AceShowbiz - Annabel Schofield, the celebrated Welsh model and actress, passed away on February 28 in Los Angeles after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 62 years old. Known for her influential role in 1980s London fashion and her part as Laurel Ellis on the iconic primetime soap Dallas, Schofield left a lasting mark on both the fashion and television industries.

Born on September 4, 1963, in Llanelli, Wales, Schofield grew up surrounded by the film industry, as her father, John D. Schofield, was a British movie production executive with credits including major 1990s hits such as Romancing the Stone, Jerry Maguire, and As Good as It Gets. This early exposure perhaps influenced her later transition from modeling to acting and behind-the-camera roles.

During the 1980s, Annabel Schofield became a defining presence in the vibrant London fashion scene. Unlike the more established haute couture hubs of Paris and Milan, London was known for its cutting-edge styles inspired by movements like the New Romantics and Punk. Schofield thrived amid designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Katherine Hamnett, and brands like Body Map and Buffalo style by Ray Petrie, all of which shaped the street fashion zeitgeist of that era.

Represented by London's Take Two Agency, Schofield appeared on hundreds of magazine covers and fronted campaigns for prominent brands including Yves Saint Laurent, Rimmel, Revlon, and Boots No. 7. She gained international attention for a memorable Bugle Boy Jeans commercial where she delivered the line, "Excuse me, are those Bugle Boy jeans you're wearing?" while driving a black Ferrari through the desert — a commercial that became iconic in the 1980s.

Melissa Richardson, former owner of Take Two Agency, praised Schofield’s impact on the industry, highlighting her as one of photographer David Bailey’s favorites who appeared in numerous shoots for Italian Vogue. Richardson reflected on Schofield’s authenticity, charm, and dedication, describing her as a loyal and caring individual who remained true to her roots throughout her career.

Transitioning from modeling to acting, Annabel Schofield moved to Los Angeles during the peak of her career to take on the role of Laurel Ellis in 12 episodes of Dallas, starring opposite Larry Hagman’s legendary J.R. Ewing. This role introduced her to a wider audience, further establishing her versatility as a performer.

Her film work included parts in productions such as Solar Crisis alongside Charlton Heston, Dragonard, and Eye of the Widow. Later, Schofield expanded her talents behind the camera, contributing to production roles for films like The Brothers Grimm, Doom, and City of Ember.

In 2010, she founded Bella Bene Productions in Burbank, focusing on producing commercials, music, and fashion projects. Through Bella Bene, she formed a creative partnership with renowned director and graphic artist Nick Egan, known for collaborations with major rock bands including The Ramones, The Clash, Duran Duran, and Oasis. Schofield also worked alongside acclaimed photographers such as Andrew McPherson, Ellen von Unwerth, and Michael Muller.

One of her notable production achievements was collaborating with photographer Will Camden on a 3D campaign for Guerlain, which featured Angelina Jolie. Expanding her creative repertoire, Schofield authored a semi-autobiographical novel titled The Cherry Alignment, which drew inspiration from her experiences as a model and actress during the 1980s. The book included a dedication to her late friend and colleague Heath Ledger, who worked with her on The Brothers Grimm.

Annabel Schofield was preceded in death by her father John D. Schofield and her sister Amanda Schofield. She is survived by her mother. Her legacy endures through her influential contributions to fashion, television, film, and the creative arts, remembered as a striking beauty, a gifted artist, and a pioneering figure in her fields.