Highlights
- Hollywood beauty standards were challenged by Raquel Welch in the 1980s with MGM lawsuit.
- Welch’s lawsuit raised awareness about age discrimination in the industry and inspired other women.
- Despite the impact on her career, Raquel Welch’s legacy is one of a trailblazing actress who fought for justice.
In the 1960s, Raquel Welch was more than a heartthrob. Recognized as one of the most attractive women of the 20th century, Welch became a Hollywood icon. From high-selling posters to incredible success at the box office, Welch was a force to be reckoned with. Beyond her physical looks, however, Welch was a talented actress. Furthermore, she was a strong woman who fought for her success, values, and beliefs.
In 1981, Welch set a new precedent for actresses and sued one of Hollywood’s biggest studios after being let go from a project. The legendary actress won the case, but it had lasting implications on her career. In this article, we will discuss how Raquel Welch won the lawsuit, how it impacted her career, and what her legacy is today.
Why Did Raquel Welch Sue A Hollywood Studio And How Did She Win?
Raquel Welch, more than anyone, understood the controversial beauty standards of 20th-century Hollywood. Once actresses became of a certain age, they were seen as less desirable in the eyes of certain Hollywood executives. Welch, who was well known for her physical beauty, was entering her forties in the early 1980s. While in today’s standards, this is still considered young, it was different in Welch’s era. In the opinion of many fans, Welch was just as glamorous, beautiful, and elegant as she ever was, but MGM did not agree with such an opinion.
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In 1981, Welch was working on a project entitled Cannery Row. Only weeks after she began shooting the film, she was let go from the project. According to the Hollywood Reporter, MGM decided to hire a younger woman to replace Welch. Debra Winger was twenty-five at the time of production. According to MGM, they fired Welch due to contract-breaking demands. Welch agreed with the termination, as long as she was given another movie to work on. Unfortunately, Welch was not given another project and this led her to believe that her firing was actually related to her age.
Welch spoke candidly about the incident in an interview:
“What they did was use me to get financing for the movie, then they dumped me for Debra, which they’d been planning all along. The really Machiavellian part of this is that Debra and I were represented by the same agency.”
As expected, Welch wasfurious at MGM for the termination and for not giving her another film as a compromise. The actress decided she had to take action against the studio’s controversial actions. She sued MGM and eventually was awarded with approximately $10 million, according to Collider. With the assistance of a talented attorney, Welch argued that MGM used her to finance the film with the intention of terminating her. The jury agreed with Welch’s claims.
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Welch’s lawsuit certainly increased her financial security. She allegedly passed away with a $40 million fortune. However, the MGM lawsuit had a profound impact on her career. Welch, a trailblazer for actresses, was blacklisted. Her now-respected move was not accepted by Hollywood. It cost her more than she could have ever imagined. According to a 2015 The Hollywood Reporter interview, Welch elaborated that “I needed to clear my name. But since that time, I’ve never starred in a major motion picture. That’s not the outcome I was looking for.”
While Welch never had top billing in a film in her later career, she did still work occasionally. She appeared in less than ten films between 1994 and 2023, according to Collider. These include 2001’s Legally Blonde. Welch had more success with TV roles, and guest starred on popular shows such as Spin City, CSI: Miami, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Welch never got to enjoy the success she had prior to the MGM lawsuit, but she remained a beloved entertainment icon for the remainder of her life. She passed away on February 15, 2023, at 82 years old.
What Is Raquel Welch’s Legacy?
Raquel Welch is probably best known for her youthful physical attractiveness in the 1960s, but her legacy has proven to be much more complex since the MGM lawsuit. Welch’s attack on the controversial beauty standards of 20th-century Hollywood sent a clear message to actresses, and more importantly, Hollywood executives. She stood up for what she believed was right and decided to fight a powerful force for justice.
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While Welch was blacklisted by Hollywood after the lawsuit, her actions have allowed actresses to receive better treatment from Hollywood executives. More so, she helped pave the way for women to speak out about work-related unfair or illegal behavior.
During her heyday, Welch starred in many classic films such as One Million Years B.C., Bandolero!, and 100 Rifles, among others. She was a huge box office draw and even helped change Hollywood’s blonde bombshell obsession. Blonde bombshell stars such as Marilyn Monroe are still beloved though, despite Hollywood’s more diverse culture today.
Welch, who also raised children at the height of her fame, struggled to be an attentive parent due to the pressures of her job. However, she rekindled her relationship with her children, and set an example for famous and non-famous parents.
Welch, throughout her career, had a unique impact on Hollywood and entertainment. While Welch will forever be immortalized by her physical beauty, she will most likely also be remembered as a trailblazing actress who fought for women’s rights in Hollywood. Her MGM lawsuit set a new precedent and bar for actresses and still inspires today. This is a profound legacy to have, and one Welch could be proud of.
Source: NewsFinale
