Rare Vintage Photographs Of Raquel Welch That Even Superfans Probably Won’t Remember
Raquel Welch was one of the most glamorous women ever to grace the big screen. The iconic actress passed away on February 15th, 2023, at age 82, having redefined what it means to be a sex symbol. In the 1960s, her roles in Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C diverted the classic blonde bombshell trope, broadening the scope of desirability to include strong women. So to pay tribute to the late icon, we are looking back on some of her most breathtaking and misunderstood moments. Step behind the curtain of Welch’s life with us and learn more about her career than ever reached the public eye.
Unknown Year: A star is born
Welch adored acting, but she was more interested in ballet dancing as a youth. She even fell for her teacher, Irene Clark. “Then came the day when this ballet goddess broke my heart,” Welch wrote in her 2010 autobiography, Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage. “When I was 17, Irene told me that I would never become a classical ballerina. She thought I would make a better comedienne.”
1960: Doe eyes
Even from a young age Welch got attention from males, which she described in her book as “uncomfortable, but intoxicating.” Most of it was unwanted though, with guys making various advances and even trying to lure her into their car. Luckily she learned to fend off creepers, a talent which served her well throughout the rest of her life.
1960: Starting out
Welch’s popularity gave her the edge in landing a job as weather girl for San Diego news channel KFMB. The actress wrote in her autobiography, “It was a popular morning show called Sun Up and a great opportunity I didn’t want to miss. So I didn’t mind that I had to rise and shine each morning at 5:00 a.m. and leave early to tape the show.”
1960: Picture perfect
Of course, Welch became famous for her allure, both on- and off-screen. This was something she and Curtis purposefully played up to for her rebranding. A 1964 issue of The Journal News wrote a feature of her titled “Starlet is Seeking Sultry Roles,” in which Welch said, “I think I can fit into roles that ask for glamor, sultriness and sexiness.”
