‘Glamorous beyond belief’: Reese Witherspoon leads tributes for film icon Raquel Welch, dead aged 82

Tom Murray
Updated ·3 min read
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Reese Witherspoon (left) and Raquel Welch in 1966 (Getty Images)
Reese Witherspoon (left) and Raquel Welch in 1966 (Getty Images)
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Reese Witherspoon led tributes for Hollywood icon Raquel Welch after news of her death broke on 15 February.

The star was 82.

“The legendary bombshell actress of film, television and stage, passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness,” Welch’s representative said in a statement.

“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.”

“Raquel leaves behind her two children, son Damon Welch and her daughter, Tahnee Welch,” her representative added to KABC.

Welch shot to fame with her role as a bikini-clad cavewoman in 1966’s One Million Years BC. Her career. which spanned half a century, included high-profile roles in Bedazzled (1967), Bandolero! (1968) and 100 Rifles (1969).

Raquel Welch in ‘One Million Years BC’ (Moviestore/Shutterstock)
Raquel Welch in ‘One Million Years BC’ (Moviestore/Shutterstock)

In 1968, she starred opposite Frank Sinatra in the detective film Lady in Cement.

Tributes from the entertainment industry have since poured in for the actor. Her Legally Blonde costar Witherspoon tweeted: “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.”

The official Twitter account for Muppets character Miss Piggy shared a photo of Welch and the puppet with the caption: “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!”

“Raquel Welch has passed away at the age of 82. What a life. Rest in peace,” former NBA star Rex Chapman tweeted alongside a vintage clip of the actor appearing on The Dick Cavett Show.

Popular internet reporter Def Noodles wrote: “Raquel Welch, beloved icon of the silver screen, has shuffled off this mortal coil at 82. We’ll miss her beauty and charm! #RIPRaquel”

Read The Independent’s full obituary for Welch here.