Raquel Welch, a 1970s icon known for her enduring appeal, passed away in the United States at the age of 82 due to cardiac arrest, according to reports compiled by TMZ. The death certificate obtained by TMZ also indicated that Welch was living with Alzheimer’s disease at the time of her death. The actress was pronounced dead at 2:25 am on February 15 and was subsequently cremated.
In public statements prior to her passing, Welch had never disclosed a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Her privacy remained a notable aspect of her life, even as fans and colleagues expressed support and admiration.
Welch’s rise to fame came in part from roles in classic science fiction and adventure films, including Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years BC, both filmed in the mid-1960s. Her performance as Constance Bonacieux in The Three Musketeers earned her essential recognition, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.
Her influence extended beyond a single generation. Empire magazine named Welch one of the “100 Sexiest Stars in Cinema History” in 1995, and Playboy ranked her highly on its list of the century’s most seductive stars. These acknowledgments helped cement her status as a cultural icon and a symbol of glamorous, timeless appeal.
Public retrospectives and photo collections have highlighted important moments from Welch’s life, capturing the charisma and resilience that characterized her career and public persona. The ongoing memory of her work continues to inspire conversations about film history, fashion, and the evolving portrayal of women in cinema.