Hugh Beaumont and Barbara Billingsley kiss in a publicity still for the TV show "Leave It To Beaver", which which they play Ward and June Cleaver.
Raquel Welch is undeniably one of the most beautiful women to ever walk this planet. But with so much focus on her looks and acting career, few have actually 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 a surprising detail…
First, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how stunning and elegant Raquel Welch was in the early 1970s. No hair extensions, no Botox, her natural hair color, and not a tattoo in sight. She had a full figure, an intriguing personality, and a sharp intellect. In my opinion, Welch is definitely one of the most spectacular, gorgeous-looking women to ever grace our screens.
Underrated genius
In a captivating 1972 interview on The Dick Cavett Show, Welch’s timeless beauty and elegance become strikingly clear. At around 32 years old, she radiated charm as she settled into the chair across from Dick Cavett.
The American television host, who helmed The Dick Cavett Show from 1968 to 1988, was a master of his craft. He was a brilliant interviewer of film directors and his interviews of Welles, Hitchcock, De Palma, and Scorsese were like film school lessons.
Cavett had a genius for making his guests feel at ease, skillfully drawing out engaging and thoughtful conversations. This particular interview showed Raquel in a light many had never seen — beyond her famous looks, revealing things I had no clue about.
Broke her wrist
Welch’s appearance on The Dick Cavett Show was partly to promote her latest film, Kansas City Bomber.
In the movie, she starred as roller derby skater K.C. Carr — a woman trying to balance her desire for a happy personal life with her dreams of stardom.
The film featured plenty of intense scenes from the matches, and according to Raquel herself, she performed most of her own stunts, which took a toll on her.
Raquel explained that she had 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, which added to the challenge.
One day while practicing, she ended up breaking her wrist, forcing the production to postpone filming for about eight weeks.
”I had a lot of aches and pains for a long time,” Welch admitted.
Recognize the dress?
Those with keen eyes might recognize Welch’s stunning, blue dress from the interview with Cavett. In fact, it’s the very same iconic gown she wore to the Oscars just a few months earlier. Talk about a fashion statement!
Raquel was at the forefront of recycling and her Oscars gown wasn’t the only piece she repurposed. The stunning dress she wore to the premiere of The Godfather was the same one she donned at Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday celebration in Budapest back in 1972.
Who knew Raquel was such a trendsetter, long before it became a buzzword?
By the way, did you know that Welch’s wardrobe for public appearances was quite different from her personal style? The public always expected her to fulfill her glamorous image, and she did so flawlessly. However, when she was off the red carpet, Welch preferred simple pantsuits and comfortable attire.
Humorous anecdote
For decades, Welch has been celebrated as a sex symbol, with much of the focus on her stunning physique. Yet, few people have had the opportunity to hear her speak candidly, especially 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 opened up about the contrast between her glamorous on-screen image and her real-life experiences. The conversation touched on her public image and the expectations placed on her as a female actress in male-dominated sport.
Raquel shared a humorous anecdote from her experience promoting Kansas City Bomber, recalling an interesting press conference with sports writers.
“I had a really interesting press conference when I first came into town to promote the film with all the sports writers. And they said, gee, you know, you’re a nice-sized lady and all that, but you’re not exactly what I expected. And I said, I know I always seem to disappoint people if I walk in the door and the door hinges don’t splinter off, that type of come 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 complemented by broad shoulders and flawless olive skin.
Dick Cavett then chimes in, adding: “I know people walked in and they looked at you and their reaction was, there’s an attractive woman. But a number of them did not know it was you and they’d seen you on the screen.”
”Downright intoxicating”
Many viewers who have watched the interview afterward (available on YouTube) have remarked on Raquel Welch’s wonderful voice. It seems some have forgotten about it, given the overwhelming focus on her stunning images and posters throughout the years.
One YouTube user commented: ”She becomes even more attractive when she speaks, downright intoxicating!”
Another commenter added: “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 went beyond just her looks; her voice added a captivating layer to her charm that resonates with audiences even today.
She was so articulate and well spoken!
Why was Raquel Welch so down-to-earth
Raquel Welch, who got her first name from a grandmother living in Bolivia, and her last name from a teenage marriage, called herself a product of middle-class America.
She never forgot her roots and always kept a foot in the part of society that wasn’t surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
”I’m pragmatic, but not without dreams of the things ideally should be,” she once said.
In her private life, Welch was often seen in relaxed, loose-fitting sweaters and classic blue jeans, with just a hint of eye makeup. Despite her immense fame, she had a sweetness and gentleness that made her feel approachable.
During her aforementioned interview with Dick Cavett, Welch came across as incredibly sweet, gentle, and down-to-earth.
Suffered from Alzheimer’s disease
Welch was undeniably one of the most spectacular and gorgeous women ever to grace our screens. Not even Kim Kardashian, with all her surgeries, could hope to compare to this beauty.
Raquel was truly something special, and we should be grateful to have experienced her brilliance. Tragically, she passed away from cardiac arrest on February 15, 2023, at her home in Los Angeles, at the age of 82. At the time of her death, she was also battling Alzheimer’s disease.
But let us remember this divine woman through her remarkable interview with Dick Cavett — a moment when Raquel Welch stood at the pinnacle of her career. Share this story if you also loved Raquel Welch!
