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The Four Husbands Of Raquel Welch: Inside The Marriages Of Hollywood’s Ultimate Bombshell

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The iconic life of Raquel Welch, who passed away in February 2023, was defined not just by her groundbreaking career as a global sex symbol and Golden Globe winner, but also by a complex and candid personal history, particularly her four marriages. As of December 22, 2025, the fascination with the men who stood beside the Hollywood legend continues, offering a deeper look into the private life of a star who famously admitted she "never did get it right" when it came to love. This in-depth look explores the full timeline and biographies of her four husbands, detailing how each relationship shaped her journey from a high school student in San Diego to one of the world's most recognizable actresses.

Raquel Welch, born Jo Raquel Tejada, was married four times, each union ending in divorce. Her candid commentary on the difficulties of marriage, especially for a woman of her stature, provides a compelling narrative that is both relatable and tragically honest. Her former spouses were a diverse group, ranging from her high school sweetheart and a powerful Hollywood manager to a French filmmaker and a Los Angeles restaurateur.

Complete Biography: The Four Husbands of Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch’s four marriages spanned nearly five decades, from the late 1950s to the early 2000s. Here is a detailed look at the men she married and the timeline of their relationships.

  • First Husband: James Westley Welch
    • Relationship: High school sweetheart and first love.
    • Profession: Tuna fisherman, later a real estate agent.
    • Born: January 29, 1937, in Missouri, USA.
    • Died: November 23, 2019, at the age of 82.
    • Marriage Dates: May 8, 1959 – 1964 (Divorced).
    • Children: Damon Welch (son) and Latanne "Tahnee" Welch (daughter).
    • Note: Raquel kept the surname 'Welch' after their divorce, which became her iconic stage name.
  • Second Husband: Patrick Curtis
    • Relationship: Business partner, manager, and producer.
    • Profession: American film producer (notably for *A Swingin' Summer* and *Bedazzled*).
    • Born: June 15, 1939, in Los Angeles, California.
    • Died: November 24, 2022, at the age of 83.
    • Marriage Dates: February 14, 1967 – 1972 (Divorced).
    • Note: Curtis was instrumental in crafting and managing her "sex symbol" image following her breakout role in *One Million Years B.C.*. He was also a former child actor, appearing as the infant Beau Wilkes in *Gone with the Wind*.
  • Third Husband: André Weinfeld
    • Relationship: French-American filmmaker.
    • Profession: Director, producer, screenwriter, photographer, and journalist.
    • Born: April 6, 1947, in Paris, France.
    • Marriage Dates: July 5, 1980 – 1990 (Divorced).
    • Note: Weinfeld was a respected figure in European cinema and television, bringing an international flair to her personal life. The relationship was her longest, lasting ten years.
  • Fourth Husband: Richard Palmer (Richie Palmer)
    • Relationship: Restaurateur.
    • Profession: Owner of the famous Mulberry Street Pizzeria chain in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
    • Marriage Dates: July 17, 1999 – 2008 (Divorced).
    • Note: Palmer was her final husband. He famously described her as a "living legend" in an interview shortly after their wedding.

The High School Romance and the Birth of an Icon: James Welch

Raquel’s first marriage to James Westley Welch was arguably the most foundational to her public identity. They met at age 15 while attending La Jolla High School in San Diego, California. Their 1959 marriage, which occurred despite her father's disapproval, was a move of youthful rebellion and commitment. James Welch, a tuna fisherman and later a real estate professional, was the father of her only two children, Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch (Latanne). The marriage ended in 1964, just as Raquel began her serious pursuit of an acting career in Los Angeles. Crucially, the name "Raquel Welch" was retained, launching her into stardom under a moniker that sounded more "American" than her birth name, Jo Raquel Tejada. This decision, influenced by the burgeoning Hollywood machine, cemented her stage identity forever.

The divorce allowed her to move to Los Angeles and focus entirely on her craft, leading almost immediately to her breakthrough roles in *Fantastic Voyage* and the prehistoric epic *One Million Years B.C.* in 1966. Her children, Damon and Tahnee, would later pursue their own careers, with Tahnee becoming a model and actress.

The Hollywood Manager and the Global Image-Maker: Patrick Curtis

The second marriage to Patrick Curtis marked a distinct shift from personal life to professional strategy. Curtis was more than just a husband; he was her shrewd manager and producer. He was the architect of the "Raquel Welch" persona—the ultimate Hollywood bombshell. Their relationship, which began after her divorce from James Welch, was a powerful partnership that married romance with career ambition. Curtis produced several of her films, including *The Last of Sheila* and *Hannie Caulder*, showcasing her attempts to move beyond the bikini-clad image of her early career.

The marriage, which began on Valentine's Day in 1967, was a high-profile union that lasted five years. Curtis's background as a former child actor who appeared in the legendary film *Gone with the Wind* gave him a deep understanding of the industry, which he leveraged entirely for Raquel's rise. Despite their professional success, the marriage dissolved in 1972, signaling Raquel’s desire to take more control over her own career and image, away from her manager-husband.

The Longest Union and the Final Attempt: André Weinfeld and Richard Palmer

Raquel's third marriage to French-American filmmaker André Weinfeld was her longest commitment, spanning a decade from 1980 to 1990. Weinfeld, a respected producer, director, and screenwriter, offered a connection to the European film world and a more private life away from the intense Hollywood spotlight. Born in Paris, Weinfeld's creative background brought a different intellectual energy to her life. While the marriage was her most enduring, it also eventually ended, with Raquel later reflecting on the inherent difficulties of maintaining a partnership under the pressures of celebrity.

Her final walk down the aisle was with Richard "Richie" Palmer in 1999. Palmer, the owner of the popular Mulberry Street Pizzeria chain, was a figure outside the traditional Hollywood elite, though well-known in Los Angeles social circles. Their nine-year marriage ended in 2008, after which Raquel made the definitive decision not to marry again. She noted that she was tired of compromising and that men often struggled with the reality of being married to a global icon. In a candid reflection, she stated, "I never did get it right. And a lot of men don't like the fact that I'm a working woman."

Raquel's Legacy and Her Candid View on Marriage

Raquel Welch’s legacy is one of resilience and self-determination. Her decision to remain unmarried for the last 15 years of her life, until her death in 2023, was a powerful statement of independence. She became an advocate for women taking control of their lives and careers, a theme that resonates strongly in modern discussions about celebrity and gender roles. Her four marriages—to James Welch, Patrick Curtis, André Weinfeld, and Richard Palmer—serve as a timeline of her personal evolution, from a young woman seeking traditional fulfillment to a self-possessed star who understood the unique compromises required of a world-famous actress.

Her famous quote encapsulates her experience: "We all have a childhood dream that when there is love, everything goes like silk, but the reality is that marriage requires a lot of compromise." For Raquel Welch, the ultimate compromise was one she was no longer willing to make, choosing instead to prioritize her own happiness and professional satisfaction in her later years.

raquel welch spouse
raquel welch spouse

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