Reese Witherspoon Mourns 'Simply Stunning' Co-Star Raquel Welch

Chukwudi Onyewuchi
Actress Raquel Welch
Getty | Donato Sardella

On Wednesday, shock waves rolled through the entertainment industry as the news of the demise of one of Hollywood's greatest beauties, Raquel Welch, became public. Many iconic names have paid tribute to the actress after her passing, including Reese Witherspoon. Find out more.

The News Of Raquel's Demise Hits The Internet 

Raquel Welch is dead
Flickr | Ray Guselli

On February 15, 2023, TMZ broke the sad news of Raquel's demise. Not long after, the late icon's representative, Steve Sauer, released a statement to ET confirming the tragedy.

Raquel's Rep Confirms The News

The statement revealed that the Fantastic Voyage actress died peacefully early that morning after a brief illness at the age of 82. Next, Steve gave a glimpse into Raquel's career, noting that her career spanned over 50 years.

Details Of The Statement 

Raquel Welch in her heydays
Flickr | C&C52

In those years, the actress starred in over 30 films and 50 television series, including One Million Years B.C. She also bagged a Golden Globe award.

Raquel Was Into Wigs 

Furthermore, the statement relayed that the actress was involved in a very successful line of wigs in the more recent years before her demise. Steve concluded by revealing Raquel is survived by two children, Damon and Tahnee Welch.

Celebrities Pay Tribute 

Raquel Welch looking so gorgeous
Flickr | C&C52

Raquel was a legend known for mostly appearing on the big screen in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Considering her status in the entertainment industry, many celebrities wasted no time paying tribute to the actress.

Reese Witherspoon Pours Out Her Heart 

Raquel's Simply Stunning co-star Reese, took to social media to comment on the deceased's iconic status. In a Twitter post, the actress expressed her sadness about hearing Raquel's death.

Reese Describes Raquel With Sweet Words 

Reese admitted that she loved working with Raquel on Legally Blonde. She then described the late actress as professional, simply stunning, elegant, and glamorous beyond belief.

Reese's Final Words

Reese concluded by praying for all Raquel's angels to carry her home, after which she sent love to the deceased's family and fans. Reese accompanied the write-up with a photo from Legally Blonde, which showed Raquel in character as Mrs. Windham Vandermark.

Melissa Gilbert Pays Tribute

Besides Reese, Melissa Gilbert paid her last respects to the icon. She posted a throwback photo of Raquel from the 1960s, showing the late actress clad in a Native American necklace and fringed dress.

Inside Melissa's Emotional Post

The Little House on the Prairie star accompanied the photo with a write-up explaining that there were people one aspired to be like, and those that one could never be like because they were "individually undeniably themselves."

Melissa Speaks Highly Of Raquel 

Raquel Welch posing in animal print dress
Flickr | Kleiaa

Melissa went ahead to explain that Raquel was one of such people who were themselves. She finished by noting "what a woman she was and will always be," before using the hashtag RIP. 

Viola Davis Pays Her Respects

The likes of Viola Davis and Robert Wagner were not left out. The former posted old clips of Raquel, revealing that it was a great pleasure to meet the star. Viola then described Raquel as ageless and iconic.

Robert Wagner Follows Suit

Robert took to social media to say a few words. The widower of Natalie Wood shared two snapshots that showed him as a young man with his arm around a bikini-clad Raquel. 

Robert Says He Is Sad

In a write-up accompanying the snaps, Robert noted that he and his current wife, Jill, were saddened to hear about Raquel's passing. Robert then revealed he worked with the actress in 1968 in The Biggest Bundle of Them All.

Robert Says Only Nice Things About Raquel

The duo would later work together again on Date My Dad. Robert described Raquel as an incredibly gifted woman with a beautiful soul, after which he sent out his thoughts to her family and children.

Who Else Paid Tribute?

Other celebrities who paid tribute to the icon included Playboy Model and producer Devin Devasquez, Kurt Loder, and Barry Watson. Fans of the actress also poured out their hearts.

When Did Raquel Rise To Fame?

Raquel gained international recognition when she caused Hollywood's vigorous promotion of The Blonde Bombshell to end. From there, she appeared in a slew of movies and television shows.

Some Of Raquel's Acting Credits

Some of her movie credits include How to Be a Latin Lover, The Last of Sheila, Fathom, Bedazzled, Hannie Caulder, 100 Rifles, Myra Breckinridge, Bandolero, and The Three Musketeers

Raquel Was A Golden Globe Winner

Raquel's role as Constance de Bonacieux in the 1974 remake of The Three Musketeers earned her a Golden Globe award. Raquel will always be missed, and her legacy continues to live on.