Supermodel and Dallas Star Annabel Schofield Dies at 62 After Cancer Diagnosis
Annabel Schofield, a renowned 1980s supermodel who later gained fame as a television star on the iconic US soap opera Dallas, has passed away at the age of 62. Her death comes after a recent diagnosis of cancer, marking the end of a vibrant career that spanned modeling, acting, and production.
From Supermodel to Soap Star
Schofield first rose to prominence as one of the leading cover girls of her era, becoming the face of major beauty campaigns for prestigious brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Rimmel, and Revlon. Her international breakthrough was notably propelled by her work with Bugle Boy Jeans, which catapulted her into the global spotlight.
Transitioning from modeling to acting, she secured a primetime role in Dallas, one of the most popular television shows of the time. Schofield made her on-screen debut in 1988, portraying the character Laurel Ellis opposite Larry Hagman's legendary J. R. Ewing. Her performance added a new dimension to the long-running series, endearing her to audiences worldwide.
Tributes from the Fashion World
Melissa Richardson, the former owner of London's Take Two Agency where Schofield was signed, shared a heartfelt statement in remembrance. Richardson highlighted Schofield's significant impact, noting that she was a favorite of famed photographer David Bailey and appeared in numerous shoots for Italian Vogue.
"She was the forerunner of Take Two; without her, we could never have made it as we did," Richardson said. "We loved her because she was funny and real and beautiful and down to earth. She never changed from the sweet little 17-year-old Welsh girl I first met."
Early Life and Career Expansion
Born and raised in Llanelli, Wales, Schofield was introduced to the film industry early on thanks to her father, British film executive John D. Schofield. This background fueled her passion for the arts, leading her to explore various facets of entertainment beyond modeling.
In addition to her role in Dallas, she appeared in films such as Solar Crisis alongside Charlton Heston. However, Schofield eventually shifted her focus to behind-the-scenes work, taking on a quiet yet influential role as a producer.
Behind-the-Scenes Contributions
As a producer, Schofield worked on notable projects including The Brothers Grimm, Doom, and City of Ember. In 2010, she founded Bella Bene Productions, a Burbank-based production company that developed fashion projects, advertisements, and music ventures.
During this phase, she formed a creative partnership with Nick Egan, renowned for his work with bands like Duran Duran and Oasis. Despite her move to production, fashion remained a central interest; she later produced a 3D Guerlain campaign featuring Angelina Jolie.
Richardson added further praise, stating, "She was directly loyal, caring, and above all, a raging beauty. She knew her craft. She was the best."
Annabel Schofield's legacy is remembered through her multifaceted contributions to fashion, television, and film, leaving an indelible mark on the industries she touched.
