Hollywood star and model, 82

performance in 1987 film Right To Die.

Welch’s other on-screen credits include portraying Kit Forrest, the love interest of Tony Rome – played by Frank Sinatra – in Lady In Cement, and the eponymous Myra Breckenridge in the 1970 film following the escapades of a transgender woman.

As a result of her success on screen, Welch became a sex symbol, gracing the cover of Playboy magazine in 1979.

She also appeared as a guest on popular children’s television show The Muppets in 1978.

Welch was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996, and flowers were laid at the site after the news of her death emerged.

Later in life, Welch branched out to create the

Raquel Welch Wig Collection. Of her wig designs, Welch said: “My mantra: Make it nothing but the best. Then make it better.”

Welch also partnered with cosmetics company MAC in 2007, releasing a make-up collection as one of its “beauty icons”.

After her divorce from her first husband in 1964, Welch went on to marry a further three times.

She leaves behind son Damon Welch and daughter Latanne “Tahnee” Welch, who is also an actress.

Reese Witherspoon was among the stars who paid tributes to Welch, describing her as “elegant, professional and glamorous beyond belief ”.

Witherspoon, who worked with Welch on the 2001 cult classic film Legally Blonde, said she was “simply stunning”.

“So sad to hear about Raquel Welch’s passing,” she wrote on Twitter.

“I loved working with her on Legally Blonde. She was elegant, professional and glamorous beyond belief. Simply stunning.”

Torchwood star John Barrowman said Welch was a “legend and a stunning woman”.

“I worked with @raquelwelch on #centralparkwest she played Dianna Brock our villain,” he wrote.

“One day I’ll tell you a good story! Rip Raquel Welch a legend and a stunning woman.”

The Muppets’ official Twitter account, and several of the cast members, posted their own tributes to the actress.

Welch rose to fame after starring in One Million Years BC in 1966.