Bringing to a close the career of the Welsh-born supermodel and actress who became a defining presence on London’s fashion scene in the 1980s before moving into film, television and production work in the United States, Annabel Schofield has died aged 62 after a battle with cancer.
Annabel Schofield has died aged 62 after a battle with cancer.
Bringing to a close the career of the Welsh-born supermodel and actress who became a defining presence on London’s fashion scene in the 1980s before moving into film, television and production work in the United States, it emerged on Wednesday (04.03.26) Annabel died on 28 February in Los Angeles, California, after decades of work in the entrainment business.
Annabel rose to prominence during the height of the 1980s fashion boom in London, becoming a regular cover star and working with major fashion houses and cosmetics brands including Yves Saint Laurent, Rimmel, Revlon and Boots No.7. She later moved into acting, appearing opposite Larry Hagman in the television soap Dallas, and taking roles in several films before transitioning behind the camera as a producer and production executive.
Annabel also founded her own production company and developed projects across fashion, music and film.
Melissa Richardson, former owner of London’s Take Two Agency, paid tribute to Annabel in a statement reflecting on her modelling career.
She said: “(Annabel) 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. 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.”
Annabel became widely recognised during the 1980s after appearing in a television advertisement for Bugle Boy Jeans.
In the commercial she delivered the line: “Excuse me, are those Bugle Boy jeans you’re wearing?” while driving through the desert in a black Ferrari – a moment that became closely associated with her modelling career.
She had been represented by London’s Take Two Agency during the height of her modelling fame and appeared on hundreds of magazine covers, while also working with leading fashion photographers including David Bailey.
Annabel’s acting career included roles in films such as Solar Crisis, Eye of the Widow, Blood Tide and Dragonard. Her connection to the film industry began early through her father, John D. Schofield, who worked as a British movie production executive.
Later in her career Annabel moved into production work, contributing to film projects including The Brothers Grimm, Doom and City of Ember. In 2010 she founded a Burbank-based production company, Bella Bene Productions, beginning a new phase of her career as an executive producer.
Annabel also collaborated with director Nick Egan on creative projects spanning music and advertising.
Nick has directed work for bands including The Ramones, The Clash, Duran Duran and Oasis.
Among her later creative projects was a 3D Guerlain campaign featuring actor Angelina Jolie.
Annabel also wrote a semi-autobiographical novel, The Cherry Alignment, drawing on her experiences in the fashion and film industries during the 1980s.
The book included a dedication to the late actor Heath Ledger, reflecting on their friendship.
Dallas star Annabel Schofield dead aged 62 after cancer fight
