Three lines of dialogue. That’s all it took for former sex symbol Raquel Welch to be catapulted into fame. Welch starred in One Million Years B.C., a film from 1966 that ensured a popular, if not always successful career. Welch’s posters in a deer-skinned bikini led to global fame not just for the movie but for the actress herself. Even though she doesn’t speak more than a handful of words throughout the film. On 15th February 2023, Welch passed away at the age of 82, receiving an outpouring of love from the internet, including actress Vanessa Hudgens.
For the unversed, Hudgens recently got engaged to Colorado Rockies shortstop Cole Tucker. The High School Musical actress and the shortstop recently announced the news on social media amid intense fan speculation. Hudgens, being a highly successful actress herself, and understandably a fan of Welch’s work, expressed her sympathy on Instagram.
Vanessa Hudgens shares her condolences on the passing of Raquel Welch
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Although Welch is known for her role in One Million Years B.C., she also had successful parts in Fantastic Voyage, 100 Rifles, and Hannie Caulder, among others. Often credited with paving the way for modern action heroines, Welch is often compared to the likes of Star Wars’ Carrie Fisher. And the world mourned at the loss of such a bright light.
A page named Dynamite Women on Instagram, dedicated to “Women of Cult Cinema”, shared the ultra-famous bikini picture from 1966. Hudgens re-shared the post to her story, captioning it “Rip” with a teary-eyed emoji. The sad news was announced by Welch’s manager, who told PEOPLE magazine that she “passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness.”
Celebrities from all walks of life mourn Welch’s demise
Stars from the entertainment industry expressed their own condolences at the news. Welch contributed fifty years of her life to cinema, starring in at least thirty films and fifty TV shows. And leaving such a rich legacy behind, it’s only natural that people would be saddened to see her go.
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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FBtXhpvS25
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) February 15, 2023
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Actress Reese Witherspoon, who worked with Welch on Legally Blonde, tweeted, “She was elegant, professional, and glamorous beyond belief. Simply stunning.” While NBA star Rex Chapman shared, “Raquel Welch has passed away at the age of 82. What a life. Rest in peace”.
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SNL alum Laraine Newman, who hosted the show alongside Welch once, wrote about sharing a sweet moment with her and ended with, “RIP sweet lady.”
Notably, Welch leaving the world will leave a huge void in the entertainment world. May her soul rest in peace!