Raquel Welch, actress and Hollywood sex symbol, dead at 82

 

Raquel Welch, who rose to fame as a sex symbol in the 1960s, has died. She was 82. 

Welch's son, Damon, confirmed she died Wednesday at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness."She passed away with no pain," he said. "I'm very proud about what she contributed to society and her career and everything. I'm most proud of her doing the U.S.O tours with Bob Hope during the late 60s and early 70s. We missed Christmas with her for three years while she was doing that. She said that was the hardest thing."

Raquel Welch is a Hollywood actress who has been regarded as one of the most stunning women in Hollywood for decades. She is known for her performances in numerous films, including "One Million Years B.C.," "The Three Musketeers," and "Legally Blonde." Her beauty, talent, and charisma have made her one of the most sought-after actresses of all time, and her impact on the film industry has been felt for years.

Welch was born on September 5, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois. Her birth name was Jo Raquel Tejada, and her mother was of Bolivian descent while her father was of English ancestry. She grew up in California, and during her teenage years, she started to develop an interest in acting. She attended San Diego State University and later moved to Dallas, Texas, to pursue her acting career.

Welch's big break came in 1966 when she was cast as the lead in the movie "One Million Years B.C." The film was a success, and it turned her into an instant sex symbol. The famous image of Welch in a fur bikini became an iconic moment in cinema history. Her beauty, combined with her impressive acting skills, made her a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.

Welch continued to star in numerous films throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She starred in the film "Bedazzled," which was a comedy about the devil, played by Peter Cook, who gives a man seven wishes in exchange for his soul. Welch's character, Lust, was one of the seven deadly sins, and her seductive performance made the film a hit. Welch also starred in the movie "Myra Breckinridge," which was one of the first films to openly explore gender identity and sexuality. The film was controversial, but Welch's performance was praised by critics.

In 1973, Welch starred in the film "The Three Musketeers," which was based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas. She played the role of Constance Bonacieux, a woman who helps the Musketeers on their quest to save France. Welch's performance was praised by critics, and the film was a commercial success.

Welch continued to work in Hollywood throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She appeared in several television shows, including "Central Park West" and "Spin City." She also starred in the movie "Legally Blonde," playing the role of a beautician who helps the main character, played by Reese Witherspoon, prepare for law school. The film was a hit, and Welch's performance was praised by audiences and critics alike.

In addition to her acting career, Welch has also been a fitness guru. She released several workout videos, including "Raquel: Total Beauty and Fitness" and "Raquel Welch's Yoga." Her fitness routines have been popular among women for decades, and her impact on the fitness industry has been significant.

Throughout her career, Welch has been an inspiration to many women. Her beauty, talent, and charisma have made her one of the most iconic actresses of all time. She has also been an advocate for women's rights and has used her platform to speak out about issues such as pay inequality in Hollywood. Her impact on the film industry has been significant, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actresses.

In conclusion, Raquel Welch is a Hollywood legend who has made a significant impact on the film industry. Her beauty, talent, and charisma have made her one of the most iconic actresses of all time, and her impact on the fitness industry has been significant as well. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actresses, and her contributions to the film industry will be remembered for years to come.