By Beverly Washburn, Hollywood Memories
Sadly, it seems so many of my previous columns have been about some wonderful people whom we’ve lost recently.
Although I wasn’t close friends with Raquel Welch, I had the good fortune of being with her in 1964 when we were both Deb Stars together. It was called The Deb Star Ball.
It’s no longer around, but it was a yearly event that lasted around 15 years.
It was televised each year at the Hollywood Palladium. I was on it with Raquel, Mary Ann Mobley (a former Miss America) Barbara Perkins (later known for her roles in Peyton Place and Valley of The Dolls), along with Donna Loren, the popular singer and actress of the 60s.
The rest of the lovely ladies are listed in the photo. The host of the show was George Goebel.
It wasn’t a beauty contest or even a contest at all. Instead, it was a lucky few actresses who were chosen by the Hollywood Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild as the likeliest candidates for motion picture and television stardom.
It goes without saying that I was flattered and honored to have been one of the chosen ones. Each of the ladies had a Sponsor (mine was Jack Benny) and an Escort chosen by the Guild. I was fortunate to have Bill Bixby as mine.
I don’t remember who Raquel’s escort was, but no doubt he was a popular actor of the time.
They would escort us on stage and hand us a large bouquet of red roses. We were then asked one question by George – a funny and adorable man.
Raquel wasn’t famous yet and this was one of her first appearances other than the many beauty contests that she won. She certainly was the most beautiful of our group.
I remember her as being very sweet and pleasant to be around. I was very fond of her. I’m deeply saddened to hear of her passing and am grateful to have known her.
She will be missed by so many fans around the world. Rest in peace dear Raquel.
Until next time, remember… To have joy, one must share it. MSN
