Annabel Schofield, a model and actress born in Wales who became a leading figure in London’s 1980s fashion world before transitioning to acting with a memorable role on “Dallas,” has died at 62. Designer-model Catalina Guirado confirmed that Schofield passed away on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Los Angeles after her fight with cancer.
Born on Sept. 4, 1963, in Llanelli, Wales, Schofield grew up immersed in the entertainment industry. Her father, John D. Schofield, was a British film production executive connected to major Hollywood titles such as “Romancing the Stone,” “Jerry Maguire,” and “As Good as It Gets.” Her early exposure to movie sets guided her creative pursuits across multiple fields for over four decades.
Schofield became a defining presence in London’s vibrant 1980s fashion landscape, a period when the city’s street-inspired looks shaped runways worldwide. Represented by London’s Take Two Agency, she appeared on hundreds of magazine covers—including Italian Vogue and Vogue Germany—and led major campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Rimmel, Revlon, and Boots No. 7. Her work with renowned photographer David Bailey, who considered her one of his favorite models, helped cement her standing as one of the decade’s standout talents.
She gained international attention through a memorable Bugle Boy Jeans commercial, featuring her driving a black Ferrari Testarossa through the desert and delivering the well-known line: “Excuse me, are those Bugle Boy jeans you’re wearing?” The spot became one of the most iconic fashion ads of the late 1980s and remains a recognizable piece of pop culture.
Melissa Richardson, former head of London’s Take Two Agency, paid tribute to Schofield, saying, “She was the forerunner of Take Two—without her, we could never have made it as we did.”
At the height of her modeling career, Schofield relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She landed a 12-episode role on “Dallas” in 1988, playing artist’s model Laurel Ellis opposite Larry Hagman’s legendary J.R. Ewing during the show’s 11th season. The role showcased her natural screen presence and marked a significant transition from fashion to television.
Her film credits included “Solar Crisis” with Charlton Heston, in which she played Alex Noffe, as well as roles in “Dragonard” and “Eye of the Widow.” She later stepped into production roles behind the camera, contributing to major films like “The Brothers Grimm,” “Doom,” and “City of Ember.”
In 2010, Schofield founded Bella Bene Productions in Burbank, where she worked as an executive producer on commercials, music videos, and fashion-related content. She collaborated creatively with director and graphic artist Nick Egan—known for his work with The Ramones, The Clash, Duran Duran, and Oasis. She also partnered with several celebrated photographers, including Andrew McPherson, Ellen von Unwerth, and Michael Muller, and produced a 3D Guerlain campaign featuring Angelina Jolie shot by photographer Will Camden.
Drawing from her personal life, Schofield authored the semi-autobiographical novel “The Cherry Alignment,” inspired by her experiences as a model and actress in the 1980s. The book featured a dedication to her late friend and colleague, Heath Ledger, from “The Brothers Grimm.”
The actress first publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis in November 2023, posting updates on a GoFundMe page that raised over $34,000 of its $40,000 goal. In a July 2025 update, she shared that the cancer had spread to her brain and that she would begin chemotherapy. She later described undergoing surgery to remove a tumor through her nasal passages.
In her final Instagram post on Jan. 20, 2026, Schofield wrote: “It was very exciting to get this done finally but I’m not out of the woods yet.”
In a December 2025 message, Schofield reflected on the emotional and financial stress brought on by her illness. “All of this is compounded by the Christmas season and the fact that I’m alone most days and completely out of money,” she shared. Her diagnosis had been made more than two years before her death, during which she struggled to stay afloat while receiving treatment.
Schofield was preceded in death by her father, who died in 2020, and her sister, Amanda. She is survived by her mother. Her passing marks the loss of a versatile creative force whose impact helped shape both the fashion and entertainment industries during a defining era in pop culture.
