The Fabulous Life
Raquel Welch, born Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, is an American actress, singer, and model. She rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming one of the most iconic sex symbols in film history.
"I have a very, very good life. I'm grateful for all of my friends, my family and the life that I have, and the possibilities in my future."
Welch’s career began in small roles in films and television shows, but it was her breakthrough role in the 1966 film Fantastic Voyage that catapulted her to stardom. She followed this success with a series of high-profile roles in films such as One Million Years B.C. (1966), where she famously appeared in a fur bikini, solidifying her status as a sex symbol.
Throughout the 1970s, Welch continued to star in a string of successful films, including The Three Musketeers (1973) and The Four Musketeers (1974), The Last of Sheila (1973), and Mother, Jugs & Speed (1976). She also proved her acting range in films like Kansas City Bomber (1972) and The Wild Party (1975).
"The whole sex-symbol thing is part of what I do as an actress. It's a kind of character I play. It's part of me, but not the whole me."
In addition to her film career, Welch also found success on television, earning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her performance in The Three Musketeers. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her performance in the television drama Right to Die (1987). In 1996, Welch received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard. In 2001, she was awarded the Imagen Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for her positive promotion of Americans of Latin heritage throughout her career.
"Change excites me. I am fifty years old. It’s when the mind catches up with the body."
Throughout her career, Welch has been celebrated for her beauty, talent, and versatility as an actress. She has remained a prominent figure in popular culture, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions.
Off-screen, Welch is known for her activism and philanthropy. She has been involved in various charitable causes and has used her platform to advocate for issues such as women’s rights and health.
Today, Raquel Welch is considered a Hollywood legend, known for her beauty, talent, and lasting impact on the entertainment industry.