Annabel Schofield, the 1980s supermodel who successfully transitioned into television and film, has died at the age of 62 following a cancer diagnosis.
Schofield rose to prominence as the face of major international beauty campaigns, working with brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Rimmel, and Revlon. Her global breakthrough came with Bugle Boy Jeans, cementing her status as one of the era’s most recognisable cover models.After dominating fashion magazines, Schofield moved into acting, landing a primetime role on the hit US soap Dallas. She made her on-screen debut in 1988 as Laurel Ellis, starring opposite Larry Hagman’s iconic character J.R. Ewing.
She later appeared in films including Solar Crisis, alongside Charlton Heston, before gradually transitioning behind the camera.As a producer, Schofield worked on major projects such as The Brothers Grimm, Doom, and City of Ember.
In 2010, she founded Bella Bene Productions, a Burbank-based company focused on fashion projects, advertising campaigns, and music ventures. During this period, she collaborated closely with creative director Nick Egan, known for his work with Duran Duran and Oasis.
Her passion for fashion never waned. She later produced a 3D campaign for Guerlain starring Angelina Jolie.Melissa Richardson, former owner of London’s Take Two Agency, where Schofield was signed, paid tribute in a heartfelt statement.
“She was one of David Bailey’s favourites 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,” 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. She was directly loyal, caring, and above all, a raging beauty. She knew her craft. She was the best.”
Born and raised in Llanelli, Wales, Schofield was introduced early to the film world through her father, British film executive John D. Schofield.
Her legacy spans fashion, television, and film production — a career that evolved seamlessly from front-of-camera stardom to influential creative work behind the scenes.
