Editing Raquel Welch (section)

== Career ==

=== 1964–1966: Early works and breakthrough ===

Welch initially intended to move to New York City from Dallas, but moved back to Los Angeles in 1963 and started applying for roles with film studios.<ref name="Otfinoski2007" /> During this period, she met a one-time child actor and Hollywood agent [[Patrick Curtis (producer)|Patrick Curtis]] who became her personal and business manager.<ref name=glamour /> They developed a plan to turn Welch into a [[sex symbol]].<ref name="Otfinoski2007" /> To avoid [[typecasting]] as a [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latina]], he convinced her to use her ex-husband's surname.<ref name="Otfinoski2007" /> She was cast in small roles in two films, ''[[A House Is Not a Home (film)|A House Is Not a Home]]'' (1964) and the musical ''[[Roustabout (film)|Roustabout]]'' (1964), an [[Elvis Presley]] film. She also landed small roles on the television series ''[[Bewitched]]'', ''[[McHale's Navy]]'' and ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]'' and appeared on the weekly variety series ''[[The Hollywood Palace]]'' as a billboard girl and presenter. She was one of many actresses who auditioned for the role of [[Mary Ann Summers]] on the television series ''[[Gilligan's Island]]''.

Welch's first featured role was in the beach film ''[[A Swingin' Summer]]'' (1965). That same year, she won the Deb Star while her photo in a ''[[Life (magazine)|Life]]'' magazine layout called "The End of the Great Girl Drought!" created a buzz around town.<ref>Amaya, Mario. (May 25, 2017). [http://www.eltiempo.com/bocas/raquel-welch-en-una-entrevista-con-la-revista-bocas-90030 "El arte de ser ícono: una entrevista con Raquel Welch"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117174418/http://www.eltiempo.com/bocas/raquel-welch-en-una-entrevista-con-la-revista-bocas-90030 |date=November 17, 2017 }} ''Bocas''. Retrieved May 28, 2017</ref> She was strongly considered for the role of Domino in ''[[Thunderball (film)|Thunderball]]''<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/1735459/raquel-welch-james-bond-girl-sean-connery-thunderball |title = Raquel Welch set her sights on 'snuggling' with James Bond star |date = February 16, 2023 |access-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230218085511/https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/1735459/raquel-welch-james-bond-girl-sean-connery-thunderball |url-status = live }}</ref> and was also noticed by the wife of producer [[Saul David (producer)|Saul David]], who recommended her to [[20th Century Fox]], where with the help of Curtis she landed a contract.<ref name="Otfinoski2007" /> She agreed to a seven-year nonexclusive contract, five pictures over the next five years, and two floaters.<ref name=glamour /> Studio executives talked about changing her name to "Debbie". They thought "Raquel" would be hard to pronounce. She refused their request. She wanted her real name, so she stuck with "Raquel Welch".<ref>Raquel Welch [Interview by Piers Morgan]. (October 20, 2015). In ''Piers Morgan's Life Stories''. London, England: ITV.</ref><ref>Associated Press. (June 28, 2015). Raquel Welch: [https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/raquel-welch-the-essence-of-who-i-am-is-a-latina 'The essence of who I am is a Latina'] . Retrieved October 4, 2015, from Fox News</ref> After screen testing for Saul David's ''[[Our Man Flint]]'',<ref>{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=fMccAQAAMAAJ&q=raquel+welch+%2B+our+man+flint |title = Illustrated Weekly of Pakistan |year = 1968 |publisher = Pakistan Herald Publications |access-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-date = February 22, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230222132620/https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Illustrated_Weekly_of_Pakistan/fMccAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=raquel+welch+%2B+our+man+flint&dq=raquel+welch+%2B+our+man+flint&printsec=frontcover |url-status = live }}</ref> she was cast in a leading role in David's sci-fi film ''[[Fantastic Voyage]]'' (1966), in which she portrayed a member of a medical team that is [[Size change in fiction|miniaturized]] and injected into the body of an injured scientist with the mission to save his life. The film was a hit and made her a star.<ref name="Otfinoski2007" />

[[File:Raquel Welch in deer-skin bikini.jpg|thumb|alt=Welch in the deer-skin bikini from the film ''One Million Years B.C.''|This 1966 promotional still of Welch in the deerskin bikini became a bestselling poster and turned her into an instant pin-up girl.]]
Fox loaned Welch to [[Hammer Studios]] in Britain where she starred in the science fiction film ''[[One Million Years B.C.]]'' (1966), a remake of the [[Hal Roach]] film ''[[One Million B.C.]]'' (1940). Her only costume was [[Fur bikini of Raquel Welch|a two-piece deer skin bikini]]. She was described as "wearing mankind's first bikini" and the fur bikini was described as a "definitive look of the 1960s".<ref name="Filmfacts">{{cite book |title = Filmfacts 1967 |publisher = University of Southern California. Division of Cinema |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=zbkvAQAAIAAJ |access-date = May 24, 2011 |year = 1967 |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215211431/https://books.google.com/books?id=zbkvAQAAIAAJ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Mansour2005">{{cite book |last = Mansour |first = David |title = From Abba to Zoom: a pop culture encyclopedia of the late 20th century |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=hK0rPUF85loC&pg=PA345 |year = 2005 |publisher = Andrews McMeel Publishing |isbn = 978-0-7407-5118-9 |page = 345 |access-date = September 25, 2016 |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215211446/https://books.google.com/books?id=hK0rPUF85loC&pg=PA345 |url-status = live }}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' hailed her in its review of the film (which was released in the UK in 1966 and in the U.S. in 1967), "a marvelous breathing monument to womankind".<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1967/02/22/archives/one-million-years-bc-presents-a-nice-live-raquel-welch.html {{"'}}One Million Years B.C.' Presents a Nice Live Raquel Welch"], (February 22, 1967). ''The New York Times''.</ref> One author said, "although she had only three lines in the film, her luscious figure in a fur bikini made her a star and the dream girl of millions of young moviegoers".<ref name="Otfinoski2007">{{cite book |last = Otfinoski |first = Steven |title = Latinos in the arts |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=HBog8AUkXRoC&pg=PA243 |year = 2007 |publisher = Infobase Publishing |isbn = 978-0-8160-6394-9 |page = 243 }}</ref> A publicity still of her in the bikini became a bestselling poster and turned her into an instant [[pin-up girl]].<ref name="BBCW">{{cite news |first = Kathryn |last = Westcott |title = The Bikini: Not a brief affair |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/5130460.stm |work = BBC News |date = June 5, 2006 |access-date = September 17, 2008 |archive-date = July 21, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080721185042/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/5130460.stm |url-status = live }}</ref> The film raised Welch's stature as a leading [[sex symbol]] of the era.<ref name="Bale">{{cite news |last = Bale |first = Miriam |title = The GQ&A: Raquel Welch |url = https://www.gq.com/entertainment/celebrities/201202/raquel-welch-interview-sex-symbol-films-million-years-bc?currentPage=all |access-date = August 21, 2013 |newspaper = GQ |date = February 10, 2012 |archive-date = September 28, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130928030222/http://www.gq.com/entertainment/celebrities/201202/raquel-welch-interview-sex-symbol-films-million-years-bc?currentPage=all |url-status = live }}</ref> In 2011, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine listed Welch's ''B.C.'' bikini in the "Top Ten Bikinis in Pop Culture".<ref>{{cite magazine |title = Raquel Welch's Fur Bikini in ''One Million Years B.C.''&nbsp;– Top 10 Bikinis in Pop Culture |first = Chris |last = Gayomali |date = July 5, 2011 |magazine = Time |url = http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2081310_2080985_2081003,00.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110709010349/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2081310_2080985_2081003,00.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = July 9, 2011 |access-date = August 28, 2012 }}</ref>

In 1966, Welch starred with [[Marcello Mastroianni]] in the Italian crime film ''[[Shoot Loud, Louder... I Don't Understand]]'' for [[Joseph E. Levine]].<ref name="ok">"Raquel Welch: Living Up to Her Legend"
Weller, George. ''Los Angeles Times'' September 11, 1966: N10.</ref> The same year, she appeared in the film ''[[Sex Quartet]]'' as Elena in the segment "Fata Elena". She was the only American in the cast of the anthology comedy film ''[[The Oldest Profession]]'' (1967); her segment was directed by [[Michael Pfleghar]]. In Italy, she also appeared in a heist film for [[MGM]], ''[[The Biggest Bundle of Them All]]'' (1968). It co-starred [[Edward G. Robinson]], who said of Welch, "I must say she has quite a body. She has been the product of a good publicity campaign. I hope she lives up to it because a body will only take you so far."<ref>"Edward G. Robinson – Mr. Bad Guy Never Had It So Good: Edward Robinson" Thomas, Kevin. ''Los Angeles Times'' February 28, 1967: d1.</ref>

=== 1967–1979: International stardom ===
Her first starring vehicle, the British [[Modesty Blaise]]-style spy film ''[[Fathom (1967 film)|Fathom]]'' (1967), was filmed in Spain for 20th Century Fox. Second unit director [[Peter Medak]] said Welch "was at that time quite inexperienced, exactly like one of those American drum majorettes. But she tried very hard and went to see the rushes each day, gradually improving. 'Who's this dumb broad?' people used to say. But I said: 'You wait. I'll bet she makes it.' I liked her very much because she was such a genuine person. And she had a beautiful body which always helps."<ref>"Class will tell: Derek Malcolm interviews Peter Medak, a director who is at last making his impact on the British cinema" Malcolm, Derek. ''The Guardian'' London, May 15, 1972: 10.</ref> Welch said her role was "a blown up [[Barbie]] doll".<ref name="ReferenceA">"Sex Goddess Is Human, After All" ''Los Angeles Times'' June 9, 1968: c12.</ref> Reviewing her performance, the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' film critic said that "each new Raquel Welch picture brings further proof that when [[Maria Montez]] died they didn't break the mold. Like Maria, Raquel can't act from here to there, but both ladies seem to have been born to be photographed&nbsp;... this sappiest of spy pictures."<ref>{{"'}}Fathom' Playing on Citywide Screens" Thomas, Kevin. ''Los Angeles Times'' August 10, 1967: d16.</ref>

At this stage, Welch owed Fox four films, at one a year. She and Curtis also established their own production company, Curtwel.<ref name="ok" /> Fox wanted Welch to play Jennifer in [[Valley of the Dolls (film)|their adaptation]] of ''[[Valley of the Dolls (novel)|Valley of the Dolls]]'' but she refused, wanting to play the role of Neely O'Hara. The studio was not interested, casting [[Patty Duke]]; [[Sharon Tate]] played Jennifer North.<ref>"Wonder Woman!!" Hallowell, John. ''Los Angeles Times'' July 14, 1968: o26.</ref>

[[File:Bandolero! 1968.jpg|thumb|upright=.9|Welch with [[Dean Martin]] in ''[[Bandolero!]]'' (1968)]]
In England, she appeared as [[Lust]] incarnate in the [[Peter Cook]]–[[Dudley Moore]] comedy, ''[[Bedazzled (1967 film)|Bedazzled]]'' (1967), a [[Swinging Sixties]] retelling of the [[Faust]] legend. It was popular, as was the Western, ''[[Bandolero!]]'' (1968), which was shot in [[Del Rio, Texas]], at the [[Alamo Village]]. She co-starred with [[James Stewart]] and [[Dean Martin]]. "I think she's going to stack up all right," Stewart said of Welch.<ref>"Movie Making—30 Years of Fun for Jimmy Stewart: Jimmy Stewart Stewart's 30 Years" Thomas, Kevin. ''Los Angeles Times'' October 15, 1967: d19.</ref> "No one is going to shout, 'Wow it's [[Anne Bancroft]] all over again'," said Welch of her performance, "but at least I'm not Miss Sexpot running around half naked all the time."<ref name="ReferenceA" />

In 1968, Welch appeared with [[Frank Sinatra]] in the detective film ''[[Lady in Cement]]'', a sequel to the film ''[[Tony Rome]]'' (1967). She played the socialite Kit Forrest, the romantic interest of Tony Rome. Welch later said wittily that she caught the film from time to time and realized only later that Kit Forrest was an alcoholic: "I'm watching this movie and I'm thinking, 'What the hell has she got on?' At one point, I had this epiphany: 'Oh, she's an alcoholic!' I didn't know that. How could I miss that?" She reportedly was so smitten with Sinatra that she forgot to act: "I think I was just so enamored with Frank Sinatra, you know. He's hypnotic."<ref>Wenn. (April 10, 2017). [http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/236582/Raquel-Welch-I-was-awful-in-Sinatra-film/ "Raquel Welch: 'I was awful in Sinatra film'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612065225/http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/236582/Raquel-Welch-I-was-awful-in-Sinatra-film |date=June 12, 2017 }} Retrieved April 15, 2017, from XPOSÉ.ie.</ref>

Welch starred as a freedom fighter leader in ''[[100 Rifles]]'', a 1969 western directed by Tom Gries and filmed in [[Almería]], Spain. It also starred [[Jim Brown]], [[Burt Reynolds]], and [[Fernando Lamas]]. The film provoked publicity and controversy at the time because it included a love scene between Welch and Brown that breached Hollywood's taboo against onscreen interracial intimacy.<ref>Gleich, J. (2011). "Jim Brown: from integration to resegregation in The Dirty Dozen and 100 Rifles" ''Cinema Journal'', Vol. 51, No. 1 (Fall 2011), pages 1–25.</ref> The film is remembered for the spectacular "Shower Scene" in which Welch distracts the soldiers on the train by taking a shower at a [[water tower]] along the tracks. The director, Gries, tried hard to convince Welch to do the scene naked, but she refused. It was one of the many instances Welch resisted going nude on-screen and pushed back for years against producers who wanted her to act or pose nude.<ref>Associated Press. (May 5, 2017). [http://www.salamancapress.com/raquel-welch-resisted-going-nude-on-screen-for-years/youtube_babdefad-8707-5237-991d-90f6f79f1552.html/ Raquel Welch Resisted Going Nude On-Screen for Years.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806143315/http://www.salamancapress.com/raquel-welch-resisted-going-nude-on-screen-for-years/youtube_babdefad-8707-5237-991d-90f6f79f1552.html/ |date=August 6, 2020 }} ''The Salamanca Press''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.</ref><ref name="pastdaily.com">Skene, Gordon. (June 18, 2017). [https://pastdaily.com/2017/06/18/conversation-raquel-welch-1975/ In Conversation With Raquel Welch 1975{{snd}}Past Daily Pop Chronicles.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101095504/https://pastdaily.com/2017/06/18/conversation-raquel-welch-1975/ |date=November 1, 2018 }} ''Past Daily''. Retrieved October 19, 2018.</ref> In 1969, Welch also starred in the thriller ''[[Flareup (film)|Flareup]]'' and had a supporting role in the dark comedy ''[[The Magic Christian (film)|The Magic Christian]]''.

Welch's most controversial role came in ''[[Myra Breckinridge (film)|Myra Breckinridge]]'' (1970). She took the role of the film's [[transsexual]] heroine in an attempt to be taken seriously as an actress.<ref>Peikert, Mark. (February 16, 2015). [https://www.out.com/movies/2015/2/16/raquel-welch-vs-mae-west/ Raquel Welch vs. Mae West.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101095637/https://www.out.com/movies/2015/2/16/raquel-welch-vs-mae-west/ |date=November 1, 2018 }} ''Out''. Retrieved March 13, 2018.</ref><ref name="pastdaily.com" /> The production was characterized by animosity between Welch and [[Mae West]], who walked out of the film for three days. The film was based on [[Gore Vidal]]'s controversial bestseller about a man who becomes a woman through surgery. The film's producer [[Robert Fryer]] stated: "If a man were going to become a woman, he would want to become the most beautiful woman in the world. He would become Raquel Welch".<ref>Berumen, Frank Javier Garcia. (2014). ''Latino Image Makers in Hollywood: Performers, Filmmakers and Films since the 1960s''. NC: McFarland & Company.</ref>

[[File:Raquel_Welch_in_The_Biggest_Bundle_of_Them_All.jpg|thumb|left|upright=.9|Welch in ''[[The Biggest Bundle of Them All]]'' (1968)]]
Her looks and fame led ''[[Playboy]]'' to dub her the "Most Desired Woman" of the 1970s. Welch presented at the [[Academy Awards]] ceremony several times during the 1970s due to her popularity.<ref>{{cite news |title = Brando spurns Oscar; Liza, 'Godfather' win |work = [[Chicago Tribune]] |date = March 28, 1973 |page = 1 |url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/598511742.html?dids=598511742:598511742&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+28%2C+1973&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Marlon+Brando+refuses+Academy+Award%3B+Liza+Minnelli+and+'The+Godfather'+win&pqatl=google |access-date = March 9, 2022 |archive-date = November 7, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121107135820/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/598511742.html?dids=598511742%3A598511742&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AAI&type=historic&date=Mar+28%2C+1973&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Marlon+Brando+refuses+Academy+Award%3B+Liza+Minnelli+and+%27The+Godfather%27+win&pqatl=google |url-status = dead }}{{Registration required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = People In The News |page = 10A |work = [[The Register-Guard|Eugene Register–Guard]] |date = March 26, 1978 |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PfJVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6874,7074604&dq=raquel+welch+academy+awards&hl=en |access-date = November 2, 2020 |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215211456/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PfJVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6874,7074604&dq=raquel+welch+academy+awards&hl=en |url-status = live }}</ref> She accepted the Best Supporting Actress Oscar on behalf of fellow actress [[Goldie Hawn]] when Hawn could not be there to accept it.<ref>{{cite news |title = Favorite, longshot take home Oscars |page = 6 |agency = Associated Press |newspaper = [[The Palm Beach Post]] |date = April 8, 1970 |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JX8yAAAAIBAJ&pg=2053,2879245&dq=raquel+welch+academy+awards&hl=en }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} [https://www.newspapers.com/search?iid=2249&query=Favorite%20longshot%20take%20home%20Oscars Alternate Link] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216023302/https://www.newspapers.com/search?iid=2249&query=Favorite%20longshot%20take%20home%20Oscars |date=February 16, 2023 }} (Accessed February 16, 2023)</ref>

On April 26, 1970, [[CBS]] released her television special ''[[Raquel!]]''<ref name="HBJ">{{cite book |title = Television: The Business Behind the Box. |url = https://archive.org/details/televisionbusine00brow |url-access = registration |last = Brown |first = Les |publisher = Harcourt Brace Jovanovich |year = 1971 |isbn = 978-0-15-688440-2 |page = [https://archive.org/details/televisionbusine00brow/page/187 187], 188 |chapter = "Raquel!" }}</ref> On the day of the premiere, the show received a 51 percent share on the National ARB Ratings and an overnight New York [[Nielsen rating]] of 58 percent share.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://nightflight.com/happy-birthday-today-to-raquel-welch-her-1970-primetime-tv-special-will-melt-your-mind/ |title = Happy Birthday today to Raquel Welch: Her 1970 primetime TV special will melt your mind! |language = en-US |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190411013143/http://nightflight.com/happy-birthday-today-to-raquel-welch-her-1970-primetime-tv-special-will-melt-your-mind/ |archive-date = April 11, 2019 |access-date = April 10, 2019 }}</ref> Also that year Welch starred in ''[[Sin (1971 film)|The Beloved]]'' with co-star [[Richard Johnson (actor)|Richard Johnson]], which she co-produced and filmed in [[Cyprus]].<ref>{{Cite news |last = Goldstein |first = Norman |date = November 29, 1970 |title = Raquel Welch Charms Cyprus |work = The Tyler Courier-Times |agency = Associated Press |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118870336/raquel-welch-charms-cyprus/ |access-date = February 18, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230218050243/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118870336/raquel-welch-charms-cyprus/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

In 1971, Welch had the title role in ''[[Hannie Caulder]]'', a Western produced by [[Tigon British Film Productions|Tigon]] and Curtwel, which was shot in Spain. Welch was one of the few actresses, and one of the earliest, who had a lead role in a Western film. ''Hannie Caulder'' was a significant influence on later revenge films,<ref>Film Society Lincoln Center. (2015). [http://www.filmlinc.org/films/hannie-caulder/ Hannie Caulder.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924012827/http://www.filmlinc.org/films/hannie-caulder/|date=September 24, 2015}} Retrieved August 5, 2015.</ref> with director Quentin Tarantino citing it as an inspiration for his 2003 film, ''[[Kill Bill: Volume 1]].''<ref>Peary, Gerald. (October 17, 2013). ''Quentin Tarantino: Interviews, Revised and Updated''. University Press of Mississippi, p. 119.</ref><ref>[https://usfilm.wordpress.com/2013/10/ ''American Film''. Hannie Caulder 1971.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114407/https://usfilm.wordpress.com/2013/10/|date=April 2, 2015}} (October 29, 2013) Retrieved March 6, 2015.</ref>

[[File:Raquel Welch 1976.jpg|thumb|upright=.9|Welch in 1976]]
The following year, in 1972, Welch starred in ''[[Kansas City Bomber]]'', in which she played a hardened derby star and single mother who tries to balance her desire for a happy personal life and her dreams of stardom. ''Life'' magazine dubbed Welch the "hottest thing on wheels" for her role. The production of the film shut down for six weeks after Welch broke her wrist doing some of her own stunts.<ref>"Hottest Thing on Wheels" (June 2, 1972). ''Life'', 72 (21), p. 48.</ref> In the interim, she flew to Budapest and filmed a cameo in ''[[Bluebeard (1972 film)|Bluebeard]]'' opposite [[Richard Burton]], and was photographed at a lavish party thrown by Burton for his then-wife [[Elizabeth Taylor]]'s fortieth birthday, even though Taylor had specifically uninvited her.<ref>{{Cite news |last = Eder |first = Shirley |date = June 17, 1975 |title = Oh, That Budapest Hotel Party |work = The Detroit Free-Press |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118939295/oh-that-budapest-hotel-party/ |access-date = February 18, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230218051618/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118939295/oh-that-budapest-hotel-party/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1 = Bozzacchi |first1 = Gianni |title = My Life in Focus: A Photographer's Journey with Elizabeth Taylor and the Hollywood Jet Set |last2 = Tayler |first2 = Joey |publisher = The University Press of Kentucky |year = 2017 |isbn = 9780813168746 |pages = 199, 203, 205 }}</ref> Despite not being considered a critical success, ''Kansas City Bomber'' was noted for its depiction of gender relations in the early 1970s.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last = Berman |first = Eliza |date = February 2023 |title = Remembering Raquel Welch: Photos From the Set of 'Kansas City Bomber' |magazine = Life |url = https://www.life.com/people/raquel-welch-birthday-75/ |access-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230218052215/https://www.life.com/people/raquel-welch-birthday-75/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In a 2012 interview with ''[[GQ]]'', Welch reflected on the roller derby world depicted in the film: "You have all those women out there, but the men in the front office are really running it. Which I thought was a really nice metaphor for the way a lot of women felt about their lives at that time."<ref name="Bale"/> Also in 1972, Welch reunited with Burt Reynolds for the detective film ''[[Fuzz (film)|Fuzz]]''.

In 1973, Welch acted in two films: ''[[The Last of Sheila]]'' and ''[[The Three Musketeers (1973 live-action film)|The Three Musketeers]]''. The latter – for which she won a Golden Globe as Best Actress in a Comedy – spawned a sequel, ''[[The Four Musketeers (1974 film)|The Four Musketeers]]'' (1974). Welch was offered the title role in ''[[Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore]]'' (1974), which earned an Oscar for its eventual star [[Ellen Burstyn]]; she also turned down the chance to play [[Honey Bruce]] in the biographical film ''[[Lenny (film)|Lenny]]'' (1974), a part that went to [[Valerie Perrine]].<ref>''[[Larry King Live]]'', April 28, 2004</ref> In 1975, Welch appeared in ''[[The Wild Party (1975 film)|The Wild Party]]<ref>{{Cite web |title = The Wild Party |url = https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/95880/the-wild-party/ |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210619082528/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/95880/the-wild-party |archive-date = June 19, 2021 |access-date = August 1, 2021 |website = Turner Classic Movies |language = en }}</ref>'' and also performed a duet with [[Cher]], singing "[[I'm a Woman (song)|I'm a Woman]]" on an episode of ''[[The Cher Show]]''.<ref name="Windolf-2023">{{Cite news |last = Windolf |first = Jim |date = February 15, 2023 |title = Raquel Welch, A Lifetime of Looks |work = [[The New York Times]] |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/15/style/raquel-welch-photos.html |access-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217092535/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/15/style/raquel-welch-photos.html |url-status = live }}</ref> She then co-starred with [[Bill Cosby]] and [[Harvey Keitel]] in the action comedy ''[[Mother, Jugs & Speed]]'' (1976), directed by [[Peter Yates]]. Welch's character, promoted from [[Dispatcher]] to [[Emergency Medical Technician]] after threatening a [[sexual discrimination]] lawsuit, is an early example of feminism and equal pay for equal work as she breaks the "glass ceiling" doing a "man's work".

In 1977, Welch acted in the French film ''[[Animal (1977 film)|Animal]]'', co-starring with [[Jean-Paul Belmondo]]. She also starred in the British swashbuckling adventure ''[[The Prince and the Pauper (1977 film)|The Prince and the Pauper]]''. Welch made a guest appearance on ''[[The Muppet Show]]'' in 1978,<ref>{{Cite news |last = Joyner |first = Brook |date = February 16, 2023 |title = In pictures: Actress Raquel Welch |publisher = CNN |url = https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/15/entertainment/gallery/raquel-welch/index.html |access-date = February 17, 2023 }}</ref> where she sang "I'm a Woman" with [[Miss Piggy]].<ref name="Windolf-2023" /> The following year, Welch guest-starred as Captain Nirvana, an alien bounty hunter, in an episode of ''[[Mork & Mindy]]'' titled "Mork vs. the Necrotons".<ref>{{Cite news |date = November 17, 1979 |title = Raquel Welch guests on 'Mork and Mindy' |work = The Desert Sun |agency = Associated Press |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118831154/raquel-welch-guests-on-mork-and-mindy/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last = Mitoich |first = Matt Webb |date = February 15, 2023 |title = Raquel Welch Dead at 82 |work = TV Line |url = https://tvline.com/2023/02/15/raquel-welch-dead-cause-of-death-obituary-dies/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217020307/https://tvline.com/2023/02/15/raquel-welch-dead-cause-of-death-obituary-dies/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== 1980–2017: Subsequent projects and later years ===

==== Television ====

In 1982, Welch starred in the Western ''[[The Legend of Walks Far Woman]]'' for [[NBC]].<ref name="Collins-1982">{{Cite news |last = Collins |first = Glenn |date = May 28, 1982 |title = Walks Far Woman radical departure for Raquel Welch |work = The Shreveport Journal |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118736522/walks-far-woman-radical-departure-for/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216093201/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118736522/walks-far-woman-radical-departure-for/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Billed as her "first TV movie dramatic debut", Welch played a 19th-century Native American woman in Montana.<ref name="Collins-1982" /> In the summer of 1982, Welch was among the candidates considered for the role of [[Alexis Carrington]] on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] primetime drama ''[[Dynasty (1981 TV series)|Dynasty]]'', along with Elizabeth Taylor and [[Sophia Loren]], before the producers settled on [[Joan Collins]].<ref>{{Cite news |last = Edelstein |first = Andy |date = April 30, 2006 |title = Take 5: 'Dynasty' rises again |work = Newsday |url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/279958745 |access-date = February 17, 2023|archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217100653/https://www.proquest.com/docview/279958745/784F8DC5DEAC41E1PQ/16 |id = {{ProQuest|279958745}} |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[File:Raquel Welch.jpg|thumb|upright=.9|alt=Welch in a dark scoop top, wide belt, and tuxedo-styled jacket, hair styled up|Welch at the 39th Emmy Awards Governor's Ball in September 1987]]
In 1987, Welch starred in the television drama ''[[Right to Die (film)|Right to Die]]'', an "unglamorous" role in which she portrayed a college professor and mother of two stricken with [[Lou Gehrig's disease]], and asks to die with dignity.<ref name="Buck-1987">{{Cite news |last = Buck |first = Jerry |date = October 12, 1987 |title = Raquel Welch looks anything but glamorous in fact-based drama |work = The Macon Telegraph |agency = Associated Press |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118826580/raquel-welch-looks-anything-but/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217100650/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118826580/raquel-welch-looks-anything-but/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

Welch starred in the made-for-television films ''[[Scandal in a Small Town]]'' (1988), ''[[Trouble in Paradise (1989 film)|Trouble in Paradise]]'' (1989), and ''[[Torch Song (1993 film)|Torch Song]]'' (1993).<ref>Hanauer, Joan. (April 9, 1988). [https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/04/09/Raquel-shows-off-her-best-asset-her-IQ/5144576561600/ Raquel shows off her best asset{{snd}}her IQ.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926052011/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/04/09/Raquel-shows-off-her-best-asset-her-IQ/5144576561600/|date=September 26, 2018}} UPI. Retrieved August 7, 2018.</ref> In 1995, she was a guest star in [[Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman season 2|''Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman'']].<ref name="TV Guide-1995">{{Cite news |title = Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman season 2 episodes |work = TV Guide |url = https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/lois-and-clark-the-new-adventures-of-superman/episodes-season-2/1030005460/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217100650/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/lois-and-clark-the-new-adventures-of-superman/episodes-season-2/1030005460/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In the Season 2 episode "Top Copy", Welch played a television reporter and assassin who threatens to expose Clark's identity as Superman.<ref name="TV Guide-1995" /><ref>{{Cite news |date = May 8, 1995 |title = TV Listings |work = The Sydney Morning Herald |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118825392/tv-listings/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217100650/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118825392/tv-listings/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

In 1996, Welch joined the cast of the night-time soap opera ''[[Central Park West (TV series)|Central Park West]]'', after CBS had already slated it for cancellation, as creator [[Darren Star]] made a final attempt to save the show by boosting its ratings late in its first season.<ref>{{Cite news |last = Schleier |first = Curt |date = June 5, 1996 |title = Too little, too late? |work = Fort Worth Star-Telegram |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118825572/too-little-too-late/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217100721/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118825572/too-little-too-late/ |url-status = live }}</ref> She was a guest star on the American comedy series ''[[Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996 TV series)|Sabrina, the Teenage Witch]]'' (1997), playing Sabrina's flamboyant Aunt Vesta from the realm called the Pleasuredome.<ref>{{Cite news |last = Duffy |first = Mike |date = March 14, 1997 |title = TV Weekend – What's worth watching |work = Detroit Free Press |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118826116/tv-weekend-sabrina-the-teenage-witch/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217100651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118826116/tv-weekend-sabrina-the-teenage-witch/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

Welch acted in the Season 8 finale of the comedy series ''[[Seinfeld]]'', titled "[[The Summer of George]]" (1997), playing an exaggerated and highly temperamental version of herself.<ref name="Gettell-2023">{{Cite magazine |last = Gettell |first = Oliver |date = February 15, 2023 |title = Remembering Raquel Welch's iconic 'Seinfeld' episode |magazine = [[Entertainment Weekly]] |url = https://ew.com/tv/remembering-raquel-welch-seinfeld-episode/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216091259/https://ew.com/tv/remembering-raquel-welch-seinfeld-episode/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last = Dickie |first = George |date = November 21, 2004 |title = NBC special, DVD release inspire 'Seinfeld' top 10 episode list |work = The Tribune |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118742750/the-summer-of-george/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216155223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118742750/the-summer-of-george/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In the episode, ranked by [[Zap2it]] as one of the top 10 episodes of ''Seinfeld'', series character [[Cosmo Kramer|Kramer]] is forced to fire Welch from the lead role in a fictional [[Tony Award]]-winning musical called "Scarsdale Surprise", while the character [[Elaine Benes|Elaine]] gets into a "catfight" with her after a chance encounter on the street.<ref name="Gettell-2023" /> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' wrote, "By delivering a pitch-perfect performance as a fire-breathing prima donna, Welch also poked fun at her reputation (fairly earned or not) for being difficult to work with."<ref name="Gettell-2023" />

[[File:Raquel Welch 2000.jpg|thumb|upright=.9|Welch in 2000]]
In 2002, Welch co-starred in the [[PBS]] series ''[[American Family (2002 TV series)|American Family]]'', a story about a Mexican American family in [[Eastside Los Angeles|East Los Angeles]], with [[Edward James Olmos]].<ref name="Navarro-2002">{{Cite news |last = Navarro |first = Mireya |date = June 12, 2002 |title = I, Latina |work = The Albuquerque Tribune |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118742495/i-latina-raquel-welch-reclaims-her/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216155732/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118742495/i-latina-raquel-welch-reclaims-her/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Her role as Aunt Dora, the "drama queen of the family", marked the first time in her 40-year career that Welch had acknowledged her heritage as a [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latina]].<ref name="Navarro-2002" />

[[File:RaquelWelchApr2010.jpg|thumb|upright=.9|alt=Welch during an appearance in April 2010|Welch in 2010]]
In 2008, Welch appeared in ''[[Welcome to The Captain]]'' on [[CBS]], playing a "sultry actress"; according to one critic, she was "spoofing herself".<ref>{{Cite news |last = Bobbin |first = Jay |date = February 3, 2008 |title = Welch spoofs herself in Welcome to the Captain |work = The Buffalo News |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118742539/welch-spoofs-herself-in-welcome-to-the/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217100651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118742539/welch-spoofs-herself-in-welcome-to-the/ |url-status = live }}</ref> She guest starred on ''[[CSI: Miami]]'' in 2012 and played Aunt Lucia in the 2013 [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] original movie ''[[House of Versace]]''. In 2015, she portrayed Miss Sally May Anderson in the television drama ''The Ultimate Legacy''.<ref>{{Cite web |title = The Ultimate Legacy – Full Cast & Crew |url = https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-ultimate-legacy/cast/2000364642/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |website = TV Guide |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217100651/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-ultimate-legacy/cast/2000364642/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

Welch played the mother-in-law of [[Barry Watson (actor)|Barry Watson]]'s character in a Canadian sitcom titled ''[[Date My Dad]]'' (2017) where she reunited with [[Robert Wagner]] on screen, five decades after starring together in ''The Biggest Bundle of Them All''.<ref>Nolasco, Stephanie. (October 26, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/raquel-welch-talks-working-with-robert-wagner-meeting-elvis-presley-and-frank-sinatra Raquel Welch talks working with Robert Wagner, meeting Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.]  Fox News. Retrieved October 28, 2017.</ref>

==== Film ====

Welch was due to star in a 1982 adaptation of [[John Steinbeck]]'s ''[[Cannery Row (film)|Cannery Row]]'', but was abruptly fired by the producers a few weeks into production. The studio claimed she was not living up to her contract, by refusing early-morning rehearsals, and was replaced with [[Debra Winger]]. Welch sued [[MGM]] for breach of contract.<ref>Robertson, Carol. (2012). ''The Little Book of Movie Law''. Chicago: ABA Book Publishing, American Bar Association. [https://www.americanbar.org/groups/young_lawyers/publications/tyl/topics/poplaw/all-about-eve-fickle-director-demanding-star-welch-v-metro-goldwyn-mayer-film-co.html/ "All About Eve: The Fickle Director and the Demanding Star – Welch v. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Film Co."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806163803/https://www.americanbar.org/groups/young_lawyers/publications/tyl/topics/poplaw/all-about-eve-fickle-director-demanding-star-welch-v-metro-goldwyn-mayer-film-co.html/ |date=August 6, 2020 }}</ref> Studio executives claimed in testimony the reason Welch was following through with the trial was that she was an actress over 40 and generally actresses in that age range cannot get roles any more. Welch's evidence at trial proved there was a conspiracy to falsely blame her for the film's budget problems and delays. The jury sided with Welch and she won a $10.8&nbsp;million verdict against MGM in 1986.<ref>Modderno, Craig. (June 26, 1986). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1986/06/26/welch-celebrates-verdict-hollywood-cautious-on-rulings-impact/ba9261f4-2279-41ee-bf74-7f014c02dab9/ "Welch Celebrates Verdict Hollywood Cautious on Ruling's Impact"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041230/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1986/06/26/welch-celebrates-verdict-hollywood-cautious-on-rulings-impact/ba9261f4-2279-41ee-bf74-7f014c02dab9/ |date=December 1, 2017 }} ''The Washington Post''</ref><ref>Murphy, Kim. (June 25, 1986). [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-06-25-me-20292-story.html "Raquel Welch Awarded $10.8 Million Over Firing"]  ''Los Angeles Times''</ref>

Despite the win, Welch wished the whole episode never had happened. "I just wanted to clear my reputation and get back to my work, my work in movies", she said.<ref>AP (June 25, 1986). [https://apnews.com/7132962d64d84c928d3e09393cdd78ea "Raquel Welch Wins $10.8 Million Judgment"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006231204/https://apnews.com/7132962d64d84c928d3e09393cdd78ea |date=October 6, 2022 }}. APnewsarchive.com.</ref> But she was blackballed by the industry and the incident affected her film career on the big screen from that moment on.<ref>Higgins, Bill. (December 10, 2015). [http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-flashback-raquel-welch-fired-845470/ "Hollywood Flashback: When Raquel Welch, Fired and Replaced by an Actress 15 Years Younger, Sued MGM (and Won)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117174837/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-flashback-raquel-welch-fired-845470 |date=November 17, 2017 }} Retrieved November 14, 2017, from ''The Hollywood Reporter''</ref>

In 1994, Welch made a cameo appearance in ''[[Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult|Naked Gun {{frac|33|1|3}}: The Final Insult]]'', in the scene where [[Leslie Nielsen]]'s character crashes the [[Academy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news |last = Portman |first = Jamie |date = March 19, 1994 |title = Nielsen a man with a mission |work = North Bay Nugget |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118735968/nielsen-a-man-with-a-mission-raquel/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216082622/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118735968/nielsen-a-man-with-a-mission-raquel/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In 2001, she had a cameo in the comedy film ''[[Legally Blonde]]'' with [[Reese Witherspoon]], playing a wealthy ex-wife in court.<ref>{{Cite news |last = Murray |first = Steve |date = July 13, 2001 |title = Witherspoon's not-so-smart role choice |work = The Atlanta Constitution |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118741741/witherspoons-not-so-smart-role-choice/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216153444/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118741741/witherspoons-not-so-smart-role-choice/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Also that year, Welch appeared in ''[[Tortilla Soup]]'', a family comedy-drama inspired by [[Ang Lee]]'s ''[[Eat Drink Man Woman]]'', playing Hortensia, a domineering mother determined to marry the master chef who thinks he is losing his sense of smell and taste.<ref>{{Cite news |last = Maurstad |first = Tom |date = October 19, 2001 |title = 'Tortilla Soup' has a big helping of family charm |work = The Spokesman-Review |agency = Dallas Morning News |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118741999/tortilla-soup-has-a-big-helping-of/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216154455/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118741999/tortilla-soup-has-a-big-helping-of/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

Welch starred in ''[[Forget About It (film)|Forget About It]]'' (2006), a mobster comedy in which Burt Reynolds, [[Robert Loggia]], and [[Charles Durning]] competed for her affection.<ref>{{Cite news |date = October 26, 2006 |title = Capsule reviews – Opening this week – Forget About It |work = Hartford Courant |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118742213/capsule-reviews-opening-this-week/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216154913/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118742213/capsule-reviews-opening-this-week/ |url-status = live }}</ref> She played a single billionaire grandmother in the romantic comedy ''[[How to Be a Latin Lover]]'' (2017).<ref>{{Cite news |last = Cordova |first = Randy |date = April 27, 2017 |title = Derbez charms in good-natured Latin Lover |work = Green Bay Press-Gazette |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118735908/derbez-charms-in-good-natured-latin/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216081804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118735908/derbez-charms-in-good-natured-latin/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

==== Stage ====

In December 1972, Welch made her [[nightclub]] debut at the [[Las Vegas Hilton]];<ref>{{Cite news |last = Beck |first = Marilyn |date = October 28, 1972 |title = Co-Star Says What Raquel Welch Is Rhymes With Witch |work = The Charlotte Observer |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118735766/co-star-says-what-raquel-welch-is/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216081003/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118735766/co-star-says-what-raquel-welch-is/ |url-status = live }}</ref> her act preceded [[Elvis Presley]]'s.<ref>{{Cite web |title = Elvis Presley and Raquel Welch |url = https://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/raquel-welch.html |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210801111043/https://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/raquel-welch.html |archive-date = August 1, 2021 |access-date = August 1, 2021 }}</ref> Over the next decade, she took her nightclub act to other venues, and starred in television specials featuring her singing and dancing.<ref name="Collins-1982" /> She released the dance single "This Girl's Back In Town", which peaked at No. 29 on ''Billboard''{{'}}s dance club chart in 1988,<ref name="Billboard-1988">''Billboard''. {{Cite magazine |url = https://www.billboard.com/music/raquel-welch/chart-history/dance-club-play-songs/song/351536 |title = Raquel Welch. Chart History: This Girl's Back In Town |magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date = December 1, 2021 |archive-date = May 10, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180510153733/https://www.billboard.com/music/raquel-welch/chart-history/dance-club-play-songs/song/351536 |url-status = dead }}</ref> along with a music video.<ref name="Buck-1987" />

In December 1981, Welch starred on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] in ''[[Woman of the Year]]'' for two weeks, filling in for [[Lauren Bacall]] in the title role while Bacall was on vacation.<ref name="Collins-1982" /> Critics were so enthusiastic about Welch's performance, she was invited back to perform the role again for six months in 1982.<ref name="Collins-1982" />

In 1997, Welch starred on Broadway in ''[[Victor/Victoria (musical)|Victor/Victoria]]'', following [[Julie Andrews]] and [[Liza Minnelli]] in the title role. Theatre critic Jamie Portman wrote that her glamor made Welch "scarcely believable as the vulnerable Victoria and totally unbelievable as the swaggering tuxedoed Victor", but that she at least "earns high marks for valor" for attempting to breathe life into "the misbegotten musical version of ''Victor/Victoria''".<ref>{{Cite news |last = Portman |first = Jamie |date = July 19, 1997 |title = Stage Stinker – Raquel deserves a medal for valor in musical |work = Calgary Herald |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118736701/stage-stinker-raquel-deserves-a-medal/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216100003/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118736701/stage-stinker-raquel-deserves-a-medal/ |url-status = live }}</ref>