Raquel Welch is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful women to ever grace this earth. However, despite the constant focus on her stunning looks and illustrious acting career, few have truly heard her speak from the heart.
That’s why, when I stumbled upon her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, I was taken aback by a surprising detail.
Let’s first take a moment to appreciate just how breathtaking and graceful Raquel Welch was in the early 1970s. She had no hair extensions, no Botox, just her natural hair and skin, without a tattoo in sight. With a full figure, a captivating personality, and a sharp mind, Raquel truly epitomized elegance. In my opinion, she remains one of the most spectacular and beautiful women ever to grace our screens.
The Underrated Genius
In a fascinating 1972 interview on The Dick Cavett Show, Raquel Welch’s timeless beauty was on full display. At 32 years old, she radiated charisma as she sat across from the legendary host, Dick Cavett.
Dick Cavett, a brilliant interviewer known for his ability to make even the most esteemed guests feel comfortable, conducted engaging and thoughtful conversations. His interviews with film legends like Welles, Hitchcock, De Palma, and Scorsese were legendary, almost like master classes in filmmaking. On this particular occasion, Cavett managed to pull back the curtain on Raquel’s persona, revealing a side of her that many had never seen.
Breaking Her Wrist on Set
Raquel’s appearance on the show was to promote her latest film, Kansas City Bomber. In the movie, she portrayed K.C. Carr, a roller derby skater trying to balance a fulfilling personal life with the pursuit of stardom.
The film had many intense roller derby scenes, and according to Raquel, she performed most of her own stunts, which took a physical toll on her. She explained how she had to learn to skate from scratch, with the professional skaters using a track with steep 45-degree turns, making it even more challenging.
Raquel recalled an incident where, during practice, she broke her wrist. This injury forced the production to pause for about eight weeks. “I had a lot of aches and pains for a long time,” she admitted, a testament to the dedication she put into her work.
The Iconic Dress
If you have a keen eye, you might recognize the striking blue dress Raquel wore during her interview with Cavett. It was the same gown she wore to the Oscars just a few months prior—now that’s a fashion statement! Raquel was ahead of her time in many ways, and her repurposing of her wardrobe was one such example. In fact, she wore the same dress to The Godfather premiere and to Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday celebration in Budapest that year.
Who knew Raquel was a trendsetter long before recycling became a buzzword? Off the red carpet, though, her personal style was much simpler. She preferred loose-fitting pantsuits and casual attire, a far cry from the glamorous persona that the public expected her to maintain.
A Humorous Anecdote
For decades, Raquel Welch has been celebrated as a sex symbol, with the focus often on her stunning physique. But during her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, she had the opportunity to show a different side of herself—one that was deeply intellectual, funny, and relatable.
During the interview, Raquel shared a humorous story about her experience promoting Kansas City Bomber. She recalled a press conference with sports writers where they seemed surprised by her stature. “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,” she joked.
Raquel, who stands at a petite 5 feet 5½ inches, was often misjudged by her on-screen persona. Despite her small-boned frame, she had broad shoulders and flawless olive skin, creating an image that many found more imposing than she truly was. Cavett remarked, “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 this interview on YouTube have remarked on Raquel Welch’s beautiful voice, which seems to have been overshadowed by her famous looks over the years. One YouTube user commented: “She becomes even more attractive when she speaks, downright intoxicating!”
Another added, “I love the way she speaks; there is something unique and also time-stamped about it.” These comments remind us that Raquel’s appeal went far beyond her looks; her voice added a layer of charm that was just as captivating as her beauty. She was articulate and captivating in a way that resonated with everyone.
Why Was Raquel Welch So Down-to-Earth?
Raquel Welch, who got her first name from a Bolivian grandmother and her last name from a teenage marriage, often described herself as a product of middle-class America. Despite her Hollywood fame, she never forgot her humble roots. She always kept a foot in the world that wasn’t surrounded by glitz and glamour.
“I’m pragmatic, but not without dreams of the things ideally should be,” she once said. In her private life, Raquel was often seen in simple, comfortable clothing—loose sweaters and classic blue jeans—with just a hint of makeup. Despite her global fame, she had a sweet and approachable personality that made her feel incredibly down-to-earth.
During her interview with Dick Cavett, Raquel came across as kind, warm, and sincere—traits that many people may not have expected from someone so famous.
A Tragic Loss
Raquel Welch, one of the most stunning women to ever grace our screens, passed away on February 15, 2023, from cardiac arrest at the age of 82. At the time, she was also battling Alzheimer’s disease. While her beauty will never be forgotten, it’s her intelligence, wit, and genuine personality that truly set her apart.
Let’s honor Raquel’s legacy by remembering the remarkable woman she was, especially through her insightful interview with Dick Cavett—a moment when she stood at the peak of her career, revealing a side of her that many never had the chance to see.
If you loved Raquel Welch as much as we did, share this story with others and celebrate the memory of this extraordinary woman.