Victoria Principal 'Dumped' Young Andy Gibb Who Blamed His Fall from Fame on Their Affair — He Later Died at 30
The late Andy Gibb's successful music career revolved around his drug use and broken relationship with actress Victoria Principal. Continue reading to find out more details.
Hollywood actress Victoria Principal is in her seventies and away from the spotlight. However, it wasn't always like this. There was a time in her younger days when Principal relentlessly sought fame and even sacrificed love for it.
Principal was married to fellow actor Christopher Skinner between 1978 to 1980. Theirs was a love match, with the actress describing what they had as absolutely satisfying.
American actress Victoria Principal with her husband Christopher Skinner, circa 1979. | Source: Getty Images
Theirs was a whirlwind romance, and after the third date, they were sure they wanted forever. The pair got married in 1978 and soon realized they had different dreams. Skinner became impatient as his wife pursued her career. He realized he wanted a woman who stayed at home.
This was not the same for Principal, whose career dreams burned bright. They tried working it out to a consensus, but nothing could be done. Skinner and his wife of two years eventually broke things off in 1980.
Victoria Principal and Christopher Skinner during 1979 Photoplay Awards at Merv Griffin Studios in Los Angeles, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images
PRINCIPAL MET THE RIGHT MAN IN ANDY GIBB
After her marriage with Skinner ended, Principal opened up about how there were no hard feelings. She stated that leaving the marriage helped her further her career, and there were no regrets.
The "Vigilante Force" actress's fame finally came in the 80s and continued to the 90s. This was when she starred in the primetime TV series "Dallas." By then, Principal was more relaxed and ready for the dating pool again.
During this period, she met the young singer Andy Gibb, who had a promising music career. She and Gibb, who was the younger brother of the Bee Gees, were at their peak as stars.
1981 file photo of Victoria Principal & Andy Gibb attending the Peoples Choice Awards. | Source: Getty Images
The "Naked Lie" actress considered the singer her perfect match. The duo was famous and understood the weight of it all. Gibb and Principal had an eight-year age difference between them, but she did not mind.
Once speaking about this, she shared that she did not have an issue with age and only cared if the man caught her fancy. The then 32-year-old added:
"When I meet an attractive intelligent man, I don't check his birth certificate."
File Photo of Andy Gibb & Victoria Principal at the PIrates of Penzance play in Los Angeles, California on June 3, 1981. | Source: Getty Images
When Principal met Gibb, she was 31, and he was 23. She described the hiatus between her divorce and finding a relationship she cherished again as a period of stepping back and finding herself again.
She once shared that Gibb was the only man she was interested in seeing. She noted that she loved a man who would let her be "strong and capable" in her areas of expertise and also let her lean on him when she felt like it.
Victoria Principal during 14th Carousel of Hope Ball for Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images
PRINCIPAL DID NOT WANT TO BE MARRIED AGAIN
Principal understood that Gibb was famous and young and had women gravitating towards him. However, she admitted that she wanted him for those same reasons.
Gibb was equally smitten by her, constantly talking about her. He once told People that he watched "Dallas" solely because of Principal. After meeting on "The John Davidson's Show" in 1981, the pair began their relationship.
Despite the mutual understanding and similarities between the stars, Principal was unsure she wanted to be married again. She stated that she had no intentions of marrying the "Rest Your Love On Me" crooner.
Picture shows actress, Victoria Principal, and singer, Andy Gibb, posing together. | Source: Getty Images
A few days before Gibb turned 24, Principal called off their relationship. She felt smothered by his infatuation and did not want to be with him anymore. The actress became overwhelmed by Gibb's attention.
It seemed the young singer could not get enough of her, and even when they were apart, he called often. She would later tell him to stop calling while she was filming "Dallas."
File Photo of Victoria Principal & Andy Gibb at the Pirates of Penzance play opening in Los Angeles, California on June 10, 1981. | Source: Getty Images
GIBB'S LIFE TOOK A WORSE TURN
After the breakup, Principal could move on, but the story was different for Gibb. He spiraled out of control, not considering his burgeoning career.
Gibb stopped going to shows, and one time he did not attend the American Music Awards because of his broken heart. He found it hard to concentrate on his career or forge ahead.
Gibb also spiraled into drug use. Principal revealed that his drug problems were a catalyst for their split on her part. She recalled how she told him to pick between her and the drugs.
Singer Andy Gibb poses for a portrait in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The music star was losing the plot fast, but he was aware that he was out of control. Gibb once shared that he stayed awake in bed for two weeks after the breakup. He explained that producers kept calling him to get to work, but he had no strength to do so.
Gibb continued to wallow after a broken heart, unwilling to have any more serious relationships. He experienced financial issues and ultimately went bankrupt.
Singer Andy Gibb poses for a portrait in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The "Shadow Dancing" singer could not regain his groove after dealing with heartbreak. Then, two days after Gibb turned 30, he was admitted to the hospital for severe stomach pain.
Unfortunately, things worsened, and before his doctors could do more, Gibb slumped over and died. After the tragic death, Gibb was remembered for his fine career that could have been better.
Andrew Rob Gibb, known as Andy Gibb was a British singer, songwriter, performer, and teen idol. | Source: Getty Images
According to Freddie Gershon, the former president of his record label, Gibb, was delicate and "too sensitive." Gershon noted that the late star did not know how to handle rejection, which led to his relapse. Gershon added that Gibb advanced in age but was frozen in time as a 17-year-old.