Obit: Raquel Welch, Hollywood Icon and Sex Symbol

Hollywood lost a true icon with the death of actress, singer and producer Raquel Welch today at the age of 82. Read on for more details about her life and career.

February 16, 2023

February 21, 2023

Photo of Raquel Welch

Hollywood lost a true icon today with the death of actress, singer and producer Raquel Welch at the age of 82. Born Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5th, 1940, she was widely recognized as one of the most beautiful women in the world and was known for her role in films throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.


Early Life & Career

Raquel, born to a Bolivian father and American mother, grew up in La Jolla, California. She entered college at San Diego State University and then ventured on to Los Angeles to become a commercial actress and performer. It was there that she was spotted by a photographer and asked to pose for Playboy magazine’s November 1959 issue. This marked the beginning of her rise to fame.

Film Success

Her breakthrough came when she was cast alongside Sean Connery in the 1966 film "One Million Years B.C." Her portrayal of a cavewoman earned her an international fan base. She continued to have great success throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with roles in films such as "The Three Musketeers", "The Four Musketeers" and "Fantastic Voyage". She also later appeared in films such as "Legally Blonde", "In the Navy", and "The Vampire Lovers".

Awards and Accolades

Raquel's accomplishments throughout her career earned her many awards and accolades. She was honored with a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy for her lead role in “The Three Musketeers”. She also received Golden Globe nominations for her lead roles in "Myra Breckinridge" and "Bedazzled".

Personal Life

In addition to her successful acting career, Raquel was married four times. She was married to James Welch (1959-1964), Patrick Curtis (1967-1972), André Weinfeld (1980-1990), and Richard Palmer (1999-2008). She is survived by her two children, Damon Welch (born 1958) and Tahnee Welch (born 1961).

A True Hollywood Legend

Raquel Welch will be remembered as one of the most iconic figures in the film industry. Her career spanned over five decades and she left a long-lasting mark on Hollywood. All who knew her were in awe of her unique beauty, talent, and strength. She will be missed by friends, family, and fans alike.

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