RIP: Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch is an American actress and singer who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. She was born on September 5, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, as Jo Raquel Tejada, and she is of Bolivian descent. She started her career as a model and appeared in several TV commercials before transitioning to acting.

Welch's breakthrough role came in 1966 when she starred in the film "Fantastic Voyage." She followed this up with her iconic role in the film "One Million Years B.C." (1966), in which she played a prehistoric woman wearing a famous animal skin bikini. This role made her an international sex symbol and helped to launch her career.

Over the years, Welch has appeared in many films, including "Bedazzled" (1967), "Bandolero!" (1968), "100 Rifles" (1969), and "Myra Breckinridge" (1970). She also had a successful career as a television actress, appearing in shows like "The Rogues," "McCloud," and "Central Park West."

In addition to acting, Welch has also released several albums and has made several guest appearances on television shows. She has also written several books, including an autobiography titled "Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage."

Throughout her career, Welch has been recognized for her talent and beauty, and she has received numerous awards and honors. She was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994 and was named one of the "100 Sexiest Stars in Film History" by Empire magazine in 1995. She continues to be a well-respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry.