Iconic actress Raquel Welch has passed away

American actress Raquel Welch - who made a name for herself as an international sex symbol - has passed away at the age of 82 after a "brief illness."

Her family members confirmed the news to TMZ.

Following her breakout film roles in Fantastic Voyage and in One Million Years B.C. in 1966, she became one of the most highly sought-after female stars.

Welch also won several awards throughout her career, including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her role in The Three Musketeers in 1974.

In 1975, the actress also appeared on The Cher Show and performed 'I’m a Woman' alongside the star.

Welch married four times during her life - first to James Welch from 1959-1964, to Patrick Curtis from 1967 to 1972, to Andre Weinfeld from 1980 to 1990 and to Richard Palmer from 1999 to 2004.

She leaves behind two children, Tahnee and Damon Welch.