Legendary actress Raquel Welch passed away on Wednesday morning in Los Angeles at the age of 82 after a brief illness, according to a statement from her manager Steve Sauer.
Welch shot to fame in the 1960s with roles in the iconic films “One Million Years B.C.” and “Fantastic Voyage.” The movie posters for “One Million Years B.C.” featured her in a fur bikini, making her an international sex symbol. It’s importance was later highlighted in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption”.
She had a number of starring roles in the late 1960s, including the westerns “Bandolero” and “100 Rifles”. The latter was particularly noteworthy for the interracial love scene between Welch and former football star Jim Brown, which was considered controversial at the time.
Welch got her start as a spokesmodel on the TV show “Hollywood Palace” and had a small role in the Elvis Presley movie “Roustabout”, both in 1964. In addition to her acting career, she held a number of books under her name, published in the 1970s and 1980s.
Welch leaves behind her son, Damon, and her daughter, Tahnee. As the story is developing, further information is yet to be released.