Raquel Welch died at 82 after a brief illness, her business manager announced.
Although it took some time for the news that one of the greatest Hollywood beauties of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s had died to reach the public, shock waves swept through the entertainment industry.
Following that, the Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C. actress was showered with accolades.
Raquel was one of the first brunette bombshells in Hollywood to play a leading role in a film, and many celebrities praised her.
Three celebrities used social media to spread their messages: Reese Witherspoon, Melissa Gilbert, and Viola Davis.
Reese Witherspoon spoke with legendary actors about acting.
“Sad to hear about Raquel Welch’s passing,” the Wild actress began. “I treasured my time with her on Legally Blonde. She was incredibly elegant, competent, and glamorous. Just breathtaking.”
Jim Toth’s wife wished “all her angels would carry her home. Love to her family and her ardent fans.”
Melissa Gilbert shared a vintage photo of Welch wearing a fringed outfit and a Native American necklace from the 1960s.
“There are people one hopes to be like, and then there are those you know you’ll never be like because they are just so individually unmistakably themselves,” the Little House on the Prairie star said.
“That woman belonged to them. What a fantastic woman she is and will always be! #RIP.
Viola Davis has shared old Raquel videos.
“It was a pleasure meeting you! You were timeless and iconic in my eyes. Get some rest, Raquel Welch!” she exclaimed.
Robert Wagner, the famous actor from Hart to Hart, also commented on social media.
He appears in two photos as a young man holding Welch in a bikini.
“Jill and I are saddened to learn of the demise of our beloved friend, Raquel Welch,” Natalie Wood’s widower said.
“I worked with her on two projects: Date My Dad, which came out a few years ago, and The Biggest Bundle of Them All, which came out in 1968.”
“She had a wonderful soul and was extremely talented. Our thoughts are with her family and children.”
Barry Watson, married to Robert Gregson Wagner’s daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner, was saddened to learn of Raquel Welch’s death. “She portrayed my mother-in-law in the film Date My Dad, for which we were doing press.”
“I’ll never forget the first time she met my daughter Clover in the hotel where we stayed in Vancouver while filming the show.”
“Rocky, may you find peace. Clover wouldn’t let go of her. This world will remember you fondly.”
“It was sad to learn about #RaquelWelch’s demise, such a famous and stunning woman. We had the pleasure of her company a few years ago while attending an art exhibition. #ripraquel.”
Welch rose to fame by defying the stereotype of the “blonde bombshell.”
She appeared in numerous films and television shows, winning a Golden Globe for her role as Constance de Bonacieux in the 1974 adaptation of The Three Musketeers.
