Jo Raquel Tejada is a Chicago, Illinois-born American actress and a pop culture icon, who as Raquel Welch is still perhaps best known from her most iconic role in “One Million Years BC” in 1966, in which she appeared in her purposely depleted prehistoric bikini, which captured the hearts of modern men and of course their teenage sons. It went on to be the best selling pin-up poster at that time, and to her being an international sex symbol of 1960s. Born on September 5, 1940 into a family of Bolivian and English ancestry, Raquel has been active in the field of entertainment since 1959.
So just how rich is Raquel Welch? The actress who has continued to be a relevant presence in pop culture, has an estimated net worth of $35 million. In addition to her wealth, she has achieved popularity that’s always helped her hold her place in Hollywood. Obviously, her net worth has come from her very successful acting career.
Raquel Welch Net Worth $35 Million
Raquel’s career began as a performer from the tender age of seven when she took on ballet classes. At the age of 17, she quit ballet after her teacher said her body was not the right type. She started acting in 1959, and concurrently took a job as a weather forecaster at KFMB, San Diego. She played small roles in television series like “Bewitched”, “The Virginian” and “McHale’s Navy”, but her big break came after signing a contract with 20th Century Fox: a leading role in the sci-fi movie “Fantastic Voyage” in early 1966, and then her most iconic role in “One Million Years B.C.” which is regarded as the pillar for her success that’s still relevant today. Raquel is also among the first few who portrayed a female leading role in western movie, “Hannie Caulder”, based on revenge which inspired later revenge movies like “Kill Bill”.
She won a Golden Globe award for best actress for her role in “The Four Musketeers” (1974) – which followed “the Three Musketeers” (1973) – and was also nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in the television drama “Right to Die” (1987). Welch was due to star in 1982 adaptation of Cannery Row, but was fired a few days into production and replaced by Debra Winger. Welch sued the production team and collected $10.8 million as settlement. Welch received a star on the Holly Wood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard. She was also rewarded for her positive promotion of Americans of Latin heritage.
Apart from acting, Welch also has her hand in different beauty related programs. With her Multi-Platinum collection of fitness and yoga videos and her books with her views on healthy living, nutrition, beauty and style, she has been adding to her wealth. As a business woman she began her line of wigs, jewelry and skin care products. In January 2007 Welch was selected as new face of MAC Cosmetics Beauty Icon series with her line featuring limited edition make up shades.
Regarding her personal live, a mother of two children, Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch, she has been married to James Welch (1959-64), Patrick Curtis (1967-72), Andre Weinfeld (1980-90) and Richard Palmer (1999 – now separated). With all the fame and a significant net worth, Welch has established herself as a relevant and a respectable figure in the pop film culture as of 2015.
