Raquel Welch just died.
At that time Raquel said something deeply true, not just for her but for many women who learn conventional "beauty" isn't an attribute but a tool: "To have it said that you’re a sex symbol, the most beautiful girl in the world, is initially terrific. You think, isn’t that neat? Then you pass a mirror and you say, ‘Uh-oh, that face ain’t gonna launch a thousand ships, and that bod’s not so hot either.’ Nobody can be the most beautiful girl in the world. It’s just fairy-tale time. Now, after some psychotherapy, I’ve come to grips with the monster and said OK, there’s the public thing, the label. It means money and the chance to do other things. It’s going to be tough, but using it you can open up the other side and let people find out you’re a serious artist." (source)
Oh no! That's so sad. I had no idea she was in her 80s. She was quite the powerhouse and an icon.
ReplyDeleteI was so sad to see she had passed. I became aware of her when she starred on The Muppet Show! And I'm pretty sure she was on the Love Boat at least once!
ReplyDeleteGreat quote.
In the 70s she was the pinnacle of femininity the archetypical sex symbol, but I suspect that this meant she was held back from fulfilling all of her potential, I remember a few occasions when she displayed superb comic timing.
ReplyDeleteYou're right: Raquel had comic talent and it wasn't fully employed. I suspect most conventionally beautiful women suffer from underestimation (and underemployment) when put into the "beautiful" box. It's sad how our cultural stereotypes limit seeing the totality of individuals.
DeleteAfter watching One Million Years BC at age 10, I fell in love with her. lol
ReplyDeleteRaquel Welch was such an icon- and she handled her iconic status with such poise and grace.
ReplyDelete-Ashley
https://lestylorouge.com
I don't know why, but I was really surprised by her passing.
ReplyDeleteKaren @For What It's Worth
I have to think every time her name is mentioned as I get her muddled up with Denise Welch who is a northern English soap opera actress and every time, I know I'm thinking of the wrong one. Always sad when an icon dies and also very sad where epithets and fame can have a detrimental effect on their ability to be free and comfortable with themselves. I do remember her being really witty on something I saw!
ReplyDeleteKezzzie x