James Westley Welch gained public attention when he married the famous American actress Raquel Welch. You might know her from her memorable performance as Constance de Bonacieux in The Three Musketeers. With her talent and beauty, Raquel earned several awards during her successful career.
You might be curious about how they met and what they are up to now. We’ll share the details in this article, so keep reading to discover everything about James and Raquel Welch.
Quick Bio
| Name | James Westley Welch |
| Ex-wife | Raquel Welch |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | January 29, 1937 |
| Date of Death | November 23, 2019 |
| Parents | Hiriam Joseph Welch and Doris Latanne Hilburn |
| Famous As | Raquel Welch’s ex-husband |
| Children | Tahnee Welch and Damon Welch |
| Occupation | Publicist and agent |
Early Life
Born on January 29, 1937, in Pike, Missouri, James Westley Welch, also known as James Welch, was raised by his parents, William Westley Welch and Rena Adkins Welch. He started his career journey as a tuna fisherman but later shifted his focus to become a publicist and agent.
James Westley & Raquel Welch Relationship
James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch’s relationship began during Raquel’s high school years. They eventually got married in 1959 when Raquel was just 18 years old. Despite the joy of welcoming two children, Damon and Tahnee, their marriage faced difficulties and challenges.
The couple decided to part ways and officially divorced in 1964 after five years of marriage.
Raquel, who became an iconic actress with roles in films like “One Million Years B.C.” and “Fantastic Voyage,” retained James Westley Welch’s last name even after their divorce.
Their relationship, while marked by its challenges, played a significant role in both of their life journeys.
After Divorce
Following the divorce, James Westley Welch transitioned into a successful career as a multimillionaire real estate developer. He later married Jean and had a son, according to available sources.
On the other hand, Raquel Welch went through a series of marriages after parting ways with James. Her first post-divorce marriage was to producer Patrick Curtis, a union that lasted from 1967 until their divorce in 1972. After that, she married André Weinfeld in 1980, and their marriage continued until 1990. André is known for his roles as a film and television producer, director, screenwriter, cinematographer, photographer, and journalist.
Raquel’s third marriage was to Richard Palmer, the owner of Mulberry Street Pizzeria. They were married from 1999 until their separation in 2003, and the divorce was finalized in 2008. The various chapters in both James and Raquel’s post-divorce lives reflect their individual journeys and experiences beyond their initial marriage.
Professional Career
After starting his career journey as a tuna fisherman, James later shifted his focus to become a publicist and agent, particularly due to his connection with Hollywood actress Raquel Welch. James played a significant role in the entertainment industry, using his expertise to promote different brands and companies.
Net Worth
James Westley Welch’s net worth varies across different sources. As of 2023, his estimated net worth ranges from $8.68 million to $40 million. The sources provide different figures, with the lowest estimate being $8.68 million and the highest being $40 million.
James Welch’s Death
James Westley Welch passed away on November 23, 2019, at the age of 82 at at Legacy Nursing Center and Rehabilitation in Bryan, Texas. After their divorce in 1964, he chose to keep his life relatively private, staying out of the public eye. Raquel Welch is also no longer in this world. She passed away on February 15, 2023, from a heart attack.
