Raquel Welch, the legendary Hollywood actress and sex symbol, died on February 15, 2023, at the age of 82. She had been battling Alzheimer’s disease, a cruel and devastating brain disorder that robbed her of her memory and cognition and suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at her home in Los Angeles. She had kept her condition a secret from the public and lived a quiet life in her final years.
Welch was born Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois. She was a proud Latina of Bolivian and English heritage and grew up in San Diego, California. She had a dream of becoming a star and pursued it with passion and determination. She started her career as a model and beauty queen before landing her breakthrough role in the 1966 sci-fi film Fantastic Voyage. She became an overnight sensation after appearing in a fur bikini in One Million Years B.C., which made her a sex symbol of the 1960s. She went on to star in films such as Bedazzled, The Three Musketeers, The Wild Party, and Hannie Caulder. She won a Golden Globe for her performance in The Three Musketeers and was nominated for another one for The Last of Sheila.
Welch was not only a stunning beauty but also a talented actress and a savvy businesswoman. She launched her own line of wigs and beauty products that made millions of women feel more confident and glamorous. She wrote two books, Raquel: The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program and Beyond the Cleavage, that shared her secrets of staying fit and fabulous. She was also a compassionate person who cared deeply about animal rights and environmental causes. She was married four times and had two children, Tahnee and Damon, from her first marriage to James Welch. She also had four grandchildren who adored her.
Final appearance and her Last photo
Raquel Welch was last seen in public in July 2022, roughly eight months before she passed away at age 82 following a “brief illness”. Welch was spotted getting a manicure at a beauty lounge in Beverly Hills, where she looked frail and unrecognizable. She wore a mask, sunglasses, and a hat to cover her face and hair. She was accompanied by a caregiver who helped her walk and get into a car. She did not speak to anyone or pose for photos. Her last film role was in 2017’s How to Be a Latin Lover, where she played the wealthy widow of Rob Lowe’s character. Her last TV appearance was in 2012’s CSI: Miami, where she guest-starred as the mother of David Caruso’s character. Welch’s rep confirmed her death on February 15, 2023, in a statement to The Post, saying, “Raquel Welch, the legendary bombshell actress of film, television, and stage, passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness.” Her death certificate revealed that she had a cardiac arrest and had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Raquel Welch’s funeral
Welch’s funeral was held on February 22, 2023, at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered at sea, as she wished. Her family and friends gathered to honor her life and legacy at a private memorial service. They shared their memories of her warmth, humor, generosity, and courage. Some of her co-stars and colleagues also expressed their grief and gratitude for her on social media. Her fans around the world were heartbroken by her death and celebrated her achievements.
Welch will be remembered as one of the most iconic actresses of Hollywood history, who broke barriers for women in the industry and inspired generations of fans with her beauty, talent, and charisma.
