Raquel Welch is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful women to have ever graced this earth. However, amidst the emphasis on her appearance and acting career, few have truly listened to her speak from the heart.
This is why, when I came across her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, I was struck by a surprising detail…
First, let us take a moment to recognize just how stunning and graceful Raquel Welch was in the early 1970s. There were no hair extensions, no Botox, her natural hair color was evident, and not a tattoo was visible. She possessed a full figure, a captivating personality, and a keen intellect. In my view, Welch is certainly one of the most extraordinary and beautiful women to ever appear on our screens.
In a mesmerizing 1972 interview on The Dick Cavett Show, Welch’s timeless beauty and elegance become remarkably apparent. At approximately 32 years of age, she exuded charm as she settled into the chair opposite Dick Cavett.
The American television host, who led The Dick Cavett Show from 1968 to 1988, was a master in his field. He was an exceptional interviewer of film directors, and his discussions with Welles, Hitchcock, De Palma, and Scorsese resembled lessons from a film school.
Cavett had a remarkable talent for making his guests feel comfortable, skillfully eliciting engaging and thoughtful dialogues. This particular interview showcased Raquel in a manner that many had never witnessed — transcending her renowned beauty, revealing aspects I had no prior knowledge of.
Welch’s guest appearance on The Dick Cavett Show was partially intended to promote her most recent film, Kansas City Bomber.
In this film, she portrayed roller derby skater K.C. Carr — a character striving to reconcile her aspirations for a fulfilling personal life with her ambitions for fame.
The movie showcased numerous intense scenes from the matches, and as Raquel herself stated, she executed the majority of her own stunts, which took a significant toll on her.
Raquel shared that she had to learn to skate from the ground up for this role. The professional skaters featured in the film utilized a track with banked turns at a 45-degree angle, which heightened the difficulty.
During one practice session, she unfortunately broke her wrist, which necessitated a postponement of filming for approximately eight weeks. “I experienced a great deal of aches and pains for an extended period,” Welch confessed.
Those with sharp observation skills may recall Welch’s breathtaking blue dress from her interview with Cavett. Indeed, it is the very same iconic gown she showcased at the Oscars just a few months prior. What a remarkable fashion statement!
Raquel was a pioneer in recycling, and her Oscars gown was not the only item she repurposed. The exquisite dress she wore at the premiere of The Godfather was also the one she sported at Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday celebration in Budapest back in 1972.
Who would have thought Raquel was such a trendsetter, long before the term became popular? By the way, it is interesting to note that Welch’s wardrobe for public appearances differed significantly from her personal style. The public consistently anticipated her to embody her glamorous persona, and she executed this expectation flawlessly. However, when not on the red carpet, Welch favored simple pantsuits and comfortable clothing.
For many years, Welch has been recognized as a sex symbol, primarily due to her remarkable physique. However, only a limited number of individuals have had the chance to hear her express her thoughts openly, particularly on intellectual subjects that showcase her depth beyond the legendary persona.
In her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, the star of One Million Years B.C. discussed the disparity between her glamorous on-screen persona and her actual life experiences. The dialogue explored her public image and the pressures she faced as a female actress in a male-dominated industry.
Raquel recounted a humorous story from her time promoting Kansas City Bomber, reminiscing about a notable press conference with sports journalists.
“I had a rather intriguing press conference when I initially arrived in town to promote the film alongside all the sports writers. They remarked, well, you know, you’re a nicely proportioned lady and all, but you’re not quite what I anticipated. To which I replied, I understand I often seem to let people down if I enter the room and the door hinges don’t break off, that sort of impression of coming in with a machete or something.”
Some individuals who encountered her in person were taken aback by her stature — a petite 5 feet 5½ inches tall with a delicate frame, gracefully enhanced by broad shoulders and impeccable olive skin.
Dick Cavett then interjects, stating: “I know that when people walked in and saw you, their immediate reaction was, there’s an attractive woman. However, many of them were unaware it was you, despite having seen you on screen.”
Numerous viewers who subsequently watched the interview (accessible on YouTube) have commented on Raquel Welch’s remarkable voice. It appears that some may have overlooked this aspect, given the predominant emphasis on her breathtaking images and posters over the years.
One YouTube user remarked: “She becomes even more attractive when she speaks, downright intoxicating!”
Another commenter stated: “I love the way she speaks; there is something unique and also time-stamped about it.”
A different viewer observed: “Raquel was not only stunning to look at; she possessed a wonderful voice and a captivating manner of speaking.”
This observation serves as a reminder that Raquel’s allure extended beyond her physical appearance; her voice contributed an enchanting dimension to her charm that continues to resonate with audiences today.
She was exceptionally articulate and eloquent!
Raquel Welch, who derived her first name from a grandmother residing in Bolivia and her last name from a youthful marriage, regarded herself as a product of middle-class America.
She never lost sight of her origins and consistently maintained a connection to the segment of society that was not enveloped in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
“I’m pragmatic, yet I harbor dreams of what things ideally should be,” she once remarked.
In her personal life, Welch was frequently observed wearing comfortable, loose-fitting sweaters paired with classic blue jeans, complemented by a subtle touch of eye makeup. Despite her significant fame, she possessed a sweetness and gentleness that rendered her approachable.
During her previously mentioned interview with Dick Cavett, Welch appeared remarkably sweet, gentle, and grounded.
Welch was undoubtedly one of the most stunning and beautiful women to ever appear on our screens. Not even Kim Kardashian, despite her numerous surgeries, could aspire to match this level of beauty.
Raquel was indeed something extraordinary, and we ought to be thankful for the opportunity to witness her brilliance. Unfortunately, she passed away from cardiac arrest on February 15, 2023, in her residence in Los Angeles, at the age of 82. At the time of her passing, she was also contending with Alzheimer’s disease.
However, let us commemorate this extraordinary woman through her unforgettable interview with Dick Cavett — a moment when Raquel Welch was at the height of her career. Share this narrative if you too cherished Raquel Welch!
