The final public sighting of Raquel Welch was captured six months before her passing at the age of 82, and it was a painful one.
In July 2022, the actress, best known for her role in “Fantastic Voyage,” was spotted getting a manicure at J&J Beauty Lounge in Beverly Hills.
She flipped through magazines while an employee wearing pink glasses and a blue face mask worked on her fingernails.
Final photos of Raquel Welch show Hollywood siren going for manicure https://t.co/uLf8Blqv5h
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 16, 2023
At times, Welch experienced pain, as seen in the photos. The visit was a rare public appearance for the actress, who had been maintaining a lower profile in recent years.
Accompanied by an unidentified friend, Welch was dressed in a white long-sleeve shirt, black pants, black open-toed sandals, and a straw fedora hat, which she removed for the manicure.
The 1960s sex symbol also wore large gold hoop earrings, giving her an elegant look. Outside the salon, she held hands with her friend before heading inside.
Final photos of Raquel Welch show Hollywood siren going for manicure https://t.co/jdBvgfIy8I pic.twitter.com/6vUqbhjfg7
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 16, 2023
After Welch’s death, her rep confirmed the news in a statement to the Post, saying, “Raquel Welch, the legendary bombshell actress of film, television, and stage, passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness.”
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Welch’s successful career spanned over 50 years, and she appeared in over 30 films and 50 television series and appearances. She won a Golden Globe for her role in “The Three Musketeers” in 1973, and her last onscreen credits were in 2017. In later years, Welch launched a successful wig line.
Welch credited her success to her work ethic and energy. “I just have a lot of energy, and I knew I had to use it,” she told the Post in 2013. “I wanted to be in the performing arts. I didn’t think that reality was all that interesting.” Welch added, “The way that I thought of the movies was a completely different bag of beans than it is today. It was really kind of an art form removed from reality.”
Welch was married four times, with her last marriage ending in 2003. She is survived by her two children, son Damon Welch and daughter Tahnee Welch. Michael Napolitano, president and CEO of HairUWear, where Welch had worked for 25 years, expressed his sadness at her passing in a statement to the Post, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and legendary beauty, Raquel Welch. She has been more than just a business partner.”
In her final public appearance, Welch seemed to be experiencing pain during her manicure, but inside the salon, she also appeared happy.
Her life was marked by a successful career, a strong work ethic, and an enduring beauty that will be remembered for years to come.
