Raquel Welch was the iconic sex symbol of the 1960s and into the early ’70s, though don’t underestimate the appeal she still has to many men today. Appearing on countless “Most Sexiest Women” lists through the last four decades, at the ripe age of 64, Raquel has managed to transform herself from a sultry bombshell to a sexy, mature woman who looks better than most 30 year olds.
Raquel’s film debut came in 1964 in a small role in Elvis Presley’s “Roustabout.” After appearing in a few more box-office duds, the sexy actress graduated to a true celebrity with the two sci-fi smash hits “Fantastic Voyage” and “One Million Years B.C.,” for which she shed most of her clothes in place of a small, fur bikini. While neither of the films fared well in most theaters, the appealing movie posters brought the star the attention she needed to succeed. Raquel continued to appear in a number of popular Broadway shows and even won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her work in “The Three Musketeers,” proof to all of her critics that she could indeed act.
After Raquel lost steam in Hollywood, she went on to introduce her workout video “Raquel’s Total Beauty and Fitness Program” in the 1980s and, more recently, she’s released a line of wigs and skin-care products. Raquel broke back into the entertainment business in 2002 with her role in “American Family,” the first all-Latino drama series and the first original primetime American episodic drama on PBS in decades.
Raquel Welch on the Screen
Raquel has appeared in a number of films throughout her long career, including “Roustabout,” “Fantastic Voyage,” “One Million Years B.C.,” “The Three Musketeers” and the sequel, “The Four Musketeers,” to name a few. In the 1990s, Raquel appeared in cameos on a number of hit sitcoms, including “Spin City” and “Seinfeld,” along with an appearance in Carrot Top’s “Chairman of the Board” before settling down in the 2002 premiere of “American Family,” for which she has received extensive critical acclaim.
Raquel on Video
Raquel Welch space dance
This is wild but very hot.
Raquel go-go dancing
Trailer for “Flareup” with Raquel Welch go-go dancing.
Raquel Welch on “Seinfeld”
Raquel gives an excellent comedic performance.
Raquel Says
On her ex-husband:
“I couldn’t stand that my husband was being unfaithful. I am Raquel Welch — understand?”
On her role as a sex symbol:
“Being a sex symbol was rather like being a convict.”
On being a mother:
“I was not a classic mother. But my kids were never palmed off to boarding school. So, I didn’t bake cookies. You can buy cookies, but you can’t buy love.”