Editing Raquel Welch

{{Short description|American actress and model (1940–2023)}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}

{{Infobox person
| name               =
| image              = Raquel Welch, 1967 photo.jpg
| caption            = Welch in 1967
| alt                =
| birth_date         = {{Birth date|1940|9|5}}
| birth_place        = Chicago<!--Links not needed per MOS:OVERLINK-->, Illinois,<!--Links not needed per MOS:OVERLINK--> U.S.
| birth_name         = Jo Raquel Tejada
| death_date         = {{death date and age|2023|2|15|1940|9|5}}
| death_place        = Los Angeles<!--Links not needed per MOS:OVERLINK-->, California,<!--Links not needed per MOS:OVERLINK--> U.S.
| occupation         = {{hlist|Actress|model}}
| years_active       = 1964–2017
| education          =
| spouse             = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|James Welch|1959|1964|end=div}}
* {{marriage|[[Patrick Curtis (producer)|Patrick Curtis]]|1967|1972|end=div}}
* {{marriage|[[André Weinfeld]]|1980|1990|end=div}}
* {{marriage|Richie Palmer|1999|2004|end=div}}
}}
| children           = 2, including [[Tahnee Welch|Tahnee]]
}}

'''Jo Raquel Welch''' ({{née|'''Tejada'''}}; September 5, 1940 – February 15, 2023) was an American actress. Welch first gained attention for her role in ''[[Fantastic Voyage]]'' (1966), after which she signed a long-term contract with [[20th Century Fox]]. They lent her contract to the British studio [[Hammer Film Productions]], for whom she made ''[[One Million Years B.C.]]'' (1966). Although Welch had only three lines of dialogue in the film, images of her in the [[Fur bikini of Raquel Welch|doe-skin bikini]] became bestselling posters that turned her into an international [[sex symbol]]. She later starred in ''[[Bedazzled (1967 film)|Bedazzled]]'' (1967), ''[[Bandolero!]]'' (1968), ''[[100 Rifles]]'' (1969), ''[[Myra Breckinridge (film)|Myra Breckinridge]]'' (1970), ''[[Hannie Caulder]]'' (1971), ''[[Kansas City Bomber]]'' (1972), ''[[The Last of Sheila]]'' (1973), ''[[The Three Musketeers (1973 live-action film)|The Three Musketeers]]'' (1973), ''[[The Wild Party (1975 film)|The Wild Party]]'' (1975), and ''[[Mother, Jugs & Speed]]'' (1976). She made several television variety specials.

Through her portrayal of [[strong female character]]s, helping her break the mold of the traditional sex symbol, Welch developed a unique film persona that made her an icon of the 1960s and 1970s. Her rise to stardom in the mid-1960s was partly credited with ending Hollywood's vigorous promotion of the [[blonde bombshell (stereotype)|blonde bombshell]].<ref>Longworth, Karina. (October 21, 2014). [http://www.youmustrememberthispodcast.com/episodes/youmustrememberthispodcastblog/ymrt-19-raquel-welch-from-pin-up-to-pariah/ "Raquel Welch, From Pin-up to Pariah"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602101625/http://www.youmustrememberthispodcast.com/episodes/youmustrememberthispodcastblog/ymrt-19-raquel-welch-from-pin-up-to-pariah |date=June 2, 2017 }} ''You Must Remember This''. Retrieved December 1, 2016.</ref><ref>Öncü, Ece. (February 9, 2012). [http://www.filmlinc.org/daily/spend-the-weekend-with-raquel-welch/ ''Spend the Weekend with Raquel Welch and Film Society''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923145738/http://www.filmlinc.org/daily/spend-the-weekend-with-raquel-welch/ |date=September 23, 2015 }} Film Society of Lincoln Center Retrieved August 5, 2015.</ref><ref>Heavey, John. (February 23, 2012). [http://www.filmlinc.org/daily/video-two-conversations-with-raquel-welch/ ''Video: Two Conversations with Raquel Welch''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923150514/http://www.filmlinc.org/daily/video-two-conversations-with-raquel-welch/ |date=September 23, 2015 }} Film Society of Lincoln Center Retrieved August 2015.</ref> Her love scene with [[Jim Brown]] in ''100 Rifles'' also made cinematic history with their portrayal of interracial intimacy.<ref name=foxjimbrown>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/mike-freeman/2023/05/19/jim-brown-hollywood-legend-activist-nfl-legend/70237611007/|title=Jim Brown was a Hollywood legend, an activist and highly flawed. 'I do what I want to do'|first=Mike|last=Freeman|publisher=USA Today|date=May 19, 2023}}</ref> She won a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical|Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical or Comedy]] in 1974 for her performance as [[Constance Bonacieux]] in ''The Three Musketeers'' and reprised the role in [[The Four Musketeers (1974 film)|its sequel]] the following year. She was also nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film|Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Television Film]] for her performance in ''[[Right to Die (film)|Right to Die]]'' (1987). Her final film was ''[[How to Be a Latin Lover]]'' (2017). In 1995, Welch was chosen by ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' magazine as one of the "100 Sexiest Stars in Film History". ''[[Playboy]]'' ranked Welch No.{{nbsp}}3 on their "100 Sexiest Stars of the Twentieth Century" list.

== Early life ==

Welch was born Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5, 1940, in [[Chicago]], Illinois, and moved to [[San Diego]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-16 |title=A look back at Raquel Welch's San Diego ties |url=https://fox5sandiego.com/entertainment/a-look-back-at-raquel-welchs-san-diego-ties/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Acclaimed Actress Raquel Welch, A Former San Diegan, Dies at C82 {{!}} East County Magazine |url=https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/acclaimed-actress-raquel-welch-former-san-diegan-dies-82 |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=www.eastcountymagazine.org}}</ref> California, at age two with her family. She was the first child of Josephine Sarah Hall and Armando Carlos Tejada Urquizo.<ref name="hollywood" /><ref name="Beyond">{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6AAgIOm2XcEC&q=Raquel%3A+Beyond+the+Cleavage+windy+&pg=PA4 |title = Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage |first = Raquel |last = Welch |date = 2010 |publisher = Hachette Books |isbn = 9781602861176 |access-date = March 17, 2020 |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215211437/https://books.google.com/books?id=6AAgIOm2XcEC&q=Raquel%3A+Beyond+the+Cleavage+mediterranean&pg=PA4 |page=4 |quote=I was born in 1940 in the Windy City, Chicago. Not ideal for a new-born baby girl. |url-status = live }}</ref> Her mother was of [[English Americans|English]] descent with ancestors tracing back to the [[Mayflower]]; she was the daughter of Clara Louise Adams and architect Emery Stanford Hall.<ref>{{cite book |url =https://books.google.com/books?id=6AAgIOm2XcEC&q=Raquel%3A+Beyond+the+Cleavage+mother+was+anglo+mayflower&pg=PA4 |title = Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage |quote=My mother was Anglo. Her ancestry dated back to John Quincy Adams and the Mayflower |page= 4|first = Raquel |last = Welch |date = 2010 |publisher = Hachette Books |isbn = 9781602861176 }} [https://archive.org/details/beyondcleavage0000welc_j9i1/page/4/mode/2up?q=Anglo Alt URL]</ref><ref name="sd1958">{{cite web |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/local-history/story/2023-02-19/from-the-archives-in-1958-interview-18-year-old-raquel-had-heart-set-on-professional-acting-career |title=In 1958 interview 18-year-old Raquel had heart set on professional acting career |website=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]] |quote= She favors her father, Armand C. Tejada, and aircraft engineer and native of Bolivia. His parents went to Bolivia from Spain. Her mother, the former Josephine Hall, is blond, English and American with ancestors traced to colonial times.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620015254/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2023/02/19/in-1958-interview-18-year-old-raquel-had-heart-set-on-professional-acting-career/ |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |date=June 24, 1958 |url-status=live}}</ref> Her father was an [[aeronautical engineer]] from [[La Paz]], Bolivia,<!-- DO NOT LINK, see [[MOS:GEOLINK]] for further guidance --> of [[Spanish people|Spanish]] descent; he was the son of Raquel Urquizo and Agustin Tejada.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.geni.com/people/Armando-Tejada-Urquizo/3863599 |title = Armando Tejada in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro immigration cards 1900: (Agustin Tejada and Raquel Urquizo) |date = May 19, 1911 |access-date = March 17, 2020 |archive-date = August 6, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200806162816/https://www.geni.com/people/Armando-Tejada-Urquizo/3863599 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="sd1958" /><ref>{{cite web |url = https://archive.org/details/WETA_20100420_040000_Tavis_Smiley |title = Tavis Smiley |date = April 20, 2010 |access-date = March 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6AAgIOm2XcEC&q=Raquel%3A+Beyond+the+Cleavage+mediterranean&pg=PA4 |title = Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage |first = Raquel |last = Welch |quote = "I was born in 1940 in the Windy City, Chicago. Not ideal for a newborn baby girl with thin Mediterranean blood, courtesy of my Spanish father." |page = 4 |date = 2010 |publisher = Hachette Books |isbn = 9781602861176 |access-date = March 17, 2020 |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215211437/https://books.google.com/books?id=6AAgIOm2XcEC&q=Raquel%3A+Beyond+the+Cleavage+mediterranean&pg=PA4 |url-status = live}}</ref> Her cousin, Bolivian politician [[Lidia Gueiler Tejada]], became the first female president of Bolivia and the second female non-royal head of state in the Americas.<ref>{{cite web |first = Phil |last = Davison |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/lidia-gueiler-tejada-politician-who-became-only-the-wests-second-female-president-2282573.html |title = Lidia Gueiler Tejada: Politician who became only the West's second female president |website = [[The Independent]] |date = May 12, 2011 |access-date = March 17, 2020 |archive-date = March 26, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190326124752/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/lidia-gueiler-tejada-politician-who-became-only-the-wests-second-female-president-2282573.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Welch had a younger brother, James ("Jim"), and a younger sister, Gayle.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/gayle-tejada-obituary?pid=195983404 |title = Gayle Carole Tejada |date = March 2020 |website = Legacy.com |access-date = September 5, 2020 |archive-date = March 6, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210306031533/https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/gayle-tejada-obituary?pid=195983404 |url-status = live }}</ref>

Welch was raised in the [[Presbyterian]] religion and attended Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church every Sunday with her family.<ref name="hollywood">{{cite web | url=https://walkoffame.com/raquel-welch/#:~:text=Raquel%20was%20raised%20in%20the,%2C%20James%20Welch%2C%20in%201959 | website=Hollywood Walk of Fame | title=Raquel Welch | date=October 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224141021/https://walkoffame.com/raquel-welch/ |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/raquel-welch-remembered-as-a-strong-christian.html | website=Movie Guide | title=Raquel Welch Remembered as a Strong Christian | date=February 28, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Welch |first1=Raquel |title=Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage |date=2010 |page=8 |publisher=Hachette Books |isbn=978-1-60286-117-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6AAgIOm2XcEC&q=Raquel:%20Beyond%20the%20Cleavage%20pacific%20beach%20presbyterian |quote=Mom attended church every Sunday with all three of us kids in tow... dressed up and polished. We attended the Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church. }} [https://archive.org/details/beyondcleavage0000welc_j9i1/page/8/mode/2up?q=%22pacific+beach+presbyterian%22 Alt URL]</ref> As a young girl, Welch had the desire to be a performer and entertainer. She began studying ballet at age seven, but after ten years of study, she left the art at seventeen when her instructor told her she did not have the right body type for professional ballet companies.<ref>{{cite web |last = Avery |first = Susan |title = Raquel Welch, Reluctant Sex Symbol, Talks About Making Amends With Her Kids |url = http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/12/raquel-welch-reluctant-sex-symbol-talks-about-making-amends-wi/ |publisher = ParentDish.com |date = July 10, 2010 |access-date = July 10, 2010 |archive-date = May 16, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100516131923/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/12/raquel-welch-reluctant-sex-symbol-talks-about-making-amends-wi/ |url-status = live }}</ref> At age 14, she won [[beauty pageant|beauty titles]] as Miss Photogenic and Miss Contour.<ref name="Otfinoski2007" /> While attending [[La Jolla High School]] she won the title of Miss La Jolla and the title of Miss San Diego{{snds}}the Fairest of the Fair{{snds}}at the [[San Diego County Fair]].<ref>{{cite web |title = The way we were – 'Fairest of the Fair' part of Del Mar's history |first = Diane |last = Welch |date = March 19, 2006 |work = The San Diego Union-Tribune |url = http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060319/news_m1m19history.html |access-date = June 16, 2011 |archive-date = June 16, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110616031906/http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060319/news_m1m19history.html |url-status = live }}</ref> This long line of beauty contests eventually led to the state title of Maid of California.<ref name="auto1">Stone, Joe. (June 24, 1958). [https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/local-history/story/2023-02-19/from-the-archives-in-1958-interview-18-year-old-raquel-had-heart-set-on-professional-acting-career/ "Fairest Queen's a Triple-A Girl"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318011823/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/local-history/story/2023-02-19/from-the-archives-in-1958-interview-18-year-old-raquel-had-heart-set-on-professional-acting-career |date=March 18, 2023 }} ''Evening Tribune''. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from The San Diego Tribune.</ref> Her parents divorced when she finished her school years.<ref name="Welch, Raquel 2010">Welch, Raquel. (2010). ''Raquel Welch: Beyond the Cleavage''. New York: Weinstein Books. pp. 3–28.</ref>

Welch graduated with honors from high school in 1958.<ref>{{cite web |title = Yearbook – 1958 La Jolla High School La Jolla, CA |url = http://www.classmates.com/yearbooks/La-Jolla-High-School/23116?page=22 |website = Classmates.com |access-date = July 15, 2014 |archive-date = October 17, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141017025614/http://www.classmates.com/yearbooks/La-Jolla-High-School/23116?page=22 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="auto1"/> Seeking an acting career, she entered [[San Diego State College]] on a theater arts scholarship,<ref name=glamour>{{cite web |title = RaquelWelch |url = http://www.glamourgirlsofthesilverscreen.com/show/668/ |publisher = Glamour Girls of the Silver Screen |access-date = August 15, 2013 |archive-date = September 27, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130927082128/http://www.glamourgirlsofthesilverscreen.com/show/668/ |url-status = live }}</ref> and the following year she married her high school sweetheart, James Welch. She assumed his last name and kept it throughout her life.<ref>Giammarco, David. (2001, July & Aug.). [https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/raquel-welch-the-goddess-factor-6154/ "Raquel Welch: The Goddess Factor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117123718/https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/raquel-welch-the-goddess-factor-6154 |date=November 17, 2017 }} ''Cigar Aficionado''</ref> She won several parts in local theater productions.<ref name="Otfinoski2007" />

In 1960, Welch got a job as a [[weather presenter]] at [[KFMB-TV|KFMB]], a local San Diego television station.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.cbs8.com/gallery/news/local/throwback/raquel-welch-during-her-time-at-news-8-in-san-diego/509-ff441ea7-4d78-4f56-ac0d-43ad9e78487c |title = Raquel Welch during her time at CBS 8 in San Diego |date = April 18, 2019 |website = cbs8.com |access-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216022658/https://www.cbs8.com/gallery/news/local/throwback/raquel-welch-during-her-time-at-news-8-in-san-diego/509-ff441ea7-4d78-4f56-ac0d-43ad9e78487c |url-status = live }}</ref> Because her family life and television duties were so demanding, she decided to give up her drama classes. After her separation from James Welch, she moved with her two children to [[Dallas]], Texas, where she made a "precarious living" as a model for [[Neiman Marcus]] and as a [[cocktail waitress]].<ref name="Otfinoski2007" />

== 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>

== Achievements and awards ==

In 1975, Welch won a [[Golden Globe Award]] for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical or Comedy for ''[[The Three Musketeers (1973 live-action film)|The Three Musketeers]]''. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her performance in the television drama ''[[Right to Die (film)|Right to Die]]'' (1987).<ref>{{Cite web |title = Raquel Welch |url = https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/raquel-welch |access-date = February 16, 2023 |website = Golden Globes |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216005139/https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/raquel-welch |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1996, Welch received a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] at 7021 [[Hollywood Boulevard]].<ref>{{Cite web |last = Chad |date = October 25, 2019 |title = Raquel Welch |url = https://walkoffame.com/raquel-welch/ |access-date = February 16, 2023 |website = Hollywood Walk of Fame |language = en-US |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216100656/https://walkoffame.com/raquel-welch/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In 2001, she was awarded the Imagen Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for her positive promotion of Americans of Latin heritage throughout her career.<ref>{{cite web |title = 16th Annual Imagen Awards – Winners |url = http://www.imagen.org/awards/2001 |website = imagen.org |access-date = April 10, 2015 |archive-date = September 23, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150923125732/http://www.imagen.org/awards/2001 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Actress Raquel Welch |url = https://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/interviews/actress-raquel-welch/#top |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150125224447/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/interviews/actress-raquel-welch/#top |archive-date = January 25, 2015 |access-date = April 10, 2015 |publisher = PBS }}</ref> In 2012, the [[Film Society of Lincoln Center]] presented a special retrospective of the films of Welch at the Walter Reade Theater.<ref>Bloomer, J. (January 17, 2012). Raquel Welch Retrospective Coming in February! Retrieved April 12, 2017, from [https://www.filmlinc.org/daily/raquel-welch-retrospective-coming-in-february/ Film Society of Lincoln Center.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412144204/https://www.filmlinc.org/daily/raquel-welch-retrospective-coming-in-february/ |date=April 12, 2017}}</ref>

== Beauty and business career ==

''The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program'' book and videos were first released in 1984. The book, written by Welch with photographs by [[André Weinfeld]], includes a [[hatha yoga]] fitness program, her views on healthy living and nutrition, as well as beauty and personal style. The Multi-Platinum collection of Fitness and Yoga videos were produced and directed by [[André Weinfeld]]. As a businesswoman, Welch succeeded with her signature line of wigs. She also began a jewelry and skincare line, although neither of those ventures compared to the success of her wig collection ''HAIRuWEAR''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.hairuwear.com/ |title = Hairuwear |publisher = Hairuwear |access-date = December 12, 2010 |archive-date = December 10, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101210034601/http://www.hairuwear.com/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

In January 2007, Welch was selected as the newest face of [[MAC Cosmetics]] Beauty Icon series. Her line features several limited-edition makeup shades in glossy black and tiger-print packaging. The tiger print motif of the collection celebrates Welch's feline and sensuous image: "strong and wild, yet sultry and exotic".<ref>MAC. (2007). [http://designtaxi.com/news/6832/MAC-Cosmetics-Fetes-Screen-Siren-Raquel-Welch-as-the-Newest-MAC-Beauty-Icon/MAC Cosmetics Fetes Screen Siren Raquel Welch as the Newest MAC Beauty Icon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307233303/http://designtaxi.com/news/6832/MAC-Cosmetics-Fetes-Screen-Siren-Raquel-Welch-as-the-Newest-MAC-Beauty-Icon/MAC/ |date=March 7, 2016 }}. Retrieved August 5, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Pittilla |first = Mary Jane |title = Raquel Welch becomes MAC beauty icon |date = February 2, 2007 |url = http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=33&doc_id=13184 |access-date = March 19, 2008 |archive-date = April 7, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160407175536/http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=33&doc_id=13184 |url-status = live }}</ref>

Her personal beauty regime included abstinence from alcohol and tobacco; daily yoga; and moisturising with [[Bag Balm]].<ref>{{citation |newspaper = [[The Times]] |date = February 16, 2023 |title = Raquel Welch |page = 53 }}</ref>

== Personal life ==

=== Marriages and relationships ===
Welch married her high school sweetheart, James Welch, in Las Vegas on May 8, 1959. They had two children, Damon (born November 6, 1959) and [[Tahnee Welch|Tahnee]] (born December 26, 1961). The couple separated in 1962 and divorced in 1964; she retained Welch's surname until her death in 2023.<ref name="Welch, Raquel 2010"/><ref name="caruso">{{Cite web |last = Caruso |first = Skyler |date = February 16, 2023 |title = Raquel Welch's Marriages: Everything She Said About Her Past Relationships |url = https://people.com/movies/raquel-welch-marriage-history/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |website = People |language = en |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217012356/https://people.com/movies/raquel-welch-marriage-history/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

She married publicist [[Patrick Curtis (producer)|Patrick Curtis]] in Paris on February 14, 1967, and they divorced on January 6, 1972.<ref name="Parraga"/> Curtis later claimed to the tabloids that Welch got an abortion during their marriage.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/893666228 |title = Straight Talk |work = The Sunday People |date = September 15, 1985 |access-date = March 1, 2023 |archive-date = March 1, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230301014314/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/893666228/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Spanish media reported that during the shooting of ''100 Rifles'' in Spain in 1968, Welch, while married to Curtis, had a relationship with Spanish actor [[Sancho Gracia]], who had a small role in the film, and that Welch's husband, upon finding out about the affair, chased Gracia at gunpoint through the hotel where they were staying in [[Aguadulce (Almería)|Aguadulce]].<ref name="Parraga">{{cite news |last1 = Parraga Frutos |first1 = Nerea |title = Cuatro maridos y varios amores: La agitada vida sentimental de Raquel Welch |trans-title = Four husbands and several loves: The turbulent sentimental life of Raquel Welch |url = https://www.lavanguardia.com/gente/20230215/8760715/agitada-vida-sentimental-raquel-welch-mmn.html |newspaper = [[La Vanguardia]] |language = es |date = February 15, 2023 |access-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216003542/https://www.lavanguardia.com/gente/20230215/8760715/agitada-vida-sentimental-raquel-welch-mmn.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Pilar">{{cite news |last1 = Fernández |first1 = Pilar |title = Del botellazo contra un fotógrafo al affaire con Sancho Gracia: así fue la primera visita de Raquel Welch a España |trans-title = From the bottle against a photographer to the affair with Sancho Gracia: this was Raquel Welch's first visit to Spain |url = https://informalia.eleconomista.es/famosos/noticias/12151326/02/23/Del-secuestro-de-sus-hijos-al-botellazo-contra-un-fotografo-la-visita-de-Raquel-Welch-a-Espana.html |work = [[El Economista (Spain)|El Economista]] |language = es |date = February 15, 2023 |access-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216135815/https://informalia.eleconomista.es/famosos/noticias/12151326/02/23/Del-secuestro-de-sus-hijos-al-botellazo-contra-un-fotografo-la-visita-de-Raquel-Welch-a-Espana.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Romo">{{cite news |last1 = Romo |first1 = Luis Fernando |title = Raquel Welch: cuatro maridos, romances con Sancho Gracia y un padre boliviano que le prohibió hablar español |trans-title = Raquel Welch: four husbands, affairs with Sancho Gracia and a Bolivian father who forbade her to speak Spanish |url = https://www.elmundo.es/loc/celebrities/2023/02/16/63edf4c4e4d4d8f9228b4575.html |newspaper = [[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]] |language = es |date = February 16, 2023 |access-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216122207/https://www.elmundo.es/loc/celebrities/2023/02/16/63edf4c4e4d4d8f9228b4575.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Subsequent boyfriends included football player [[Joe Namath]], producer [[Robert Evans]] and comedian [[Freddie Prinze]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=GrIDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA22 |title = People Are Talking About |work = Jet |date = March 6, 1975 |access-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-date = February 13, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230213114043/https://books.google.com/books?id=GrIDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA22 |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[File:Raquel Welch and Andre Weinfeld (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=.9|alt=Welch in a blue scarf and high-collared gray jacket, with polka-dot feathered cap, in company of a man|Welch and [[André Weinfeld]] at the premiere of ''The Rose'' in 1979, a year before their marriage]]
On July 5, 1980, she married producer [[André Weinfeld]] in [[Cabo San Lucas]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20077017,00.html |title = In a Marriage of Looks, Money, Fame—All Hers—Raquel Welch Meets Her Third Match |magazine = People |date = July 21, 1980 |access-date = April 14, 2014 |archive-date = August 28, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160828110005/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20077017,00.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> In early February 1983, while vacationing in [[Mustique]], Welch suffered a miscarriage three months into her pregnancy.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/03/01/Actress-Raquel-Welch-suffered-a-miscarriage-while-vacationing-in/7550415342800/ |title = Raquel Welch suffers miscarriage |work = United Press International |date = March 1, 1983 }}</ref> Her marriage to Weinfeld ended in August 1990.<ref name="caruso"/>

In 1996, after keeping a low romantic profile for several years, she dated former British boxing champion [[Gary Stretch]], who was younger than both of Welch's children.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/822997822 |title = Raquel has new sparring partner |work = Daily Record |date = November 18, 1996 |access-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230218040505/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/822997822/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

Welch wed Richie Palmer, co-owner of Mulberry Street Pizzeria, on July 17, 1999, at her home in Beverly Hills. Palmer, who had one son from a previous marriage, broke off his engagement with business partner and actress [[Cathy Moriarty]] to pursue Welch in October 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-nov-23-cl-46803-story.html |title = Raquel Welch and Her Doughboy |author = Lacher, Irene |work = Los Angeles Times |date = November 23, 1998 |access-date = March 2, 2023 |archive-date = March 2, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230302200027/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-nov-23-cl-46803-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The pair separated in August 2003 and divorced a year later.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/raquel-welch-separating-from-fourth-husband/article1019916/ |title = Raquel Welch separating from fourth husband |work = The Globe and Mail |date = August 7, 2003 |access-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230218040500/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/raquel-welch-separating-from-fourth-husband/article1019916/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/408959876 |title = Side dish |work = New York Daily News |date = January 17, 2005 |access-date = March 2, 2023 |archive-date = March 2, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230302200029/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/408959876/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

In 2011, Welch told ''[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]]'' magazine she would not remarry.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.imdb.com/news/ni15062860 |title = Welch won't marry again |work = WENN |date = September 7, 2011 |access-date = March 2, 2023 |archive-date = March 2, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230302200037/https://www.imdb.com/news/ni15062860 |url-status = live }}</ref> Her last relationship of record, during the early-to-mid-2010s, was with ''[[American Idol]]'' producer [[Nigel Lythgoe]].<ref>{{cite web |title = Nigel Lythgoe said to be smitten with girlfriend Raquel Welch |url = https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/442073/EXCLUSIVE-Nigel-Lythgoe-said-to-be-smitten-with-girlfriend-Raquel-Welch |work = Express |date = November 9, 2013 |access-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-date = February 13, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230213050505/https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/442073/EXCLUSIVE-Nigel-Lythgoe-said-to-be-smitten-with-girlfriend-Raquel-Welch |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://variety.com/2021/tv/features/nigel-lythgoe-so-you-think-you-can-dance-lgbtqia-ally-contortionism-1235010067 |title = Nigel Lythgoe on Being an Ally to the LGBTQIA+ Dance Community |work = Variety |date = July 8, 2021 |access-date = February 18, 2023 |archive-date = February 12, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230212225739/https://variety.com/2021/tv/features/nigel-lythgoe-so-you-think-you-can-dance-lgbtqia-ally-contortionism-1235010067/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Religion ===

Welch was [[Presbyterian]], the religion of her childhood, and had said, "I remembered the wonderful sense of peace I'd felt when sitting under the protection and grace of my mother's faith." She was a faithful member of Calvary Presbyterian Church in [[Glendale, California|Glendale]], which she described as a "beautiful little church" where the people "weren't Hollywood types. They were modest, unassuming, cheerful and friendly. They welcomed me." Welch's faith helped her after the death of her mother, a devout Presbyterian, and her sister's recovery from cancer.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Welch |first1=Raquel |title=Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage |date=2010 |page=265 |publisher=Weinstein Books |isbn=978-1-60286-097-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/beyondcleavage0000welc_j9i1/page/265/mode/2up?q=%22I+also+thought%22 |quote=I also thought back to the countless times she had taken me to church as a child and remembered the wonderful sense of peace I'd felt when sitting under the protection and grace of my mother's faith.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Raquel Welch found some personal peace in a church pew |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/columnists/terry-mattingly/2023/03/16/terry-mattingly-raquel-welch-found-personal-peace-in-a-church-pew/70003950007/ |website=Knox News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325132144/https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/columnists/terry-mattingly/2023/03/16/terry-mattingly-raquel-welch-found-personal-peace-in-a-church-pew/70003950007/ |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |date=March 16, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Public image ===

While her image in the 1960s was that of a torrid sex temptress, Welch's private life was quite different.<ref>Mills, Nancy. (December 20, 1978). "Raquel Welch: The Other Side of a Star" ''The Australian Women's Weekly'', 23–25.</ref><ref>[https://mrmedia.com/2010/12/raquel-welch-yes-that-raquel-welch-insists-on-taking-mr-media-beyond-the-cleavage-interview/ Raquel Welch takes Mr. Media Beyond the Cleavage! Podcast Interview.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926090037/https://mrmedia.com/2010/12/raquel-welch-yes-that-raquel-welch-insists-on-taking-mr-media-beyond-the-cleavage-interview/ |date=September 26, 2018 }} [Interview by Bob Andelman]. (December 16, 2010). In ''Mr. Media Interviews''. Retrieved September 5, 2018.</ref><ref>Heslep, Michael. (April 3, 2010). [http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-428009/ Brain and Beauty, that is Raquel.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806085322/http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-428009 |date=August 6, 2018 }} ''CNN iReport ''. Retrieved July 5, 2018.</ref> Welch once famously said, "What I do on the screen is not to be equated with what I do in my private life. Privately, I am understated and dislike any hoopla."<ref>Strodder, Chris. (2007). ''The Encyclopedia of Sixties Cool: A Celebration of the Grooviest People, Events, and Artifacts of the 1960s''. CA: Santa Monica Press.</ref> She also admitted, "I was not brought up to be a sex symbol, nor is it in my nature to be one. The fact that I became one is probably the loveliest, most glamorous, and fortunate misunderstanding."<ref>Birmingham, John. (September 3, 2018). [https://www.purpleclover.com/entertainment/7974-raquel-welch/ Raquel Welch: A Life in Pictures.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017203333/https://www.purpleclover.com/entertainment/7974-raquel-welch/ |date=October 17, 2018 }} ''Purple Cover''. Retrieved September 5, 2018.</ref>

Welch posed for ''[[Playboy]]'' in 1979, but she never did a fully nude shoot. [[Hugh Hefner]] later wrote, "Raquel Welch, one of the last of the classic sex symbols, came from the era when you could be considered the sexiest woman in the world without taking your clothes off. She declined to do complete nudity, and I yielded gracefully. The pictures prove her point."<ref>Hefner, Hugh M., & Cole, Gary. (2006). ''Playboy: The Celebrities''. CA: Chronicle Books.</ref> Welch refused to take all her clothes off on screen or pose naked throughout her career spanning five decades, saying this was the way she was brought up.<ref>Sheldrick, Giles. (November 5, 2015). "Raquel Welch: Secret of Why I Never Revealed All on Screen" ''Daily Express''.</ref>

=== Political views ===
[[File:Raquel Welch with Nancy Reagan.jpg|thumb|upright=.9|With [[Nancy Reagan]] at a [[List of state dinners in the United States#Ronald Reagan|state dinner]] in the White House in 1985.<ref>{{citation |title = Movie Nights with the Reagans |author = Mark Weinberg |page = 153 |year = 2018 |isbn = 9781501134012 |publisher = Simon & Schuster }}</ref>]]
In 2014, during an appearance on ''[[The O'Reilly Factor]]'', Welch described herself as being on the [[conservative]] side, attributing it to her upbringing and mother's [[Midwestern]] values.<ref name="The O'Reilly Factor : FOXNEWSW">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/FOXNEWSW_20140102_090000_The_OReilly_Factor|title= The O'Reilly Factor: FOXNEWSW|date= January 2, 2014|accessdate=21 May 2023}}</ref> In 2015 Welch attended a gathering for the [[Republican Jewish Coalition]] in Beverly Hills.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://edition.cnn.com/2015/06/04/politics/hollywood-fundraising-conservatives-2016-election/index.html|title= Can conservatives find their footing in Hollywood in 2016?|website=CNN|date=June 5, 2015|accessdate= August 1, 2024}}</ref> Welch supported the [[Vietnam War]] troops, appearing at [[United Service Organizations]] (USO) [[List of entertainers who performed for American troops in Vietnam|shows]], often with [[Bob Hope]].<ref name="The O'Reilly Factor : FOXNEWSW" />

== Death ==
Welch died from cardiac arrest on February 15, 2023, at her home in Los Angeles. She was 82. At the time of her death, Welch was also suffering from [[Alzheimer's disease]].<ref>{{cite web |title = Raquel Welch, legendary bombshell actress, dies at 82 after brief illness |url = https://abc7.com/raquel-welch-dies-actress-fantastic-voyage/12820214/ |website = ABC7 Los Angeles |access-date = February 15, 2023 |language = en |date = February 15, 2023 |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215211503/https://abc7.com/raquel-welch-dies-actress-fantastic-voyage/12820214/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Raquel Welch, 1960s film star and sex symbol, dies at 82 |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/02/15/actress-raquel-welch-dead/ |newspaper = The Washington Post |first1 = Harrison |last1 = Smith |first2 = Michael S. |last2 = Rosenwald |first3 = Emily |last3 = Langer |date = February 15, 2023 |access-date = February 21, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Raquel Welch Died From Cardiac Arrest, Also Had Alzheimer's Disease |url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/04/04/raquel-welch-cause-death-certificate/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |publisher=TMZ |date=4 April 2023}}</ref>

== Legacy ==

Welch helped transform America's feminine ideal into its current state. Her beautiful looks and eroticism made her the definitive 1960s and 1970s sex icon, rather than the blonde bombshell of the late 1950s as typified by [[Marilyn Monroe]], [[Jayne Mansfield]], and others.<ref>Pulp International. (June 16, 2010). [http://www.pulpinternational.com/pulp/entry/Assorted-Raquel-Welch-magazine-covers.html Share the Welch.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402100149/http://www.pulpinternational.com/pulp/entry/Assorted-Raquel-Welch-magazine-covers.html |date=April 2, 2015 }} Retrieved March 6, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite news|first1=Christopher|last1=Ruenes|first2=Stefan|last2=Countryman|date=October 18, 2013|url=http://columbiaspectator.com/2012/02/09/raquel-welch-retrospective/|title=Raquel Welch Retrospective|newspaper=[[Columbia Spectator]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927192822/http://columbiaspectator.com/2012/02/09/raquel-welch-retrospective |archive-date=September 27, 2016|accessdate=July 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>D'Addario, Daniel. (February 7, 2012). [http://observer.com/2012/02/body-of-work-screen-siren-raquel-welch-gets-her-lincoln-center-retrospective/ Retrospective Body of Work: Screen Siren Raquel Welch Gets Her Lincoln Center Retrospective Raquel Welch Retrospective.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402091408/http://observer.com/2012/02/body-of-work-screen-siren-raquel-welch-gets-her-lincoln-center-retrospective/ |date=April 2, 2015 }} ''Observer''. Retrieved March 6, 2015.</ref> Welch became a star in the mid-1960s and was exotic, brunette, and smolderingly sexual.<ref>Mansour, David. (2005). ''From Abba to Zoom: A Pop Culture Encyclopedia of the Late 20th Century''. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel Publishing, p. 522.</ref><ref>Lisanti, Tom & Paul, Louis. (2002). ''Film Fatales: Women in Espionage Films and Television, 1962–1973''. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, p. 304.</ref><ref>Alchin, Linda. (2017). [http://www.facts-about.org.uk/famous-people-facts-starting-with-r/raquel-welch.htm/ Raquel Welch Facts and Biography.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829130712/http://www.facts-about.org.uk/famous-people-facts-starting-with-r/raquel-welch.htm |date=August 29, 2018 }} ''Facts About''. Retrieved October 5, 2017.</ref> Her countless publicity photos helped to popularize her image,<ref>Lewis, Richard Warren. (August 7, 2017). [http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2017/08/07/culture/movies/screen-sirens-hollywood-raquel-welch.html/ Screen Sirens of Hollywood: Raquel Welch.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621065954/http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2017/08/07/culture/movies/screen-sirens-hollywood-raquel-welch.html |date=June 21, 2018 }} ''The Saturday Evening Post'' (Special Collector's Edition: The Golden Age of Hollywood). Retrieved June 2, 2018.</ref> dress style, and 1960s and 1970s fashion trends.<ref>Marain, Alexandre. (September 5, 2018). [https://m.vogue.fr/culture/a-voir/diaporama/raquel-welch-en-15-cliches-inspirants-icone-cinema-plus-belle-femme-du-monde/52641#raquel-welch-en-espagne-en-1968/ La Beauté Sauvage de Raquel Welch en 15 Clichés Vintage.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031132949/https://m.vogue.fr/culture/a-voir/diaporama/raquel-welch-en-15-cliches-inspirants-icone-cinema-plus-belle-femme-du-monde/52641#raquel-welch-en-espagne-en-1968/ |date=October 31, 2018 }} ''Vogue''. Retrieved September 28, 2018.</ref> Welch and other actresses also made [[big hair]] popular.<ref>Beauty Launchpad. (August 16, 2018). [http://www.beautylaunchpad.com/hair-through-history-9-hairstyles-defined-1960s/ Hair Through History: 9{{nbsp}}Hairstyles that Defined the 1960s.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613064011/http://www.beautylaunchpad.com/hair-through-history-9-hairstyles-defined-1960s |date=June 13, 2017 }} Retrieved October 22, 2018.</ref><ref>Gattis, Lacey. (May 16, 2011). [https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/photo-gallery/16051431/image/16051467/Raquel-Welch-Mane/ The 15 Most Iconic Hairstyles of the 1960s: Raquel Welch's Mane.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031091210/https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/photo-gallery/16051431/image/16051467/Raquel-Welch-Mane/ |date=October 31, 2018 }} ''Popsugar''. Retrieved October 30, 2018.</ref>

==In popular culture==

Welch is mentioned in the 1970 song "Raquel Welch" by [[Shel Silverstein]]<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://archive.org/details/silversteinbootleg |title = Shel Silverstein – Fuck 'em Bootleg |date = February 17, 1970 |via = Internet Archive }}</ref> and in the 1971 song, "[[One's on the Way]]" also written by Silverstein but made popular by [[Loretta Lynn]]. Welch is also mentioned in "[[Unknown Stuntman]]", the theme song to ''[[The Fall Guy]]'', starring [[Lee Majors]], who also recorded the song. She is also mentioned in the [[Al Jarreau]] song "Love Is Real" from the Grammy-winning 1980 album ''[[This Time (Al Jarreau album)|This Time]]'', where Jarreau sings "Raquel and Redford are the tops".

In the 1994 film ''[[The Shawshank Redemption]]'', the poster that Andy Dufresne had on his prison cell wall that obscured his escape was the famous pinup image of Welch in ''[[One Million Years B.C.]]''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Christopher|last=Campbell|date=September 12, 2014|url=https://filmschoolrejects.com/12-movies-to-watch-after-you-see-the-shawshank-redemption-f95394b4eb74#.799l4yrz8/|title=12 Movies to Watch After You See 'The Shawshank Redemption'|website=[[Film School Rejects]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612232616/https://filmschoolrejects.com/12-movies-to-watch-after-you-see-the-shawshank-redemption-f95394b4eb74/#.799l4yrz8/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018|accessdate=July 12, 2016}}</ref>

== Filmography ==

=== Film ===

{{Clear}}
{| class="wikitable sortable unsortable"
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
!{{Abbr|Ref|References}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1964
| ''[[A House Is Not a Home (film)|A House Is Not a Home]]''
| Polly's Girl
|
|<ref name="BFI">{{Cite web |title = Raquel Welch. Filmography |url = https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2ba1cd70e1 |access-date = February 16, 2023 |publisher = British Film Institute |language = en |archive-date = February 16, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230216102428/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2ba1cd70e1 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Roustabout (film)|Roustabout]]''
| College Girl
| Uncredited
|<ref name="AFI">{{Cite web |title = Raquel Welch. Filmography |url = https://catalog.afi.com/Person/127568-Raquel-Welch |access-date = February 16, 2023 |website = AFI. Catalog |archive-date = September 22, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220922034453/https://catalog.afi.com/Person/127568-Raquel-Welch |url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
| 1965
| ''[[A Swingin' Summer]]''
| Jeri
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
<!-- No references found for : ''[[Do Not Disturb (1965 film)|Do Not Disturb]]''
| Woman in Lobby
| Uncredited
|
|-->
| rowspan="4" | 1966
| ''[[Fantastic Voyage]]''
| Cora Peterson
| First film under contract to [[20th Century Fox]]
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Shoot Loud, Louder... I Don't Understand]]''
| Tania Montini
| Made in Italy for [[Joseph E. Levine]]
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Sex Quartet]]''
| Elena
| Segment: "Fata Elena"; Also known as ''The Queens''
|<ref name="RT">{{Cite web |title = Raquel Welch |url = https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/raquel_welch |access-date = February 16, 2023 |website = Rotten Tomatoes |language = en |archive-date = November 26, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221126122231/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/raquel_welch |url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[One Million Years B.C.]]''
| Loana
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1967
| ''[[The Oldest Profession]]''
| Nini
| Segment: "The Gay Nineties"
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Fathom (1967 film)|Fathom]]''
| Fathom Harvill
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Bedazzled (1967 film)|Bedazzled]]''
| [[Lust]] / Lilian Lust
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1968
| ''[[The Biggest Bundle of Them All]]''
| Juliana
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Bandolero!]]''
| Maria Stoner
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Lady in Cement]]''
| Kit Forrester
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1969
| ''[[100 Rifles]]''
| Sarita
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Flareup (film)|Flareup]]''
| Michele
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[The Magic Christian (film)|The Magic Christian]]''
| Priestess of the Whip
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| 1970
| ''[[Myra Breckinridge (film)|Myra Breckinridge]]''
| Myra Breckinridge
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1971
|''[[The Beloved (1970 film)|The Beloved]]''
| Elena
| Also known as ''Sin'' and ''Restless''
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Hannie Caulder]]''
| Hannie Caulder
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1972
| ''[[Fuzz (film)|Fuzz]]''
| Det. Eileen McHenry
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Kansas City Bomber]]''
| K.C. Carr
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Bluebeard (1972 film)|Bluebeard]]''
| Magdalena
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1973
| ''[[The Last of Sheila]]''
| Alice Wood
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[The Three Musketeers (1973 live-action film)|The Three Musketeers]]''
| Constance Bonacieux
| [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy]]
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| 1974
| ''[[The Four Musketeers (1974 film)|The Four Musketeers]]''
| Constance Bonacieux
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| 1975
| ''[[The Wild Party (1975 film)|The Wild Party]]''
| Queenie
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| 1976
| ''[[Mother, Jugs & Speed]]''
| Jennifer Jurgens a.k.a. "Jugs"
|
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1977
| ''[[The Prince and the Pauper (1977 film)|The Prince and the Pauper]]''
| Lady Edith
| Also known as ''Crossed Swords''
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Animal (1977 film)|Animal]]''
| Jane Gardner
| Also known as ''Stuntwoman''
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| 1994
| ''[[Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult|Naked Gun {{frac|33|1|3}}: The Final Insult]]''
| Herself
| Uncredited
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1998
| ''[[Chairman of the Board (film)|Chairman of the Board]]''
| Grace Kosik
| Nominated: [[Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actress]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.razzies.com/forum/1998-razzie-nominees-winners_topic348.html |title = Topic Closed1998 RAZZIE Nominees & "Winners" |accessdate = October 31, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120831204759/http://www.razzies.com/forum/1998-razzie-nominees-winners_topic348.html |archive-date = August 31, 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
|<ref name="BFI" />
|-
| ''What I Did for Love''
| Jacqueline
|
|<ref name="RT" />
|-
| 1999
| ''[[Get Bruce]]''
| Herself
| Documentary
|<ref name="TCM1">{{cite web |title = Get Bruce |url = https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/443165/get-bruce#overview |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230102054527/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/443165/get-bruce/#credits |archive-date = January 2, 2023 |accessdate = July 15, 2021 |work = [[Turner Classic Movies]] |publisher = [[Turner Broadcasting System]] ([[Time Warner]]) |location = [[Atlanta]] }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2001
| ''[[Legally Blonde]]''
| Mrs. Windham Vandermark
|
|<ref name="BFI" />
|-
| ''[[Tortilla Soup]]''
| Hortensia
|
|<ref name="BFI" />
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Forget About It (film)|Forget About It]]''
| Christine DeLee
|
|<ref name="RT" />
|-
| 2017
| ''[[How to Be a Latin Lover]]''
| Celeste Birch
|Final Film Role
|<ref name="RT" />
|}

=== Television ===

{{Clear}}
{| class="wikitable sortable unsortable"
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
!{{Abbr|Ref|References}}
|-
| 1964–1965
| ''[[The Hollywood Palace]]''
|Billboard Girl
|Season one regular
|<ref>{{Cite news |last = Shales |first = Tom |date = November 25, 1992 |title = The Palace of Lights |language = en-US |newspaper = The Washington Post |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/11/25/the-palace-of-lights/c884c753-66e8-4b17-a45f-6d2a85d9cf44/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |issn = 0190-8286 }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=4|1964
| ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]''
| Saloon Girl
|Episode: "Ryker"
|<ref>{{Citation |title = The Virginian: season 3, episode 1 |url = https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_virginian/s03/e01 |language = en |access-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217100653/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_virginian/s03/e01 |url-status = live }}. Rotten Tomatoes.</ref>
|-
| ''[[McHale's Navy]]''
|Lt. Wilson
|Episode: "McHale, the Desk Commando"
|<ref name="TVG"/>
|-
| ''[[Bewitched]]''
|Stewardess
|Episode: "Witch or Wife"
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| ''[[The Rogues (TV series)|The Rogues]]''
|Miss France
|Episode: "Hugger-Mugger, by the Sea"
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
|rowspan=2|1965
| ''[[Wendy and Me]]''
|Lila Harrison
|Episode: "Wendy Sails in the Sunset"
|<ref>{{Citation |title = Wendy and Me: season 1, episode 20 |url = https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/wendy_and_me/s01/e20 |language = en |access-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-date = February 17, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217190505/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/wendy_and_me/s01/e20 |url-status = live }}. Rotten Tomatoes</ref>
|-
| ''[[The Baileys of Balboa]]''
|Beverly
|Episode: "Sam and the Invisible Man"
|<ref>{{Cite web |title = The Baileys of Balboa |url = https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-baileys-of-balboa/episodes-season-1/1030139945/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |website = TV Guide |language = en }}</ref>
|-
| 1970
| ''[[Raquel!]]''
|Herself
|Television Special
|<ref name="TVG"/>
|-
| 1971
| ''[[Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In]]''
|Guest Performer
|Episode: "#5.1"
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| 1974
| ''[[Really, Raquel]]''
|Herself
|Television Special
|<ref>{{cite news |date = March 3, 1974 |title = TV Cover Close-Up |trans-title = |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7375011/1974-raquel/ |url-status = live |language = English |location = The San Bernardino Sun |access-date = July 14, 2021 |archive-date = July 14, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210714093715/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7375011/1974-raquel/ }}</ref>
|-
| 1976
| ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''
|Host
|Episode: "Raquel Welch/Phoebe Snow/John Sebastian"; Also known as ''NBC's Saturday Night''
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| 1978
| ''[[The Muppet Show]]''
|Herself
|Episode: "Raquel Welch"
|<ref>{{Citation |last = Jim Henson |title = The Muppet Show: Raquel Welch |date = November 17, 1978 |url = http://archive.org/details/tms311FULL |language = English |access-date = February 16, 2023 }}</ref>
|-
| 1979
| ''[[Mork & Mindy]]''
|Captain Nirvana
|Episode: "Mork vs. the Necrotons"
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| 1980
| ''From Raquel with Love''
|Herself
|Television Special
|<ref>{{Cite web |title = From Raquel with Love |url = https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?item=B:79918 |access-date = February 17, 2023 |website = The Paley Center for Media }}</ref>
|-
| 1982
| ''[[The Legend of Walks Far Woman]]''
|Walks Far Woman
|Television film<br>[[Bronze Wrangler|Bronze Wrangler for Fictional Television Drama]]
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| 1987
| ''[[Right to Die (film)|Right to Die]]''
|Emily Bauer
|Television film<br>Nominated: [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film]]
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| 1988
| ''[[Scandal in a Small Town]]''
|Leda Beth Vincent
|rowspan=3|Television film
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| 1989
| ''[[Trouble in Paradise (1989 film)|Trouble in Paradise]]''
|Rachel
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| rowspan=3|1993
| ''[[Torch Song (1993 film)|Torch Song]]''
|Paula Eastman
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| ''[[Evening Shade]]''
|Cynthia Gibson
|Episode: "Small Town Girl"
|<ref>{{Cite web |title = Evening Shade |url = https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/evening-shade/episodes-season-4/1000224185/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |website = TV Guide |language = en }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Hollyrock-a-Bye Baby]]''
|Shelly Millstone
|Voice, television special
|<ref>{{Cite web |title = Hollyrock-A-Bye Baby (Hanna-Barbera Studios) |url = https://www.bcdb.com/cartoon-characters/28739-Hollyrock-A-Bye-Baby |access-date = February 16, 2023 |website = Big Cartoon DataBase (BCDB) |language = en }}{{dead link|date=January 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|-
| 1994
|''Tainted Blood''
|Elizabeth Hayes
|Television film
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| 1995
| ''[[Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman]]''
|Diana Stride
|Episode: "Top Copy"
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| 1995
| ''[[Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child]]''
|La Madrasta
|Voice, episode: "Cinderella"
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| rowspan=2|1996
| ''[[Central Park West (TV series)|Central Park West]]''
|Dianna Brock
|Season 2 Regular; Also known as ''CPW''
|<ref name="TVG"/>
|-
| ''[[Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996 TV series)|Sabrina the Teenage Witch]]''
|Aunt Vesta
|Episode: "Third Aunt from the Sun"
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| 1997
| ''[[Seinfeld]]''
|Herself
|Episode: "[[The Summer of George]]"
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| 1997–2000
| ''[[Spin City]]''
|Abby Lassiter
|3 episodes
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| rowspan=2|2002
| ''[[American Family (2002 TV series)|American Family]]''
|Aunt Dora
|Season 1 semi-regular
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-<ref name="RT"/>
| ''[[Jim Brown: All-American]]''
|Herself
|Documentary
|<ref name="BFI"/>
|-
| 2004
| ''[[8 Simple Rules]]''
|Jackie
|Episode: "Vanity Unfair"
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Welcome to The Captain]]''
|Charlene Van Ark
|Series regular
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| 2012
| ''[[CSI: Miami]]''
|Vina Navarro
|Episode: "Rest in Pieces"
|<ref name="RT"/>
|-
| 2013
| ''[[House of Versace]]''
|Aunt Lucia
|rowspan=2|Television film
|<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Laura Fries |title = TV Review: 'House of Versace' |url = https://variety.com/2013/tv/reviews/house-of-versace-tv-review-lifetime-1200685543/ |accessdate = March 4, 2016 |work = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date = October 3, 2013 |archive-date = March 6, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160306035430/http://variety.com/2013/tv/reviews/house-of-versace-tv-review-lifetime-1200685543/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
| 2015
| ''The Ultimate Legacy''
|Miss Sally May Anderson
|<ref name="TVG">{{Cite web |title = Raquel Welch. Filmography |url = https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/raquel-welch/credits/3000385701/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |website = TV Guide |language = en |archive-date = August 9, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220809144744/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/raquel-welch/credits/3000385701/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
| 2017
| ''[[Date My Dad]]''
|Rosa
|Recurring guest star
|<ref>{{Cite web |last = Swift |first = Andy |date = January 19, 2017 |title = Barry Watson to Star in UP Dramedy Date My Dad; Raquel Welch to Appear |url = https://tvline.com/2017/01/19/barry-watson-up-series-date-my-dad-cast-raquel-welch/ |access-date = February 17, 2023 |website = TVLine |language = en-US |archive-date = November 26, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221126130250/https://tvline.com/2017/01/19/barry-watson-up-series-date-my-dad-cast-raquel-welch/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
|}

== Stage ==

{{Clear}}
{| class = "wikitable unsortable"
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 1973–1974
| ''Raquel and the World of [[Sid and Marty Krofft]]''
| Herself
| [[Las Vegas Hilton]]<ref>{{cite web |last = Dominic |first = Serene |title = The Wonderful World of S&M |url = https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/the-wonderful-world-of-sandm-6419641 |website = [[Phoenix New Times]] |access-date = July 28, 2018 |date = September 23, 1999 |archive-date = July 28, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180728190832/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/the-wonderful-world-of-sandm-6419641 |url-status = live }}</ref><br>Adapted into the television special ''[[Really Raquel]]''
|-
| 1981–1983
| ''[[Woman of the Year (musical)|Woman of the Year]]''
| Tess Harding
| [[Palace Theatre (New York City)|Palace Theatre]]<ref>{{cite news |last = Collins |first = Glenn |title = Raquel Welch: 'I Like a Character With Backbone |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/30/movies/racquel-welch-i-like-a-character-with-backbone.html |newspaper = [[The New York Times]] |access-date = July 28, 2018 |date = May 30, 1982 |archive-date = July 28, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180728160849/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/30/movies/racquel-welch-i-like-a-character-with-backbone.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
| 1995
| ''[[The Millionairess (play)|The Millionairess]]''
| Epifania Ognisanti di Parerga
| [[New Alexandra Theatre|Alexandra Theatre]]<ref>{{cite news |last = Guttridge |first = Peter |title = Any chance of a chat, Raquel? |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/any-chance-of-a-chat-raquel-1615442.html |newspaper = [[The Independent]] |access-date = July 28, 2018 |date = April 13, 1995 |archive-date = July 28, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180728190938/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/any-chance-of-a-chat-raquel-1615442.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
| 1997
| ''[[Victor/Victoria (musical)|Victor/Victoria]]''
| Victoria Grant/Victor Grazinski
| [[Marquis Theatre]]<ref>{{cite magazine |last = Viagas |first = Robert |title = Raquel Welch To Replace Julie Andrews in V/V |url = http://www.playbill.com/article/raquel-welch-to-replace-julie-andrews-in-v-v-com-69727 |magazine = [[Playbill]] |access-date = July 28, 2018 |date = March 6, 1997 |archive-date = July 28, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180728191037/http://www.playbill.com/article/raquel-welch-to-replace-julie-andrews-in-v-v-com-69727 |url-status = live }}</ref>
|}

== Selected discography ==

=== Album appearances ===

{{Clear}}
{| class = "wikitable unsortable"
! Year
! Title
! Album
|-
| 1965
| "I'm Ready to Groove"
| ''[[A Swingin' Summer#Soundtrack|A Swingin' Summer: Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]]''<ref>{{Citation |title=Original Soundtrack – Swingin' Summer {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/swingin-summer-original-soundtrack-mw0000874228 |language=en |access-date=February 16, 2023 |archive-date=December 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206150723/https://www.allmusic.com/album/swingin-summer-original-soundtrack-mw0000874228 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

=== Singles ===

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions
|-
! scope="col" | [[US Dance]]
|-
| 1988
| "This Girl's Back in Town"
| 29<ref name="Billboard-1988" />
|}

== Books ==
* Raquel Welch: ''Raquel: The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program'', Publisher: Henry Holt and Company (October 1, 1984), {{ISBN|978-0-03069-549-0}}
* Raquel Welch: ''Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage'', Publisher: Weinstein Books (March 29, 2010), {{ISBN|978-1-60286-097-1}}

== See also ==
* [[Fur bikini of Raquel Welch]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikinews|US actress and model Raquel Welch dies at age 82}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{discogs artist}}

{{Golden Globe Award Best Actress Motion Picture Musical or Comedy}}
{{Portal bar|Hispanic and Latino Americans}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Welch, Raquel}}
[[Category:1940 births]]
[[Category:2023 deaths]]
[[Category:20th Century Studios contract players]]
[[Category:20th-century American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses from Chicago]]
[[Category:Actresses from San Diego]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:American female models]]
[[Category:American people of Spanish descent]]
[[Category:American people of Bolivian descent]]
[[Category:American people of English descent]]
[[Category:American television actresses]]
[[Category:American Presbyterians]]
[[Category:American Protestants]]
[[Category:Best Musical or Comedy Actress Golden Globe (film) winners]]
[[Category:Deaths from Alzheimer's disease in California]]
[[Category:Deaths from dementia in California]]
[[Category:Female models from Illinois]]
[[Category:Hispanic and Latino American actresses]]
[[Category:San Diego State University alumni]]
[[Category:Singers from Chicago]]
[[Category:Singers from California]]
[[Category:Latino conservatism in the United States]]
[[Category:Models from Chicago]]