Is Raquel Welch A-List?

Fantastic Voyage Breakthrough

Role in *Fantastic Voyage* led to a contract with 20th Century Fox, launching her Hollywood career. The science fiction film showcased her screen presence and opened doors to major productions.

One Million Years BC Icon

Her appearance in a doe-skin bikini in *One Million Years B.C.* became one of cinema's most iconic images, with the poster becoming a bestseller worldwide. Despite minimal dialogue, this role catapulted her to international sex symbol status.

Myra Breckinridge Controversy

Starred in the controversial *Myra Breckinridge*, demonstrating willingness to take risks. While the film was critically panned, it maintained her high profile and showed range beyond the sex symbol image.

The Three Musketeers Success

Won a Golden Globe for her performance in *The Three Musketeers*, proving her acting abilities beyond her looks. This critical recognition elevated her status and led to more substantial roles.

Broadway and Career Transition

Successfully transitioned to stage work and television, maintaining relevance as film roles became less frequent. Her versatility allowed her to sustain a career beyond her sex symbol years.

Fitness Empire

Launched successful fitness video series and became a wellness entrepreneur, leveraging her image into a business empire. This diversification maintained her public profile and income as acting opportunities declined.

Occasional Acting Roles

Continued making select film and TV appearances while largely retired from Hollywood's spotlight. She remained a recognizable figure from the 1960s-70s era but had faded from mainstream cultural consciousness.

Death at 82

Passed away in February 2023, prompting widespread tributes celebrating her as a Hollywood icon and trailblazer. Her death brought renewed attention to her career and cultural impact during the 1960s and 1970s.

Hollywood Golden Age Icon

Remembered as one of Hollywood's most famous sex symbols and a versatile actress who successfully transitioned across multiple entertainment mediums. Her iconic bikini image remains instantly recognizable, cementing her status as a cultural icon of the 1960s era.