Old Hollywood Stars Who Were Forced to Live a Double Life

Raquel Welch became a 1960s screen symbol after appearing in One Million Years B.C., where a fur bikini made her internationally famous. Born Jo Raquel Tejada to a Bolivian father, she entered an industry that believed her Hispanic background could limit her wider appeal.

Managers urged Welch to change her hair, appearance, and even her first name to something less Hispanic, reportedly suggesting “Debbie.” She kept Raquel but used her former husband’s surname. Welch later said that a star named Raquel Tejada would never have received the same opportunities.