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'You helped Andy Dufresne escape Shawshank': Fans mourn Raquel Welch's death at 82

Raquel Welch is frequently cited as having changed the way action women are portrayed in contemporary Hollywood movies

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hollywood star Raquel Welch, who became an international sex symbol in the 1960s, has died aged 82. Welch died on Wednesday morning following a brief illness, according to her manager.

In 1974's The Three Musketeers, she won a Golden Globe for best actress. In 1987's Right to Die, she received another nomination. The American is frequently cited as having changed the way action women are portrayed in contemporary Hollywood movies.

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'An incredibly attractive woman'

As the news of her death circulated fans began to pay their tributes. "Raquel Welch was my first real crush as a teenager. An incredibly attractive woman. #RIP," Roberto a fan wrote. "The actress Raquel Welch, star of 'A Million Years Ago,' has died at the age of 82. The poster girl in 'Escape Dream' that Andy uses to hide his escape tunnel. His last film role was in 'How to be a Latin Lover' by Eugenio Derbez," Rafael Rivera wrote. "When Raquel Welch was cast as the lead in Victor/Victoria on Broadway, which was absurd for a number of reasons, she refused to wear the chest strap. "They paid to see my bazooms!" I loved her for that. She was also very nice to us folks working front of house." Stephen Robinson wrote.

Reflecting on her career choices, Raquel Welch once told AP, “I enjoy the fact that I was celebrated in that capacity,” she said. “It was limiting, though. But the truth of the matter is that because my look was kind of exotic, I was never going to get cast in all the roles that I’d like to get cast in.”

Timeless actress

A fan wrote, "Raquel Welch passed at the age of 82. She is such a timeless actress and person. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on. Rest in peace, beautiful."  One more wrote, "RIP Raquel Welch you entertained us with your wonderful acting, sexy ways & beautiful life & we were all grateful for knowing you!! Thank you!" One more wrote, "RIP Raquel Welch. And thank you for helping Andy Dufresne escape the Shawshank penitentiary." Another fan recalled her the same way, "Aww, rest in peace, Raquel Welch. You were a very cool actress, and you helped Andy Dufresne escape from Shawshank."

One said, "Oh my. RIP Raquel Welch. At the time, every teen and pre-teen boy knew who she was. A lot more talented than most people gave her credit for being. Another user wrote,"...She earned herself a reputation for unholy levels of bitchiness-we all know there was a purring pussycat underneath with wonderful self-effacing humor and fabulous dry wit. A shame her comic timing was not better used on the silver screen. RIP." A fan said, "Ah man now this hurts. Rest in peace to the stunning #raquelwelch." 

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