Reese Witherspoon shared fond memories of Raquel Welch following her death (Picture: REX)
Reese Witherspoon has led tributes to Raquel Welch following the sad news of her death.
The Legally Blonde star died at the age of 82, with her manager, Steve Sauer, confirming the news on Wednesday (February 15).
He said she ‘passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness,’ although her cause of death is not yet known.
Tributes have poured in for the award-winning star, with Reese, 46, sharing kind words about her former co-star.
The actress starred alongside Welch in the 2001 rom-com, with Reese, of course, playing Elle Woods, and late star Welch portraying Mrs Windham Vandermark.
Her character was an elusive widow, whom Elle encountered at a luxurious spa day.
Welch died at the age of 82, following a ‘brief illness’ (Picture: Amanda Schwab/Starpix/REX/Shutterstock)
Taking to social media with a glowing tribute, Reese wrote on Twitter: ‘So sad to hear about Raquel Welch’s passing. I loved working with her on Legally Blonde.
‘She was elegant, professional and glamorous beyond belief. Simply stunning. May all her angels carry her home’, followed by a dove emoji.
‘Sending love to her family and her many fans’, she signed off with a love heart.
Elsewhere, Welch’s management company, Media Four, has also paid tribute to the late actress.
The company said in a statement: ‘Raquel Welch, the legendary bombshell actress of film, television and stage, passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness.
‘Her career spanned over 50 years, starring in over 30 films and 50 television series and appearances.
‘The Golden Globe winner, in more recent years, was involved in a very successful line of wigs.
‘Raquel leaves behind her two children, son Damon Welch and her
daughter, Tahnee Welch.’
Reese played Elle Woods in the 2001 rom-com, while Welch played Mrs Windham Vandermark (Picture: Tracy Bennett/Mgm/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
The late actress is survived by two children (Picture: Chelsea Lauren/REX/Shutterstock)
Welch rose to fame in the 60s, when she appeared in the sci-fi movie Fantastic Voyage and the fantasy movie One Million Years BC.
The movie star subsequently became one of the most in-demand stars in the movie business and an international sex symbol.
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Welch was particularly well-known for playing strong female characters and, in 1974, she won a Golden Globe Award for best motion picture actress in a musical or comedy for her performance in The Three Musketeers.
She was also nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in the 1987 drama Right to Die.
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Welch died after a ‘brief illness.’
