Raquel Welch dies at age 82
<p>Raquel Welch has passed away at the age of 82. </p>
<p>The Hollywood actress died peacefully in the early hours of Thursday morning after a "brief illness", which Raquel's family confirmed in a statement to <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2023/02/15/raquel-welch-actress-model-dead-dies-82/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>TMZ</em></a>. </p>
<p>"The legendary bombshell actress of film, television and stage, passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness," the statement read.</p>
<p>"Her career spanned over 50 years starring in over 30 films and 50 television series and appearances. The Golden Globe winner, in more recent years, was involved in a very successful line of wigs."</p>
<p>"Raquel leaves behind her two children, son Damon Welch and her daughter, Tahnee Welch."</p>
<p>Welch first rose to fame in 1996 for her roles in <em>Fantastic Voyage</em> and <em>One Million Years B.C</em>, which cemented her the ultimate pin-up girl.</p>
<p>In the decade following, she took home the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy for her role in the 1974's <em>The Three Musketeers</em>.</p>
<p>Aside from her acting, Raquel became known for her modelling work as people were in awe of her natural beauty. </p>
<p>She was named one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in Film History in a 1995 issue of <em>Empire</em> magazine and was also ranked number three in <em>Playboy's</em> 100 Sexiest Stars of the 20th Century.</p>
<p>Playboy founder Hugh Hefner once said: "Raquel Welch, one of the last of the classic sex symbols, came from the era when you could be considered the sexiest woman in the world without taking your clothes off, she declined to do complete nudity, and I yielded gracefully, the pictures prove her point."</p>
<p>Tributes have begun to flood social media, with actress Reese Witherspoon leading the charge. </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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 ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/FBtXhpvS25">pic.twitter.com/FBtXhpvS25</a></p>
<p>— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReeseW/status/1625975096731992080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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! <a href="https://t.co/fo0saG7EiD">pic.twitter.com/fo0saG7EiD</a></p>
<p>— Miss Piggy (@MissPiggy) <a href="https://twitter.com/MissPiggy/status/1625974490894139422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">OH NOOOO<br />Please say it isn't so. <a href="https://t.co/fF7cBa9olr">https://t.co/fF7cBa9olr</a></p>
<p>— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) <a href="https://twitter.com/NancySinatra/status/1625946381998526466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How sad to hear actress Raquel Welch has died. Such a beautiful woman who gained international fame in one of my fave movies Fantastic Voyage.. Such an iconic beauty .Rest in peace ❤️🙏🏻</p>
<p>— Lizzie Cundy (@lizziecundy) <a href="https://twitter.com/lizziecundy/status/1625942806807162880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p>"I loved working with her on <em>Legally Blonde</em>. She was elegant, professional and glamorous beyond belief. Simply stunning," she wrote.</p>
<p>Nancy Sinatra, the legendary Frank Sinatra's daughter, was also overwhelmed with grief.</p>
<p>"OH NOOOO Please say it isn't so," she tweeted, while TV presenter Lizzie Cundy also paid her respects.</p>
<p>"How sad to hear actress Raquel Welch has died. Such a beautiful woman who gained international fame in one of my fave movies <em>Fantastic Voyage</em>.. Such an iconic beauty. Rest in peace," she tweeted.</p>
<p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>
