Raquel Welch, Hollywood Sex Symbol, is Mourned

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Raquel Welch is 2nd from R in the 1964 Elvis Presley movie, Roustabout

To people of a certain age, Raquel Welch epitomized beauty in Hollywood. She was without a doubt one of the biggest sex symbols of the ’60s and ’70s, thanks to a resume of dozens of roles in feature films and TV series. She made a huge impact in such films as Fantastic Voyage, One Million Years B.C., Myra Breckinridge, The Three Musketeers, Fuzz, and Mother, Jugs and Speed. In 1994’s The Shawshank Redemption, one of her famous posters stole a scene. When she made her debut on the big screen in 1964, one of two features was as “College Girl” in the Elvis Presley film, Roustabout.

On the small screen, she made guest appearances and cameos on dozens of shows and hosted such programs as Saturday Night Live and The Muppet Show. In 1981, she won acclaim on Broadway in the starring role in Woman of the Year.

Welch died at age 82 on Feb. 15, 2023. (On Apr. 4, it was revealed that she had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for years.) Many of those who shared the screen with her paid tribute.

https://t.co/dMASujAanU. You had all most people ever dreamed of… an amazing career, incredible talent, great looks, intelligence and so much genuine kindness. I’m glad I got to know you. Rest in peace, dear Raquel Welch.

— RUTH BUZZI (@Ruth_A_Buzzi) February 15, 2023

Did you know that Welch appeared in the 1964 Elvis Presley film, Roustabout? She was 24 when it was released.

Raquel Welch pic.twitter.com/irYgZzUl0x

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) February 15, 2023

Raquel Welch was one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever worked with. Performing a duet with her on The Muppet Show helped moi become the W-O-M-A-N I am today! We’ll never forget vous, Raquel! pic.twitter.com/fo0saG7EiD

— Miss Piggy (@MissPiggy) February 15, 2023

When Raquel Welch hosted SNL, I had a sketch with her in which I played Lina Wermuller. It was cut because she wanted to sing a song instead but a couple of years later she sent me a postcard from Italy with Wertmuller’s autograph. RIP sweet lady

— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) February 15, 2023

Raquel Welch – the most beautiful woman I ever sat two seats away from while dressed as a bee. R.I.P.#raquelwelch pic.twitter.com/UhGiCeecZ8

— Alan Zweibel (@AlanZweibel) February 15, 2023

In 1967, she joined Bob Hope on his USO tour of military bases.

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A post shared by Raquel Welch (@therealraquelwelch)

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