Raquel Welch, the original screen bombshell of the 1960s and 1970s, died in February at 82, and her cause of death has now been established.
According to her death certificate, the actress died of a heart arrest, with Alzheimer’s being one of the underlying causes.
While the actress kept her Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis hidden, her original family statement indicated that she died in February after a “short illness.”
The certificate also claimed she died at 2 a.m. on February 15 and was cremated.
“The iconic bombshell actress of film, television, and stage died quietly early this morning after a brief illness,” her family’s spokesman stated.
“Her career extended more than 50 years, including roles in more than 30 films and 50 television programs and appearances. In recent years, the Golden Globe winner has been involved with a very successful line of wigs.”
“Raquel leaves behind her two children, son Damon Welch and daughter Tahnee Welch,” it said, adding that the actress had four marriages between 1967 and 2004.
Raquel participated in The Three Musketeers (1974), which starred Faye Dunaway and Charlton Heston and earned her a Golden Globe award for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical or Comedy.
Among her numerous other credits are Bedazzled, Myra Breckinridge, and Hannie Caulder. She was also honored with a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
She has recently appeared in Legally Blonde, Tortilla Soup, and How to Be a Hispanic Lover. The actress spent her final years with family, singing and developing her eponymous wig collection.
