Hollywood sex icon and ‘Fantastic Voyage’ star Raquel Welch dies, age 82

Hollywood actress and sex icon of the 1960s and ’70s, Raquel Welch, has died at the age of 82.

While further details are yet to be released, Welch’s manager confirmed in a statement to the AFP that the star passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 15, following “a brief illness”.

 

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Welch’s glittering career spanned over five decades and saw her work with Hollywood legends such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Farrah Fawcett, Burt Reynolds, and many more.

The Golden Globe winner caught the world’s attention in her first gig in the 1966 sci-fi film Fantastic Voyagers, before going on to star in her famed part in One Million Years BC.

Despite having a minimal talking role, Welch’s fur-covered bikini in the prehistoric drama instantly turned her into an iconic sex symbol.

We are saddened to hear about the passing of legendary actress Raquel Welch, who starred as Loana in Ray Harryhausen’s 1966 classic ‘One Million Years B.C’. An iconic role which spawned one of the most famous movie posters ever. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/vQW5tj52mk

— Ray Harryhausen (@Ray_Harryhausen) February 15, 2023

Throughout her career, Welch has starred in around 30 films and 50 television series and famously walked alongside Cher in a sexy and glittering outfit to perform an iconic rendition of I’m A Woman.

RIP RAQUEL WELCH (1940-2023) ????

Here she is at her dazzling best in 1975 singing I’M A WOMAN with CHER. pic.twitter.com/v0Nr69EPF8

— James Leighton (@JamesL1927) February 15, 2023

Fans and friends of the Hollywood legend took to social media to remember and celebrate Welch’s life.

RIP Raquel Welch, who just passed at 82.

In addition to an incredible career, I will never forget her beating the crap out of Kramer and Elaine on that episode of Seinfeld.

Funny and beautiful.???????????? pic.twitter.com/auhaM1VyDD

— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) February 15, 2023

Sad to hear the loss of Raquel Welch.

One of my favorite moments is when she met Janis Joplin on the Dick Cavett show. Surreal goodness. pic.twitter.com/YPfBq3aiX1

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) February 15, 2023

We’ll never forget our remarkable friend Raquel Welch, one of our favorite guests on The Muppet Show. From dancing with a giant spider, to inspiring @FozzieBear, and duetting with @MissPiggy, Raquel could do it all! pic.twitter.com/1Rzk9PbTwr

— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) February 15, 2023

So sad to hear about Raquel Welch’s passing. I loved working with her on Legally Blonde. She was elegant , professional and glamorous beyond belief. Simply stunning. May all her angels carry her home. ????️ Sending love to her family and her many fans ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FBtXhpvS25

— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) February 15, 2023

RIP Raquel Welch

My intro to her was probably on Mork and Mindy, where she showcased impeccable comic timing and held her own against the much missed Robin Williams. pic.twitter.com/s19OsdKYy3

— Amanda Reyes ???? (@madefortvmayhem) February 15, 2023

Welch is survived by her son Damon James Welch and daughter Tahnee Welch.