In 1972, Dick Cavett conducted an interview with Raquel Welch on his show
Raquel Welch is often celebrated as one of the most stunning women to ever grace the screen. Yet, with so much attention on her beauty and acting career, few have truly had the chance to hear her speak candidly and thoughtfully.
That’s why her 1972 appearance on The Dick Cavett Show stands out—it offers a glimpse of her beyond the glamour.
First, let’s take a moment to appreciate Raquel Welch’s natural beauty and elegance in the early 1970s. No enhancements, no tattoos, and her natural hair—she epitomized timeless allure. With her full figure, magnetic personality, and keen intellect, she remains, in my view, one of the most breathtaking women to ever appear on screen.
A Hidden Depth
In her captivating 1972 interview on The Dick Cavett Show, Welch’s grace and charm were undeniable. At around 32 years old, she exuded poise as she engaged with Cavett, the renowned host who brought out the best in his guests. Known for his insightful conversations with icons like Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock, Cavett had a talent for creating engaging dialogues.
This particular interview revealed a side of Raquel that many had never seen—her wit, intelligence, and reflections that went beyond her celebrated beauty.
Dedication to Her Craft
Welch appeared on the show to promote her film Kansas City Bomber, where she played K.C. Carr, a roller derby skater navigating the challenges of stardom and personal life. Committed to authenticity, Raquel performed many of her own stunts for the intense derby scenes—a decision that came at a physical cost, including breaking her wrist during production.
Through this interview, audiences discovered not just an icon of beauty but also a dedicated actress and a woman with depth and strength.
Raquel revealed that she had to learn skating from the ground up for the role. The film’s professional skaters used a track with 45-degree banked turns, which only intensified the challenge.
While practicing one day, she broke her wrist, causing the production to delay filming by about eight weeks.
“I experienced a lot of aches and pains for quite some time,” Welch confessed.
Recognize the Dress?
Sharp-eyed viewers may recall Welch’s gorgeous blue dress from her interview with Cavett. In fact, it’s the very same iconic gown she wore to the Oscars just a few months earlier—a true fashion statement!
Raquel was also a pioneer in recycling outfits. The stunning dress she sported at the premiere of The Godfather was the same one she wore to Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday celebration in Budapest in 1972.
Who would have thought that Raquel was paving the way for trends well before the term became popular?
Interestingly, Welch’s public wardrobe differed considerably from her personal style. While the public expected her to uphold her glamorous image on screen—and she did so impeccably—in her private life, she preferred the comfort of simple pantsuits and relaxed clothing.
A Humorous Anecdote
For decades, Welch has been celebrated as a sex symbol, with much attention on her striking looks. However, few have heard her speak openly on intellectual topics that reveal her depth beyond her iconic image.
During her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, the star of One Million Years B.C. discussed the contrast between her glamorous public persona and her real-life experiences. She touched on the pressures of maintaining her image as a leading lady in a male-dominated field. Raquel even shared a humorous story about a press conference with sports writers while promoting Kansas City Bomber.
“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.”
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Another viewer observed, “Raquel was not just breathtaking to behold; her voice and the way she spoke were equally enchanting.” This remark highlights that Raquel’s allure extended well beyond her physical appearance—her captivating voice added an irresistible charm that continues to resonate with audiences today.
She was remarkably articulate and eloquent!
What Made Raquel Welch So Down-to-Earth
Raquel Welch, whose first name was inspired by a grandmother from Bolivia and whose last name came from a teenage marriage, always considered herself a product of middle-class America. She never forgot her humble beginnings and remained connected to a world far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
“I’m pragmatic, but not without dreams of what life ideally should be,” she once remarked.
In her everyday life, Welch was frequently spotted in relaxed, loose sweaters paired with classic blue jeans and a subtle touch of eye makeup. Despite her enormous fame, she exuded a sweetness and gentleness that made her feel incredibly approachable.
During her interview with Dick Cavett, Welch came across as remarkably kind, unassuming, and grounded.
Battling Health Challenges
Welch was undeniably one of the most breathtaking and radiant women ever to grace our screens—an icon whose natural beauty surpassed even that of modern celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Raquel truly was something extraordinary, and we are fortunate to have witnessed 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 had also been battling Alzheimer’s disease.