Annabel Schofield: From 80s Fashion to Hollywood’s Bright Lights
Annabel Schofield, a Welsh-born model who transitioned from gracing the covers of Italian Vogue to a memorable role on the primetime soap Dallas, and ultimately becoming a film producer, has passed away at the age of 62. Her death, following a battle with cancer, was confirmed on February 28th in Los Angeles.
A Defining Face of 1980s London Fashion
Schofield rose to prominence in the vibrant and glamorous 1980s London fashion scene. While Paris and Milan were dominated by established haute couture designers, London offered a unique breeding ground for cutting-edge style. As she explained in a 2012 interview with Mirror80, “I honestly think London as far as cutting edge style, due to the New Romantics, the tail end of Punk, Vivienne Westwood, Katherine Hamnett, Body Map, Buffalo style which was created by Ray Petrie and all the resulting street styles.”
Represented by London’s Take Two Agency, Schofield’s face appeared on countless fashion magazine covers and in campaigns for iconic brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Rimmel, Revlon, and Boots No. 7. She achieved widespread recognition with a memorable appearance in a Bugle Boy Jeans TV commercial, delivering the now-iconic line, “Excuse me, are those Bugle Boy jeans you’re wearing?” while driving a black Ferrari through the desert.
“She was one of David Bailey’s favorites and appeared in countless shoots for Italian Vogue. She was the forerunner of Take Two — without her, we could never have made it as we did. We loved her because she was funny and real and beautiful and down to earth.” – Melissa Richardson, former owner of Take Two Agency
From Dallas to Behind the Camera
Born on September 4, 1963, in Llanelli, Wales, Schofield’s upbringing was steeped in the world of film, as her father, John D. Schofield, was a respected British movie production executive. His credits included blockbuster hits like Romancing the Stone, Jerry Maguire, and As Good as It Gets.
At the peak of her modeling career, Schofield moved to Los Angeles and landed the role of Laurel Ellis in 12 episodes of the hit series Dallas, acting alongside Larry Hagman’s legendary J.R. Ewing. Her film credits include roles in Solar Crisis (opposite Charlton Heston), Dragonard, and Eye of the Widow.
Schofield didn’t stop at acting. She transitioned behind the camera, taking on production roles in films like The Brothers Grimm, Doom, and City of Ember. In 2010, she founded Burbank-based Bella Bene Productions, developing commercials, music videos, and fashion projects.
A Creative Force and Lasting Legacy
Schofield forged a creative partnership with director and graphic artist Nick Egan, known for his work with iconic bands like The Ramones, The Clash, Duran Duran, and Oasis. She also collaborated with renowned photographers such as Andrew McPherson, Ellen von Unwerth, and Michael Muller. Notably, she produced the 3D Guerlain campaign featuring Angelina Jolie alongside photographer Will Camden.
Beyond her professional achievements, Schofield was a writer, penning the semi-autobiographical novel The Cherry Alignment, inspired by her experiences as an actress and model in the 1980s. The novel included a touching dedication to her friend and colleague, Heath Ledger.
Annabel Schofield is predeceased by her father and sister, Amanda Schofield, and is survived by her mother. Her contributions to fashion, television, and film will be remembered.
Learn more about the fashion world of the 80s at Vogue.
