Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch, born Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, was an iconic figure in the movie industry in the 1960s and 1970s. She first gained fame for her performance in the film 'Fantastic Voyage' (1966), which led to a long-term contract with 20th Century Fox. Welch’s impactful role in 'One Million Years B.C.' (1966) saw her emerge as a global sex symbol. Her roles ranged from 'Bedazzled' (1967) to 'Bandolero!' (1968) and '100 Rifles' (1969), further expanding her acting footprint. She was praised for her portrayal of strong female characters, which contributed to her unique film persona and positioned her as an icon of her time. Her rise to stardom in the mid-1960s was instrumental in ending Hollywood's vigorous promotion of the blonde bombshell. Additionally, her controversial love scene with Jim Brown in '100 Rifles' made cinematic history due to its portrayal of interracial intimacy. Welch's resolute dedication to her craft extended into her later years, with her final film being 'How to Be a Latin Lover' (2017). Welch passed away on February 15, 2023, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the film industry.