Raquel Welch's dark past and career struggles revealed in major new project

Raquel Welch was one of the biggest stars of Hollywood in the 1960s, but few knew about her Latina heritage. 

Born Jo Raquel Tejada to a Bolivian father and an Anglo-American mother, Welch navigated an industry that often encouraged whitewashing, as per Daily Mail. 

The upcoming CW documentary I Am Raquel Welch explores how her identity shaped her career and the challenges she faced in an era of deep-seated industry bias.

Welch’s father, Armando Carlos Tejada, refused to speak Spanish at home, fearing his children would face discrimination. 

As per the outlet, this erasure, Welch later admitted, left her feeling incomplete. 

In an old recording featured in the documentary, she reflected, “There was a part of me that was missing.”

Moreover, Hollywood executives pressured Welch to change her name entirely, suggesting “Debbie Welch” to align with stars like Sandra Dee.

However, she refused to part with "Raquel," keeping a piece of her Latina identity despite industry norms.

Cultural historian Brian Eugenio described Welch as a "stealth Latina," never hiding her heritage but never making it a focal point, as per the publication. 

Additionally, fellow actress Constance Marie notes how Latina performers were often stereotyped, yet Welch carved her path.

In a past interview played in the documentary, Welch acknowledged the industry’s bias, stating, “If I was Raquel Tejada, not a chance in hell.”

Furthermore, I Am Raquel Welch premieres March 8 on the CW and will be available for streaming on the CW website.