EXCLUSIVE: Victoria Principal, one of the iconic stars of the 1980s hit Dallas, is putting to rest rampant speculation that she may join her co-stars Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray on TNT‘s sequel series. In a statement released exclusively to Deadline, Principal explains why she would never reprise her character, last seen in a fiery car crash on the original series. Rumors about Principal possibly joining the new Dallas had intensified over the past couple of months following the sudden death of Larry Hagman. His passing left a void on the Dallas reboot, triggering speculation that producers may want to bring another star from the original show. There had been chatter that Principal’s character, Pamela Ewing, may appear at J.R.’s funeral and that an upcoming storyline on the show that may involve Pam; Pam and Bobby’s (Duffy) adopted son, Christopher, is played on the TNT series by Jesse Metcalfe. While down in the ratings in its current second season which airs on a new night, Dallas is considered likely to get a third-season renewal. Since leaving Dallas in 1987, Principal has created and runs a multimillion-dollar skin care line. Here is her statement:
“Since the inception of ‘Dallas’, the creators and fans around the world have referred to Bobby and Pam, as the Romeo & Juliet of ‘Dallas’. I could not agree more. And since the original author of this scenario, William Shakespeare, felt compelled to make theirs a tragic love story, of epic and unforgettable deathly loss, I think I shall respect that very successful example, and leave the legacy of Bobby & Pam’s tragic love story, undisturbed and intact.
When I filmed Pam’s fatal car accident, for me that was the punctuation mark on my role as Pam. I cannot be held responsible for any choices made by producers, once I left ‘Dallas’, but I do take responsibility for my decision, not to risk tarnishing Bobby & Pam’s love story, with a desperate reappearance. I made this decision a long time ago with a loving and respectful heart for ‘Dallas’, Bobby & Pam and all faithful fans.”
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