Raquel Welch: Hollywood Sex Symbol, Has Passed Away at 82

Raquel Welch, Film Legend of the 60s, Passes Away at 82

Raquel Welch, the iconic actress who became a household name in the 1960s with her unforgettable roles in "One Million Years B.C." and "Fantastic Voyage," has died at the age of 82.

Her manager, Steve Sauer, confirmed the news of her death and shared that Welch passed away on Wednesday in Los Angeles after a brief illness.

Welch had over 70 credits to her name in both film and television. She began her career as a spokesmodel on the TV show "Hollywood Palace" and landed her first film role in the 1964 Elvis Presley movie "Roustabout."

Two years later, her career took off with the release of "Fantastic Voyage," a science fiction film about a team of scientists who are shrunken and injected into a critically ill man's body, and "One Million Years B.C.," a prehistoric drama in which Welch played the role of cavewoman Loana.

The movie's marketing campaign, featuring photos of Welch in a fur bikini, made her an international sex symbol.

Welch went on to star in several other notable films, including the westerns "Bandolero!" and "100 Rifles" in the late 1960s, which featured a controversial interracial love scene with football star Jim Brown.

She also played the titular role in 1970's "Myra Breckinridge," where she portrayed a trans actress. In 1973, she won a Best Actress Golden Globe for her performance in "The Three Musketeers" and reprised her role as Constance de Bonacieux in the 1974 sequel "The Four Musketeers: Milady's Revenge."

Welch's career continued into the 1990s, where she made several guest appearances on popular sitcoms such as "Seinfeld," "Spin City," "Evening Shade," and "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch." Her iconic roles continued into the turn of the century, with appearances in 2001's "Legally Blonde" and UPtv's "Date My Dad" in 2017.

Aside from her acting career, Welch was also an entrepreneur with her own jewelry, skincare, and wig lines. She leaves behind two children, son Damon Welch and daughter Tahnee Welch.

Remembering Raquel Welch's Legacy

Raquel Welch's impact on the film industry is undeniable. Her roles in films like "One Million Years B.C." and "Fantastic Voyage" helped shape the cultural landscape of the 1960s and beyond, cementing her status as an international sex symbol. Her ability to captivate audiences on and off-screen made her a Hollywood legend, and her work in the industry has left an indelible mark.

Despite her undeniable talent, Welch faced challenges as a sex symbol in the industry. In interviews, she spoke about the difficulties of being labeled as such and how it could limit opportunities for other roles. However, her dedication to her craft and her commitment to breaking down barriers for women in the industry paved the way for future generations.

The entertainment industry has suffered an irreparable loss with the passing of Raquel Welch. A veteran actress who gained fame in the 1960s, Welch was not only a remarkable performer but also a fashion icon and beauty inspiration to many. Her iconic fur bikini from the movie "One Million Years B.C." is one of the most recognizable costumes in cinema history, and its lasting popularity attests to her legendary status.

What made Welch so special was more than just her gorgeous looks; she had an innate sense of style - a blend of elegance and sex appeal - that made her stand out from the crowd. Her signature style included voluminous hair styled in a glamorous bouffant, as well as bold and dramatic makeup looks which were often imitated by others.

Welch's impact extended beyond entertainment. She was an ardent philanthropist who used her celebrity to support numerous causes, including AIDS research, breast cancer awareness, animal welfare, and the Children's Diabetes Foundation. Additionally, she worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant wishes for terminally ill children.

Raquel Welch will be remembered for generations to come; her work as an actress and fashion icon, as well as her commitment to charitable causes, have left an indelible mark on the world. Her beauty and talent will continue to inspire and captivate people for years to come, and she will be deeply missed by her fans around the globe.

Rest in peace, Raquel Welch.