Raquel Welch captivated audiences with her beauty, acting skills, and overall presence on film. She was among the earliest women in Hollywood to break rules, playing roles that demanded physical strength and rough determination. While other actresses of her time were stuck in the glamorous or romantic roles, Welch established a niche for herself as a strong action heroine playing roles in films like Bandolero!, 100 Rifles, and Hannie Caulder.
The amount of athleticism and intensity required in these roles was not anticipated of women in the industry then, thus making her an icon in the action genre. However, Welch’s tireless work ethic and fearless on-screen presence were shaped by her childhood experience.
Raquel Welch was raised in an abusive family
Behind the glitzy exterior everyone saw, Welch’s childhood was one of stern obedience and family violence. Her father, Carlos Armando Tejada, dominated every aspect of their lives, including what they could speak. Spanish was never allowed to be spoken in their home because it would give his children an accent.
His impossible standards ruled in their house. Welch recalled that her father loved her conditionally, demanding academic perfection and impeccable conduct. In her documentary, I am Raquel Welch, they mentioned the fireplace poker, which is what he allegedly used to instill fear.
Raquel Welch stood up to her abusive father
After years of misery at the mercy of her father’s abuse, Welch was finally able to find the courage to confront him. At the age of 16, an embarrassing dinner party exchange changed the dynamics in their home. After her father, enraged, embarrassed her mother in front of everyone by dumping a glass of milk on her face, and poor Welch would no longer hold back.
Determined to put an end to the abuse, she grasped a fireplace poker and would not back down. The outburst of defiance caught her father off guard, and he was forced to back down. That one incident shifted the balance in their relationship so he never raised his hand against them again.