navigated with remarkable resilience.
Through it all, her journey has been documented in countless headlines, gossip columns, and, more recently, over 30 revealing and intimate photographs that capture both the turbulence and triumph of her life. For much of her career, Principal’s private life was anything but private.
Tabloids chronicled her every move, from glamorous red carpet appearances to rumored romantic entanglements, often overshadowing her accomplishments as an actress and entrepreneur. Fans and critics alike speculated about her relationships, some fleeting and some lasting, creating a narrative that was both compelling and intrusive.
Today, though, Victoria Principal enjoys a much quieter life, and the photographs tracing her journey reflect the evolution of a woman who has endured heartbreak, public scrutiny, and profound personal growth.
One of the earliest and most intriguing rumors in Principal’s romantic history emerged in 1983, when a magazine cover hinted at a secret romance with none other than Frank Sinatra.
The story suggested that Principal was part of Hollywood’s most exclusive social circles, enjoying glamorous evenings and the company of high-profile men.
Though the details remain shrouded in mystery, the suggestion that she may have shared moments with the Chairman of the Board only added to her allure and mystique.
Not all of her relationships were glamorous. In 1981, news reports suggested that Victoria was drawn to wealthy, high-profile men, including the flamboyant financier Bernie Cornfeld.
Cornfeld, known for his luxurious lifestyle and dangerous undertones, reportedly had a dark and violent side.
Their relationship ended abruptly and alarmingly after Cornfeld allegedly attempted to strangle Principal.
The incident was a harrowing experience—one that left emotional scars and reinforced Principal’s resilience.
She walked away from the relationship, refusing to let fear dictate her life, but the trauma lingered as a reminder of the challenges she had endured.
In the years that followed, Principal sought stability and meaningful companionship. She married actor Christopher Skinner in 1981, hoping to find a sense of partnership and security.
Though their union lasted only 20 months, Principal later reflected that the marriage had taught her valuable lessons about herself.
“Christopher gave me a sense of myself, peace, and stability,” she said.
However, she acknowledged that their relationship eventually faltered because Skinner desired a more traditional domestic life, whereas Principal’s career demanded independence and ambition.
Though short-lived, the marriage provided her with insights into what she needed from a partner and reaffirmed her commitment to charting her own path.
Her next significant relationship was with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Harry Glassman, a romance that quickly became public and highly scrutinised.
At the time, Glassman was in the midst of a complicated divorce, while Principal herself was recovering from the emotional aftermath of her relationship with singer Andy Gibb.
Media outlets eagerly seized on the drama, including allegations that Glassman had purchased an extravagant diamond ring for Principal — claims she adamantly denied under oath in court.
In fact, Principal had purchased a stunning 3.89-carat diamond herself, celebrating her 33rd birthday with a gift she could proudly claim.
Despite the media frenzy, Principal remained deeply enamoured with Glassman and grew close to his children, Andrew and Brooke, admiring their upbringing and the stability he provided in her life.
The relationship with Glassman, however, was not without its challenges.
In 2002, police were called to their multimillion-dollar Beverly Hills home after Principal reportedly sustained injuries to her lip, eye, neck and cheek.
Glassman was arrested on charges of corporal injury, though the charges were later dropped, and both insisted their marriage remained intact.
Still, the incident left an indelible mark on Principal’s life. She would eventually end the marriage in 2006 after nearly 21 years together, acknowledging that the trauma and public scrutiny had irreparably altered the relationship.
Throughout her life, Principal also experienced shorter, intense romances, including with former NFL wide receiver Lance Rentzel.
Though brief, these relationships added layers of complexity to her already multifaceted romantic history. Perhaps most notably, she shared a profound and bittersweet connection with Andy Gibb.
Their relationship, which began when she was 31 and he was 23, was marked by intense chemistry, artistic collaboration and the pressures of fame.
They even recorded a duet together, with Gibb acting as her vocal coach.
Yet despite their emotional closeness, Gibb struggled with substance abuse, and Principal ultimately made the painful decision to prioritise her own life and well-being.
The breakup was heartbreaking for both, and Gibb’s later struggles only underscored the tragic elements of their love story.
Principal has always spoken of Gibb with warmth and respect, noting that she could never reveal every detail of their relationship without violating the trust and bond they once shared.
Now, decades later, Victoria Principal has embraced a life defined not by romantic drama, but by peace, independence, and passion.
Since 2012, she has lived on a serene ranch outside Los Angeles, dedicating her life to rescuing and rehabilitating animals—a lifelong passion that has brought her immense fulfilment.
Animals have always been central to her life, as evidenced by a 2020 social-media post featuring a childhood photo with a dog, accompanied by the caption:
“I don’t remember my life without animals. From a very early age I would find abandoned animals and bring them home.”
Her ranch life allows her to focus on nurturing, healing, and giving back to the creatures she loves, providing a sense of purpose that eclipses the chaos of her past relationships.
Victoria Principal’s journey is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring pursuit of personal peace.
From the glittering yet treacherous world of Hollywood romances to the quiet, rewarding work of animal rescue, she has crafted a life that reflects her values and passions.
Her story—captured in photographs and memories alike—reminds us that true contentment often comes not from fame or fortune, but from living authentically, caring deeply, and finding joy in one’s own company.
If you like, I can expand this further with more details on her philanthropic work, business ventures (such as her skincare line), and how she transformed her public image in later years.
