Raquel Welch is undeniably one of the most beautiful women to ever walk the earth. But, with so much emphasis on her appearance and acting career, few have heard her speak from the heart.
That’s why, when I stumbled upon her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, I couldn’t help but notice an unexpected detail.
First, let us take a moment to appreciate how beautiful and elegant Raquel Welch was in the early 1970s. She maintained her natural hair color, eschewed hair extensions, and had no visible tattoos. She had a full figure, an intriguing personality, and a sharp intellect. Welch is, in my opinion, one of the most stunning and attractive women to have ever graced our screens.
A 1972 interview on The Dick Cavett Show highlights Welch’s timeless beauty and elegance. She was perhaps 32 years old and exuded charm as she sat across from Dick Cavett.
From 1968 to 1988, the American television host, who hosted The Dick Cavett Show, demonstrated mastery in his craft. He was an excellent interviewer of film directors, and his interviews with Welles, Hitchcock, De Palma, and Scorsese were like film school lessons.
Raquel Welch on The Dick Cavett Show, August 2, 1972.
Posted by Killer Cosmonaut on Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Cavett had a gift for putting his guests at ease and skillfully eliciting engaging and thought-provoking conversations. This particular interview showed Raquel in a light that many had never seen before, going beyond her famous looks and revealing things I had no idea about.
She suffered a fractured wrist in a bombing.
In the film, she played roller derby skater K.C. Carr, a woman attempting to balance her desire for a fulfilling personal life with her dreams of stardom.
The film featured numerous intense scenes from the matches, and according to Raquel herself, she performed the majority of her own stunts, which put a strain on
Raquel explained that she needed to learn how to skate from scratch for the role. The professional skaters in the film used a track with banked turns at a 45-degree angle, adding to the difficulty.
One day while practicing, she broke her wrist, forcing the production to postpone filming for almost eight weeks.
“I had a lot of aches and pains for a long time,” Welch said.
Recognize the dress?
Those with keen eyes could recognize Welch’s stunning blue dress from her interview with Cavett. In fact, it is the same iconic gown she wore at the Oscars just a few months ago. Talk about a fashion statement!
Raquel was a pioneer in recycling, and she repurposed more than just her Oscar gown. She wore the same stunning dress to the Godfather premiere as she did to Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday celebration in Budapest in 1972.
Who knew Raquel was a trendsetter long before it became a buzzword?
Did you know that Welch’s wardrobe for public appearances was very different from her personal style? The public always expected her to live up to her glamorous image, and she delivered flawlessly. However, when she was not on the red carpet, Welch preferred simple pantsuits and comfortable attire.
Funny anecdote
People have celebrated Welch as a sex symbol for decades, primarily focusing on her stunning physique. However, few people have had the opportunity to hear her speak candidly, particularly on intellectual topics that reveal her depth beyond the iconic image.
During her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, the One Million Years B.C. star discussed the contrast between her glamorous on-screen image and her real-life experiences. The discussion focused on her public image and the expectations placed on her as a female actress in a male-dominated sport.
Raquel shared a humorous anecdote from her experience promoting the Kansas City Bomber, describing an intriguing press conference with sports writers.
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
“I had a fantastic press conference with all of the sports writers when I first arrived in town to promote the film. And they said, “Well, you’re a nice-sized lady and all, but you’re not exactly what I expected.” I responded, “I know I always disappoint people when I walk in and the door hinges don’t splinter off, as if I’m coming in with a machete or something.”
Some who saw her in person were surprised by her size—a petite 5 feet 5½ inches tall with a small-boned frame, elegantly complementing broad shoulders, and flawless olive skin.
Dick Cavett then adds, “I know people came in and looked at you and said, ‘There’s an attractive woman.'” However, several people saw you on screen and were unaware of your identity.
“Downright Intoxicating”
Many viewers who saw the interview thereafter (available on YouTube) praised Raquel Welch’s wonderful voice. Some appear to have forgotten about it, given the overwhelming focus on her stunning images and posters throughout the years.
A YouTube user commented, “She becomes even more attractive when she speaks—downright intoxicating!”
Another commenter said, “I love the way she speaks; there is something unique and also time-stamped about it.”
Another viewer noted: “Raquel Was Not Only Stunning To Look At; She Had A Wonderful Voice And A Captivating Way Of Speaking.”
This detail reminds us that Raquel’s appeal extended beyond her appearance; her voice added a captivating layer to her charm that still resonates with audiences today.
She was quite articulate and well-spoken!
Raquel Welch, who inherited her first name from a grandmother in Bolivia and her last name from a teenage marriage, identified as a middle-class American.
She always maintained a presence in society apart from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, never forgetting her roots.
“I’m pragmatic, but not without dreams of the things ideally should be,” she’d once stated.
Welch frequently wore loose-fitting sweaters and classic blue jeans, with minimal makeup on her eyes. Despite her immense fame, she exuded a sweetness and gentleness that made her approachable.
During her interview with Dick Cavett, Welch came across as really kind, gentle, and down-to-earth.
Welch was considered one of the most beautiful women in film history despite having Alzheimer’s disease.
Not even Kim Kardashian, with all of her surgeries, could compare to her beauty.
Raquel was truly exceptional, and we should be grateful to have witnessed her brilliance.
Tragically, she died from cardiac arrest on February 15, 2023, at the age of 82, in her home in Los Angeles. She was also suffering from Alzheimer’s disease when she died.