Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Raquel Welch

How Raquel Welch built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Raquel Welch was an American actress who rose to international fame in the 1960s. While her role in *Fantastic Voyage* (1966) initially garnered attention, it was her appearance in *One Million Years B.C.* (1966), despite having minimal dialogue, that cemented her status as a sex symbol. The iconic image of her in a doe-skin bikini became a best-selling poster. She went on to star in numerous films, including *Bedazzled* (1967), *Bandolero!* (1968), *100 Rifles* (1969), *Myra Breckinridge* (1970), and *The Three Musketeers* (1973), showcasing her versatility beyond her initial image. She also appeared in several TV variety specials.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1960: Weather Presenter Job

In 1960, Raquel Welch began working as a weather presenter at KFMB, a local San Diego television station.

1963: Move Back to Los Angeles

In 1963, Raquel Welch moved back to Los Angeles and started applying for roles with film studios, meeting Patrick Curtis, who became her manager.

1964: Small Roles in Film and Television

In 1964, Raquel Welch was cast in small roles in the films "A House Is Not a Home" and "Roustabout", as well as television series like "Bewitched" and "McHale's Navy".

1965: Featured Role in A Swingin' Summer

In 1965, Raquel Welch had her first featured role in the beach film "A Swingin' Summer".

1966: Breakthrough Roles in Film

In 1966, Raquel Welch gained attention in "Fantastic Voyage" and "One Million Years B.C.", the latter solidifying her status as a sex symbol despite limited dialogue.

1966: Leading Role in Fantastic Voyage

In 1966, Raquel Welch played a leading role in the sci-fi film "Fantastic Voyage", which became a hit and made her a star.

1966: Starred in One Million Years B.C.

In 1966, Raquel Welch starred in "One Million Years B.C.", where her fur bikini became iconic and solidified her status as a sex symbol.

1966: Starred in Shoot Loud, Louder... I Don't Understand

In 1966, Raquel Welch starred with Marcello Mastroianni in the Italian crime film "Shoot Loud, Louder... I Don't Understand" for Joseph E. Levine. The same year, she appeared in the film "Sex Quartet" as Elena in the segment "Fata Elena".

1967: Appearance in The Oldest Profession

In 1967, Raquel Welch appeared in the anthology comedy film "The Oldest Profession" as the only American in the cast; her segment was directed by Michael Pfleghar.

1967: First Starring Vehicle in Fathom

In 1967, Raquel Welch had her first starring vehicle in the British spy film "Fathom", filmed in Spain for 20th Century Fox.

1968: Appearance in The Biggest Bundle of Them All

In 1968, Raquel Welch appeared in the heist film "The Biggest Bundle of Them All", co-starring Edward G. Robinson.

1968: Appearance in Lady in Cement

In 1968, Raquel Welch appeared with Frank Sinatra in the detective film "Lady in Cement", a sequel to the film "Tony Rome".

April 26, 1970: Television Special Raquel! Premiere

On April 26, 1970, Raquel Welch's CBS television special "Raquel!" premiered, receiving high ratings.

1971: Lead Role in Hannie Caulder

In 1971, Raquel Welch played the title role in "Hannie Caulder", a Western, and was one of the earliest actresses to have a lead role in this genre.

1972: Starred in Kansas City Bomber

In 1972, Raquel Welch starred in "Kansas City Bomber", playing a roller derby star, and production was halted due to her broken wrist from doing her own stunts.