American actress, producer and author Victoria Principal played Pam Ewing in the popular nighttime drama Dallas between 1978 and 1987.

Principal's former maid, Maribel Banegas, filed a lawsuit against Principal on May 1, 2009, for alleged assault, false imprisonment and emotional distress. Banegas claims that the actress became angry at her for walking her dog too long and alleges that Principal terminated her employment and pulled a gun on her after she asked for her check.TMZ: 'Dallas' Star Sued Over Dog, Poop, Gun (May 4, 2009) On May 5, 2009, Principal filed a counter suit alleging Banegas injured her dog and acted aggressively towards her.E: Victoria Principal Strikes Back (May 5, 2009) KTLA: Maid Sues "Dallas" Star For Pulling Gun (May 6, 2009)

In a case of she said-she said, Victoria Principal and her former maid, Maribel Banegas filed lawsuits against each other, each claiming they were assaulted by the other. According the the papers filed by Principal on May 5, 2009, Banegas became enraged after Principal terminated her employment. Banegas allegedly hit another maid and grabbed Principal's dog and then left the house. Principal claims Banegas later returned with the dog but harmed the animal, causing it to wheeze and choke from the force of a taut leash.

Principal's court papers state that Banegas is "almost six feet tall and weighing over 160 pounds," so out of fear for her own safety, as well as for concern for her dog and housekeeper, Principal told Banegas that she had to go upstairs to get her last check but instead, she returned with a handgun. Principal was in "legal possession" of the weapon and claimed that even with a gun pointed at her, Banegas continued to act violently. The confrontation finally ended after Banegas locked herself in a guest house and Principal called 911. Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene, subdued Banegas and removed her from the property.Radar Online: Counters Maid's Allegations with Lawsuit (May 5, 2009)

Principal appeared in early movies such as The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean and the Naked Ape. She landed a huge break in 1974 when she co-starred in the movie Earthquake. Two years later she quit acting and planned to go to law school. To help pay for schooling, Aaron Spelling offered to pay for one year of tuition if she would accept a role in the pilot of his new weekly series, Fantasy Island. Realizing acting was what she wanted to do, she pursued and won the role of Pamela Ewing on the hit drama Dallas.

Since her days on Dallas, Principal has appeared in commercials and made for TV movies. She runs her own cosmetic line, production company and is in training to be the first female civilian astronaut in June of 2010.