Raquel Welch, the film actress whose sensual, voluptuous appearance made her a prominent sex symbol in the 1960s and 1970s, has died at 82, according to news media agencies on Wednesday.

Her death was initially reported by TMZ.com, claiming unidentified family members, followed by Variety and AFP, citing her manager.

Welch came to the notice of moviegoers with her role in the 1966 science fiction adventure "Fantastic Voyage," followed by her memorable performance in the prehistoric drama "One Million Years B.C." in that same year.

Although Welch only had a few lines of dialogue in "B.C.," iconic photos of her in a deer-skin bikini made her a best-selling pinup and transformed her into a global sex icon.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, she also starred in the films "Bedazzled" and "Bandolero!" "100 Rifles," "Myra Breckinridge", and "Hannie Caulder."

The brunette star's portrayal of powerful female characters was credited with changing the traditional sex symbol. Her rise to stardom was viewed as surpassing Hollywood's adoration of the blonde bombshell.