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US actress Raquel Welch dies at 82

Raquel Welch died peacefully early this morning, her manager said
Raquel Welch died peacefully early this morning, her manager said

Hollywood actress Raquel Welch, star of the 1966 film Fantastic Voyage, has died at the age of 82, her family has confirmed.

Welch died following a brief illness early on Wednesday, her manager confirmed in a statement to the PA news agency.

"Raquel Welch, the legendary bombshell actress of film, television and stage, passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness," the statement read.

"The 82 year-old actress burst into Hollywood in her initial roles in One Million Years B.C. and Fantastic Voyage.

"Her career spanned over 50 years starring in over 30 films and 50 television series and appearances. The Golden Globe winner, in more recent years, was involved in a very successful line of wigs."

Welch leaves behind her two children, son Damon Welch and her daughter, Tahnee Welch.

Despite only having a few lines of dialogue as Loana in One Million Years B.C., Welch caught the attention of viewers after donning her now-infamous deer skin bikini.

Following her success, Welch went on to star in a number of other movies throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

In 1974, Welch scooped the Golden Globe award for best actress in a musical or comedy for her role as Constance de Bonacieux in The Three Musketeers.

She was later nominated for a second time for her performance in 1987 film Right To Die.

Welch has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which she was awarded in 1996.

Source: Press Association

Raquel Welch starred in One Million Years B.C. in the 1960s

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