Hollywood icon Raquel Welch dies age 82 after 'brief illness'
15 February 2023, 19:40 | Updated: 15 February 2023, 21:11
Hollywood icon Raquel Welch has died aged 82 after a "brief illness".
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The actress "passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness", her management company said.
She made a name for herself after appearing back-to-back in Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C. in 1966.
Despite having few lines in One Million Years B.C., it was Welch's deerskin bikini in the film that cemented her as a sex symbol.
Playboy magazine labelled her the "most desired woman" of the 1970s.
During her career spanning over 50 years, Welch also had guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Bewitched, The Virginian and McHale's Navy.
She went on to become one of the most sought-after female stars throughout the '60s and '70s and won several awards.
The actress took home a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her 1974 role in "The Three Musketeers".
She was also given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996, having often been credited with breaking the mould for modern day action heroines.
Welch was born on September 1940, and was married four times.
She is survived by her two children - Tahnee Welch and Damon Welch.
Tributes have since flooded in for the star on Twitter.
NBA star Rex Chapman said: "What a life. Rest in peace."
The official account for Warner Music's Rhino Records tweeted: "Oh no. RIP to the absolute legend RAQUEL WELCH."
