Raquel Welch

Photo of Raquel Welch

Biography

Who would have known she was a single mother of two? Her packagers never let on. They just continued to push the fantasy, creating an uphill battle for her to earn any respect as a serious actor. Welch ornamented a number of lightweight vehicles before bombing in the title role of "Myra Breckinridge" (1970--Mae West walked off with most of the publicity), then took a measure of control over her screen persona, producing and starring in "Hannie …
Read More »

Job Title

Actor, Producer, Writer

Born

September 5, 1940

Career Milestones

2008

Appeared in the CBS comedy "Welcome to the Captain"

2006

Plyayed an ex-Las Vegas showgirl opposite Burt Reynolds in the madcap comedy "Forget About It"

2002

Played Aunt Dora on the television series "American Family," also starred Edward James Olmos and Sonia Braga

2001

Co-starred with Hector Elizondo in "Tortilla Soup", a remake of "Eat Drink Man Woman" set in L.A.'s Latino community

2001

Had supporting role in "Legally Blonde"

2000

Had featured role in the TV pilot "An American Family", written and directed by Gregory Nava; series picked up for airing by PBS in 2001-2002

1998

Starred in Foxborough, Massachusetts stage production of "The Millionairess"

1998

Portrayed Grace Kosik in "Chairman of the Board"

1997

Returned to Broadway, replacing Julie Andrews in "Victor/Victoria"

1996

Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

1996

TV series debut as regular on the primetime CBS soap opera "CPW", a revamping of "Central Park West"; played the bitchy, wealthy ex-wife of a businessman

1995

British stage debut touring in George Bernard Shaw's "The Millionairess"; production's London booking canceled

1994

Was TV spokesperson for Equal sweetner

1993

Made frequent guest appearances on sitcoms, including "Evening Shade", "Seinfeld" "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" and "Spin City"

1993

Headlined TV-movie "Tainted Blood" (USA Network)

1988

Starred as Leda Beth Vincent in NBC-movie, "Scandal in a Small Town"

1987

Offered a convincing turn as stricken Emily Bauer in NBC-movie, "Right to Die"

1982

TV-movie debut in title role as "The Legend of Walks Far Woman" (NBC)

1981

Broadway debut in "Woman of the Year"; succeeded Lauren Bacall in role of Tess Harding; songwriters John Jander and Fred Ebb added new material for her to sing

1980

Sued MGM over dismissal from the film "Cannery Row"; eventually won a $14 million judgment in her favor

1976

Contributed her Jugs to "Mother, Jugs, and Speed"

1975

Reprised role in Lester's "The Four Musketeers"; films were shot simultaneously

1973

Acted the part of Constance in Richard Lester's "The Three Musketeers"

1972

Portrayed Diane 'KC' Carr in "Kansas City Bomber"

1971

Produced and starred in "Hannie Caulder"

1970

Hosted first variety special, "Raquel" (CBS)

1970

Played title role in "Myra Breckinridge"

1968

First (of many) appearance on a Bob Hope TV special

1966

Indelibly entered the public's consciousness as the bikini-clad cave woman of "One Million Years B.C."

1965

Film acting and singing debut ("introducing Raquel Welch") in "A Swingin' Summer"

1964

First film appearance (as walk-on) in Elvis Presely vehicle "Roustabout"

1964

Broke into show business as billboard girl on the "Hollywood Palace" TV show

Moved to L.A. as a single mother with two children from her first marriage; worked several jobs to support family

Worked as a cocktail waitress and model in Dallas in early 1960s

1955

Won La Jolla beauty competition at age 15 (date approximate)

1947

First taste of the stage at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre as member of a children's theater group (date approximate)

1943

Moved with family to La Jolla, California (date approximate)

Awards

1987

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in Right to Die

1974

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical in The Three Musketeers