Tributes pour in for film icon Raquel Welch, who has died aged 82

Virgin Radio

16 Feb 2023, 08:13

Hollywood star Raquel Welch has died at the age of 82. 

The US actress “passed away peacefully early this morning (15th February) after a brief illness,” her management company said in a statement.

Welch’s career spanned more than half-a-century and included 30 films, as well as numerous TV appearances. She won a Golden Globe for movie The Three Musketeers in 1974. In 1966, she played a bikini-clad cavewoman in One Million Years B.C., with the poster becoming one of the iconic movie images of all-time. 

Other actors have taken to social media to pay tribute to the legend of the silver screen. 

Election and Big Little Lies actor Reese Witherspoon said: “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.”

Paul Feig wrote: “This is so sad. I had the great pleasure of working with Ms. Welch when I was a regular on Sabrina the Teenage Witch and she was awesome. Kind, funny and a true superstar whom I was pretty much in love with for most of my childhood. We’ve lost a true icon.”

Ellen Barkin simply said: “Rest In Peace Raquel Welch”

Matt Knudsen commented: “I had the unforgettable experience of working with Raquel Welch on American Family. Even though she was a big star, she was also part of an amazing ensemble with Edward James Olmos and Sonia Braga. Punctual, professional, and always ready to collaborate.”

A tribute also came in from official Muppets account, following the star’s memorable appearance. “We’ll never forget our remarkable friend Raquel Welch, one of our favourite guests on The Muppet Show. From dancing with a giant spider, to inspiring @FozzieBear, and duetting with @MissPiggy, Raquel could do it all,” the tweet said.

UK celebs have also been paying their respects to the American superstar.

Model and singer Samantha Fox wrote: Rest in Peace Raquel Welch 💔 Another idol of mine and a lovely person passed away😞. What a night we had at The Montreux World Music awards  with Olivia Newton John and Brit Ekland . Very Sad news. she was BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT , I’ll never forget this fabulous time we had❤️"

Numbers whizz Carol Vorderman said: “Rest In Peace Raquel Welch....what a woman 🙏🏼 I was at her son's wedding (pic) to Yorkshire cricketer Fred Trueman's daughter Rebecca. It was wild. She was sensational. A lot of laughing & every other bedroom in the hotel had a news editing suite in it. I loved it all. Wild.”

Raquel Welch is survived by her son, Damon Welch, and daughter, actress Latanne "Tahnee" Welch.