Dick Cavett’s 1972 Interview with Raquel Welch: The Secrets She Never Wanted You to Know

Raquel Welch is truly one of the most beautiful women to ever grace this planet. However, with all the attention on her looks and acting career, many people haven’t heard her speak from the heart.

That’s why, when I found her appearance on *The Dick Cavett Show*, I noticed something surprising…

First, let’s appreciate just how stunning and elegant Raquel Welch was in the early 1970s. She had no hair extensions, no Botox, and her natural hair color, without a tattoo in sight. She had a full figure, an intriguing personality, and a sharp mind. In my opinion, Welch is one of the most beautiful women to ever appear on screen.

### Underrated Genius

In a captivating 1972 interview on *The Dick Cavett Show*, Welch’s timeless beauty and elegance were clear. At about 32 years old, she radiated charm as she settled into the chair across from Dick Cavett.

The American television host, who ran *The Dick Cavett Show* from 1968 to 1988, was a skilled interviewer. He interviewed many famous film directors like Welles, Hitchcock, De Palma, and Scorsese, making each interview feel like a lesson in film.

Cavett had a talent for making his guests feel comfortable, drawing out engaging and thoughtful conversations. This interview showed Raquel in a way many had never seen — beyond her famous looks, revealing things I didn’t know about her.

### Broke Her Wrist

Welch’s appearance on *The Dick Cavett Show* was partly to promote her latest film, *Kansas City Bomber*.

In the movie, she played roller derby skater K.C. Carr — a woman trying to balance her desire for a happy personal life with her dreams of success.

The film featured many intense scenes from the matches, and according to Raquel, she performed most of her own stunts, which took a toll on her.

Raquel explained that she had to learn how to skate from the ground up for the role. The professional skaters in the film used a track with banked turns at a 45-degree angle, which made it even more difficult.

One day while practicing, she broke her wrist, causing the production to delay filming for about eight weeks.

“I had a lot of aches and pains for a long time,” Welch admitted.

### Recognize the Dress?

Those with sharp eyes might remember Welch’s stunning blue dress from her interview with Cavett. It was the same iconic gown she wore to the Oscars just a few months earlier. Talk about a fashion statement!

Raquel was ahead of her time in recycling outfits, and her Oscars gown wasn’t the only piece she repurposed. The beautiful dress she wore to the premiere of *The Godfather* was also the same one she wore at Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday celebration in Budapest back in 1972.

Getty Images

Who knew Raquel was such a trendsetter long before it became a popular term?

https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&us_privacy=1—&gpp_sid=-1&client=ca-pub-1773658762833587&output=html&h=280&adk=3196494388&adf=828891997&w=622&abgtt=7&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1729261054&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=1191565633&ad_type=text_image&format=622×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjokesdaddy.com%2Fdick-cavetts-1972-interview-with-raquel-welch-the-secrets-she-never-wanted-you-to-know%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawF_TUtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeGrw1ZPVfxplPDtOOUx7yP9nr5lcYku5OSmRD612eO2exhbREwW4OjGVA_aem_AL67fzGFGraIpMQcAPIXKg&host=ca-host-pub-2644536267352236&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=156&rw=622&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiNy4wLjAiLCJ4ODYiLCIiLCIxMjkuMC42NjY4LjkwIixudWxsLDAsbnVsbCwiNjQiLFtbIkdvb2dsZSBDaHJvbWUiLCIxMjkuMC42NjY4LjkwIl0sWyJOb3Q9QT9CcmFuZCIsIjguMC4wLjAiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTI5LjAuNjY2OC45MCJdXSwwXQ..&dt=1729261051926&bpp=1&bdt=1258&idt=1&shv=r20241014&mjsv=m202410150101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D7b20416647364f5b%3AT%3D1726322449%3ART%3D1729261053%3AS%3DALNI_MZpLszTnzQ9UIpvri7rf-Nvkymgqw&gpic=UID%3D00000f01a4fcfdfa%3AT%3D1726322449%3ART%3D1729261053%3AS%3DALNI_MbY7lAlwLY5uk2o_yrVgm9rCAdHOg&eo_id_str=ID%3D3eab1fc17d3c657c%3AT%3D1726322449%3ART%3D1729261053%3AS%3DAA-AfjZ-y03aOjnfgIilO4F5CCmp&prev_fmts=0x0%2C980x280%2C622x280%2C622x280%2C622x280%2C622x280&nras=7&correlator=8330188231768&frm=20&pv=1&u_tz=420&u_his=1&u_h=768&u_w=1360&u_ah=728&u_aw=1360&u_cd=24&u_sd=0.667&dmc=8&adx=270&ady=3099&biw=1479&bih=808&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=44759876%2C44759927%2C44759837%2C31087658%2C44795921%2C95344189%2C95344789%2C95337195&oid=2&pvsid=1882706874624119&tmod=879234399&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&fc=1408&brdim=127%2C46%2C127%2C46%2C1360%2C0%2C1019%2C668%2C1504%2C808&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&bz=0.68&td=1&tdf=0&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDFd&nt=1&ifi=7&uci=a!7&btvi=5&fsb=1&dtd=2280

By the way, did you know that Welch’s wardrobe for public events was very different from her personal style? People always expected her to maintain her glamorous image, and she did so perfectly. However, when she wasn’t on the red carpet, Welch preferred simple pantsuits and comfortable clothing.

### Humorous Anecdote

For decades, Welch has been known as a sex symbol, with a lot of focus on her beautiful body. Yet, few people have had the chance to hear her talk openly, especially on serious topics that show her depth beyond her famous image.

During her time on *The Dick Cavett Show*, the *One Million Years B.C.* star discussed the difference between her glamorous on-screen persona and her real-life experiences. The conversation included her public image and the expectations placed on her as a female actress in a male-dominated sport.

Raquel shared a funny story from her experience promoting *Kansas City Bomber*, recalling an interesting press conference with sports writers.

Getty Images

“I had a really interesting press conference when I first came into town to promote the film with all the sports writers. They said, ‘You know, you’re a nice-sized lady and all that, but you’re not exactly what I expected.’ I replied, ‘I know I always seem to disappoint people if I walk in the door and the door hinges don’t splinter off, like I should come in with a machete or something.’”

Some people who saw her in person were surprised by her size—she is only 5 feet 5½ inches tall with a small-boned frame, elegantly complemented by broad shoulders and beautiful olive skin.

Dick Cavett then adds, “I know people walked in and looked at you, and their reaction was, ‘There’s an attractive woman.’ But many didn’t realize it was you, even though they had seen you on screen.”

### “Downright Intoxicating”

Many viewers who watched the interview later (available on YouTube) have commented on Raquel Welch’s lovely voice. It seems some have forgotten about it because of the strong focus on her stunning images and posters over the years.

One YouTube user commented, “She becomes even more attractive when she speaks, downright intoxicating!”

Another commenter added, “I love the way she speaks; there is something unique and also time-stamped about it.”

Another viewer noted, “Raquel was not only stunning to look at; she had a wonderful voice and a captivating way of speaking.”

This detail shows that Raquel’s appeal went beyond just her looks; her voice added a special charm that still resonates with audiences today.

She was very articulate and well-spoken!

### Why Was Raquel Welch So Down-to-Earth?

Raquel Welch, who got her first name from a grandmother in Bolivia and her last name from a teenage marriage, described herself as a product of middle-class America.

She never forgot her roots and always stayed connected to the part of society that wasn’t filled with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

“I’m practical, but I also have dreams of how things ideally should be,” she once said.

Getty Images

In her private life, Welch was often seen in comfortable, loose-fitting sweaters and classic blue jeans, with just a touch of eye makeup. Even with her great fame, she had a sweetness and gentleness that made her feel easy to approach.

During her interview with Dick Cavett, Welch seemed very sweet, gentle, and down-to-earth.

### Suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease

Welch was truly one of the most beautiful women to ever appear on screen. Not even Kim Kardashian, with all her surgeries, could compare to her beauty.

Raquel was something special, and we should be thankful to have experienced her brilliance. Sadly, she passed away from cardiac arrest on February 15, 2023, at her home in Los Angeles, at the age of 82. At the time of her death, she was also battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Let’s remember this amazing woman through her wonderful interview with Dick Cavett — a moment when Raquel Welch was at the peak of her career. Share this story if you also admired Raquel Welch!

Music Teacher Offers Free Lessons to ‘Poor’ Boy, Then Discovers His Father’s True Identity — Story of the Day

A former pianist turned school teacher, Lily begins teaching piano to Jay, a talented boy she believes comes from a poor family. Her efforts to nurture his gift take an unexpected turn when she learns the truth about his father’s identity—a revelation that threatens to unravel everything.

Lily sat by the piano, her fingers lightly pressing random keys, filling the room with soft, disconnected notes. She sighed, her mind spinning with worry.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The orchestra had been her life, her dream since she was a child. Now, that dream was gone, and with it, her sense of security. The director had dismissed her without a second thought, choosing his daughter over her.

She had a small job teaching music to a few adults, but it barely covered her rent, let alone food and other expenses. Frustrated, she planted her hands firmly on the keys and began to play one of her favorite melodies, pouring her emotions into every note.

The tune started softly, but as thoughts of her situation flooded her mind, she played harder, her fingers striking the keys with increasing force.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When the song ended, the room fell into a thick, profound silence, as if absorbing her pain. Her hands dropped limply to her lap, and she gently closed the piano lid, resting her forehead against it. The stillness was comforting, but it didn’t solve her problem.

Over the next few weeks, she scoured job listings, applying to anything remotely related to music. Finally, she found a position as a school music teacher. She didn’t mind teaching—she respected teachers deeply.

Yet, part of her longed to create her own music, to pour her soul into her art, not just guide others in theirs.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

But with no other options, she accepted the job. The school was eager to have her; they’d been searching for someone for months.

The first few days were tough. She wasn’t used to working with kids, and they seemed indifferent to her quiet, gentle way of teaching. She tried everything—she played soundtracks from popular movies, catchy pop songs—anything to spark their interest. But nothing seemed to stick.

Then, one afternoon after class, as she wandered down the hallway, a soft melody caught her attention. She followed the sound to her classroom, peeking inside. There, at the piano, was Jay, one of her students. He was playing the exact piece she’d practiced earlier in the day.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Do you play piano?” Lily asked, walking into the room.

Jay flinched, startled. “No… not really. I haven’t played much,” he mumbled, looking down at the keys.

“But you were just playing,” Lily replied, a warm smile spreading across her face. “And very well, especially for someone your age.”

Jay shrugged. “I just remembered how you played it.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lily blinked, surprised. She knew that even many trained musicians couldn’t play by memory like that. “Would you like to learn?” she asked.

Jay’s eyes brightened, and a small smile appeared on his face. “Really? You’d teach me?”

Lily nodded. But she noticed his face fall as quickly as his excitement had come. “What’s wrong?”

“I… I can’t. I mean, thank you, but… we can’t afford it,” he said quietly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lily looked at him thoughtfully. She recalled noticing that he rarely ate lunch with the other kids. He seemed to keep to himself. “You don’t have to worry about paying,” she said gently. “I’ll teach you for free.”

Jay’s face lit up with a huge grin, and without warning, he threw his arms around her. “Thank you!” he said.

Over the next few weeks, Lily and Jay met in the empty classroom after school, their shared enthusiasm filling the room. Lily watched in amazement as Jay played each new piece she showed him, his fingers moving across the keys with surprising ease.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Every note, every chord, every melody seemed to come naturally to him. She taught him music notation, guiding him through each symbol and rhythm.

Yet each time, she marveled—did he even need these lessons? His talent was raw, instinctive, as if he was born to play.

As Jay worked through a new melody one day, Lily smiled and leaned forward. “Have you ever thought about performing?” she asked.

Jay looked up, surprised. “Performing? Like, in front of people?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Yes!” Lily replied. “The school festival is coming up. You could play a piece there. You’re talented enough.”

Jay hesitated, glancing at the piano keys. “I don’t know… What if I mess up?”

“You won’t,” Lily said warmly. “You’re ready, and I’ll help you. We’ll pick a song together, something you feel good about. You could even choose the piece.”

Jay bit his lip, still unsure, but nodded slowly. “All right, I guess I could try.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lily’s heart soared. She hadn’t felt this excited in a long time. Teaching him, watching his confidence grow—it filled her with a sense of purpose she hadn’t known she needed.

On the day of the performance, Lily moved through the crowded school hallways, searching everywhere for Jay. Her eyes scanned each room, her heart beating a little faster with worry each time she didn’t find him.

He was supposed to close the show, and time was running out. Other teachers stopped her, asking, “Have you seen Jay? Is he ready?”

She shook her head, feeling more anxious with each question. Suddenly, just as she turned toward the stage, Jay rushed in backstage, looking flustered and out of breath.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Quick, I need to go on now, before he sees me,” Jay whispered urgently, glancing toward the stage.

Lily placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, sensing his distress. “Hold on, Jay. Another act is on. Who are you hiding from? Why are you so scared?”

Jay’s face crumpled, his eyes filling with tears. “He won’t let me perform. And if he finds out, he’ll get you fired. I don’t want that to happen,” he said, his voice breaking.

Lily knelt down to his level, speaking calmly. “Jay, slow down. No one is going to fire me. Who doesn’t want you to perform?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Jay wiped his eyes and looked down. “My dad,” he murmured.

“Your dad?” Lily echoed, surprised. “Is he… does he hurt you?”

Jay shook his head quickly. “No, he just… he doesn’t want me to play the piano.”

“Why not?” Lily asked softly, puzzled. “I’m not charging you for lessons.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“It’s not about the money. It’s just that—” Jay started to explain but froze as a stern voice called out.

“Jay!” a man shouted sharply. Lily turned, shocked to see Ryan standing there.

Lily recognized him instantly. Ryan—her old classmate from high school. Memories of those days rushed back. Back then, they had been friends, maybe even close friends.

Both had dreamed of a future in music, hoping for the same scholarship to attend the top music university. They’d spent hours practicing together, studying, pushing each other to improve.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Ryan’s family had never approved of his dreams. His parents thought music was pointless, unworthy of their son’s time. But Ryan had continued, driven by his love for it, keeping his ambitions a secret from them.

The day she won the grant was the day everything changed. Ryan had looked at her, hurt and angry, and said she had ruined his life. His words, “I hate you,” had haunted her ever since.

Now, standing before her, she saw that same resentment in his eyes, as if all those years hadn’t passed.

“Jay!” Ryan’s voice rang out sharply. “I told you not to play music. I forbade it!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Jay looked down, his voice barely a whisper. “Dad, I can explain…”

Lily, sensing Jay’s fear, turned to him. “You’re not from a poor family?” she asked gently, though she knew the truth. Ryan had inherited his father’s company and was far from struggling.

Ryan scoffed. “Poor family? He probably made that story up so I wouldn’t find out about these lessons. He even stopped eating at school, hoping I’d never suspect it.”

Lily took a steady breath. “But why are you stopping him from playing music?” she asked, looking Ryan in the eye.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Because it’s not something a real man does,” Ryan replied firmly.

Lily felt her heart sink. “Ryan, that’s not your belief—that’s your father’s. The Ryan I knew loved music, loved playing the piano.”

Jay’s eyes widened, surprised. “Dad, you used to play?”

Ryan’s gaze hardened. “The Ryan you knew is gone. I was young and foolish. Now I understand. Music isn’t profitable, and it isn’t masculine.” He reached for Jay’s hand, pulling him away from the stage without another word.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lily watched Ryan and Jay walk away, her heart pounding. She couldn’t let this end like that. Without hesitating, she hurried through the halls and out to the parking lot. She saw them approaching Ryan’s car, Jay looking down, defeated.

“Wait! Ryan, wait!” Lily called, her voice urgent. “You can’t do this!”

Ryan stopped but didn’t turn. “This is my son,” he said loudly. “I have every right to decide what’s best for him.”

Lily took a breath, stepping forward. “You don’t have the right to take this from him. Jay is talented, Ryan. You know it, and I know it. He deserves this chance.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Ryan turned to face her, his expression hard. “I was talented once, too. I had that chance, but you took it from me. Now, I see it was all nonsense.”

“That’s not true,” Lily said, her voice steady. “You don’t believe that, Ryan. And it wasn’t me who took it away. Your parents refused to support you. They never saw your dreams. I know that hurt, but don’t let it hurt Jay.”

Ryan’s eyes flickered, but he shook his head. “It’s my decision. Jay will not play music.”

Lily’s voice rose with emotion. “Stop this, Ryan! It isn’t fair! You’re denying him something he loves because of your own anger—anger at me, anger at your parents. Jay deserves a chance to be who he is. I could find him another teacher, but he needs this. You can’t crush this dream.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Jay’s voice was a whisper, but his words were clear. “Please, Dad. Just listen to me. Let me play.”

Ryan looked at Jay, something softening in his expression. After a long pause, he nodded slowly. “One time,” he said quietly. “You can play once.”

Lily let out a sigh of relief. She led Jay back into the school and guided him onto the stage. He took his place at the piano, his fingers finding the keys. As he played, the room grew silent, captivated by the beauty of his music. Lily glanced at Ryan, and for the first time, she saw tears in his eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“That was my favorite sonata,” he said to Lily, his voice low. “I never had the skill to play it.”

Lily smiled softly. “So, does that mean…” she started, but he nodded, giving his quiet approval. Lily’s heart swelled with pride as she looked at Jay, feeling that he might be her greatest accomplishment.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

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