Model and iconic actress Raquel Welch has passed away at the age of 82. The Chicago born star, who became a household name thanks to her roles in Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C, died at home after a brief illness, according to her family.
Born Jo Raquel Tejada, with Bolivian parentage, she began her career modelling for the department store Neiman Marcus before moving to Los Angeles where she signed a seven-year non-exclusive contract with 20th Century Fox. It was there that studio bosses encouraged her to change her name to Debbie, worrying that the hispanic name Raquel would be too hard to pronounce. She refused, but agreed to keep her ex-husband's name Welch rather than revert to Tejada.
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The actress is one of Hollywood’s classic bombshells, and became an international sex symbol thanks to her role as a fictional cavewoman. She changed beauty standards across the world, and was praised for her sense of style in the 1960s and 1970s thanks to her bohemian-inspired outfits.
We take a look back at 10 of her most iconic fashion moments of all time:
Raquel Welch, 1966
Raquel Welch wore a stunning white gown to meet Queen Elizabeth II at a Royal Film performance.
Raquel Welch, 1966
Raquel Welch with husband Patrick Curtis attending an event in Los Angeles.
Raquel Welch, 1966
Raquel Welch, wearing an animal hide bikini as her character 'Loana', crouching with her hands on her knees, in a publicity portrait issued for the film, 'One Million Years BC.'
Raquel Welch, 1966
Raquel Welch in scenes from movie Shout Loud, Louder, I Can't Hear You.
Raquel Welch, 1968
Raquel Welch watches a bullfight in Almeria, Spain.
Raquel Welch, 1970
Racquel Welch, posing full length in a star-spangled bathing suit for the film "Myra Breckinridge."
Raquel Welch, 1972
Raquel Welch and American football player Joe Namath attend the Academy Awards together.
Raquel Welch, 1972
Raquel Welch, Gene Hackman and Cloris Leachman at the 44th Academy Awards
Raquel Welch, 1974
Actress Raquel Welch poses backstage after presenting "Documentary Awards" with actor James Caan.
Raquel Welch, 1975
Raquel Welch and Cher on the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour variety show
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