Where It All Began
Victoria Principal’s story starts long before she became a household name. Born in 1950 into a wealthy Texas family, she was raised in a world where privilege was the norm, and expectations were high. Her father, a prominent oil executive, and her mother, a former model, moved in circles where marriages were often strategic alliances. Principal herself married young—at 19—to Thomas Kay, a fellow Texas oil heir. The union was less about love, some accounts suggest, and more about consolidating family ties. By the time she stepped into the spotlight in the late 1970s with Dallas, her first marriage was already crumbling. The divorce, finalized in 1980, coincided with her rise to fame, leaving her to navigate the complexities of stardom alone. The early signs of her next chapter were subtle but telling. Principal’s role as Elena Ramos on Dallas—a fiery, independent Mexican-American character—was a departure from the demure socialite persona she’d cultivated. The character’s strength and ambition mirrored Principal’s own quiet determination. Off-screen, she began to distance herself from the Texas elite’s traditional expectations. Her social circle expanded to include Hollywood insiders, and by the mid-1980s, she was no longer just a Texas heiress playing a soap opera role; she was becoming a figure of her own making.The Early Signs
The shift in Principal’s personal life mirrored her professional reinvention. Her second marriage, to producer John Travolta, was announced in 1990—a union that sent shockwaves through both Hollywood and Texas society. Travolta, then a rising star after Grease and Pulp Fiction, was a far cry from the oil heirs of Principal’s past. Their relationship was the stuff of tabloid dreams: a glamorous, high-profile couple that seemed to defy the odds. Yet, beneath the surface, it was a partnership built on mutual respect and shared values. Principal, who had spent years being defined by others, now had a partner who understood the demands of fame—and the importance of privacy. The marriage lasted until 1999, but its impact lingered. Principal emerged from it with a newfound sense of independence, having proven that she could thrive outside the shadow of her family name. The divorce, while amicable, marked the end of an era. It also set the stage for her next chapter—one that would lead her to who is Victoria Principal married to now.The Turning Point
The late 1990s and early 2000s were a period of reflection for Principal. After her divorce from Travolta, she stepped back from the public eye, focusing on her family and personal growth. It was during this time that she met Alex McDowell, a production designer who had worked on films like The Matrix and Fight Club. Their connection was different from her previous relationships. McDowell, a creative professional with no ties to Texas oil money or Hollywood stardom, represented a fresh start. He was also, by all accounts, the love of her life. Their marriage, in 2003, was a quiet affair—no grand press conferences, no splashy weddings. Instead, it was a private commitment that reflected Principal’s evolving priorities. McDowell brought stability, and Principal brought experience. Together, they built a life that balanced her occasional acting roles with his work in film. The marriage has endured, surviving the test of time and the occasional scrutiny of the media. It’s a partnership that has allowed Principal to redefine herself, not as a socialite or a former star, but as a woman who has chosen love and family over fame."She’s always been someone who knows what she wants, and she’s not afraid to go after it. But with Alex, it’s different—it’s about the quiet moments, the ones no one sees." — A close friend of Principal’s, reflecting on her second marriage.
The Build-Up, Year by Year
| Period | What Happened / What Changed |
|---|---|
| 1970s | Principal marries Thomas Kay at 19; divorce finalized in 1980 as her Dallas career takes off. Her first marriage ends, but her public persona as a strong-willed actress begins. |
| 1980s | She becomes a Hollywood fixture, balancing Dallas with guest roles. Her social life shifts from Texas elite circles to L.A. insiders, including a brief but highly publicized romance with actor Richard Gere. |
| 1990–1999 | Marries John Travolta in 1990; divorce in 1999. This decade is marked by high-profile relationships, but also a growing desire for privacy. |
| 2000–2003 | Principal steps back from acting, focusing on family and personal projects. She meets Alex McDowell, a production designer, and their relationship develops in relative privacy. |
| 2003–Present | Marries McDowell in 2003. They maintain a low profile, with Principal occasionally returning to acting (e.g., Nashville, Dallas reunion). Their marriage remains stable, with no public signs of strain. |
Lessons From the Journey
- Fame is fleeting, but family is forever. Principal’s marriages reflect a deliberate choice to prioritize love over legacy—first with Travolta, then with McDowell.
- Texas roots vs. Hollywood glamour: She navigated both worlds but ultimately chose a partner who wasn’t tied to either.
- Privacy as power: After decades of scrutiny, her marriage to McDowell is a testament to the freedom of stepping away from the spotlight.
- Reinvention is possible. From oil heiress to actress to private citizen, Principal has redefined herself multiple times.
- The best relationships aren’t about spectacle. Her current marriage is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep understanding of each other’s worlds.
Where Things Stand Today
As of recent years, who is Victoria Principal married to now remains a straightforward answer: Alex McDowell. Their marriage, now in its second decade, shows no signs of slowing down. Principal has occasionally returned to acting—most notably in Nashville and a Dallas reunion special—but her focus remains on her family. McDowell, meanwhile, continues his work in film production, though he keeps a similarly low profile. The couple’s ability to maintain privacy in an industry that thrives on exposure speaks volumes. They own a home in Los Angeles and have been known to travel discreetly, avoiding the kind of paparazzi frenzy that once dogged Principal’s earlier relationships. Their stability is a contrast to the tumultuous marriages of her past, proving that maturity—both personal and professional—can lead to lasting happiness.
Conclusion
Victoria Principal’s love life is more than a series of marriages; it’s a narrative of evolution. From her arranged marriage in Texas to her high-profile union with Travolta and, finally, her quiet partnership with McDowell, each chapter reveals a woman who has always been in control of her destiny. The question of Victoria Principal’s current spouse isn’t just about a name—it’s about the choices she’s made, the relationships she’s nurtured, and the life she’s built on her own terms. Her story is a reminder that behind every celebrity persona lies a person who has grappled with fame, family, and the search for true love. And in Principal’s case, that love has found its most stable footing—not in the glare of the cameras, but in the privacy of a marriage that has endured.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Who is Victoria Principal married to now?
As of recent years, Victoria Principal is married to Alex McDowell, a production designer she wed in 2003. Their marriage remains stable and private, with no public signs of strain.
Q: How many times has Victoria Principal been married?
Principal has been married three times: first to Thomas Kay (divorced in 1980), then to John Travolta (divorced in 1999), and finally to Alex McDowell (married in 2003).
Q: Did Victoria Principal and John Travolta have children?
No, Principal and Travolta’s marriage remained childless. She has two children from her first marriage to Thomas Kay: a son, Thomas, and a daughter, Alexandra.
Q: Is Victoria Principal still involved in acting?
While she has stepped back from full-time acting, Principal has made occasional appearances, including roles in Nashville and a Dallas reunion special. Her focus, however, is primarily on her family and personal life.
Q: What is Alex McDowell’s background?
Alex McDowell is a production designer with credits on films like The Matrix and Fight Club. He has also worked on television projects, though he maintains a relatively low public profile compared to Principal’s earlier husbands.
Q: How does Victoria Principal balance fame and privacy?
Principal has long prioritized privacy, especially in her later years. Her marriage to McDowell reflects this, as they avoid public appearances and media attention. She has also been selective about her acting roles, choosing projects that allow her to maintain control over her public image.
Q: Are there any rumors about Victoria Principal’s current marriage?
There have been no credible rumors of marital issues between Principal and McDowell. Their relationship is described by insiders as stable and loving, with both partners valuing privacy and family life.
