Esther Williams

In 2003 she co-produced Aquaria, a Las Vegas water spectacle.

Excerpts from her 1999 autobiography in major American magazines revealed that her one-time lover, actor Jeff Chandler, was obsessed about dressing in women's clothing. Williams' revelations about Chandler angered many readers. The book also revealed Williams took LSD under a doctor's supervision, after Cary Grant recommended it.

Met fourth and last husband, Edward Michael Bell, at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Filed a lawsuit against MGM for use of some footage in That's Entertainment! (1974).

She was offered roles in both The Poseidon Adventure (1972) and The Towering Inferno (1974) by Irwin Allen. She turned down both.

Was inducted into the Swimming Pool Hall of Fame in 1967.

Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, as a contributor, in 1966.

Also, The Big Show (1961), co-starring Cliff Robertson and Robert Vaughn was another dramatic role. Overall, Esther's acting skills were limited and, as a musical star in the audience's eyes, she was unsuccessful.

She retired from the movie industry in the 1960s, returning as a star guest in That's Entertainment! III (1994) discussing her appearance in MGM films. She certainly is recognized today for bringing enjoyment, escapism and entertainment on the big screen and has also a highly successful business in swimwear. Occasional television work discussing her contribution to the film industry is a treat for her fans from time to time.

In Italy, all her films were dubbed by Dhia Cristiani, except Raw Wind in Eden (1958) where the talented Andreina Pagnani lent her voice to Williams.

The Unguarded Moment (1956), is one example of this new found dramatic confidence. It co-starred George Nader and John Saxon.

Returned to work seven months after giving birth to her daughter Susan to begin filming Jupiter's Darling (1955).

She was a strong supporter of the Republican party. She appeared with Virginia Mayo at the 1953 Republican Rally and in past presidential elections she endorsed Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, John McCain, and Mitt Romney.

This was a simple movie compared to her later big splashes such as Million Dollar Mermaid (1952), co-starring Victor Mature and Walter Pidgeon. Esther Williams was often called "America's Mermaid", as it appeared that she could stay underwater forever!Following the decline of the once lucrative MGM aqua musical, she attempted dramatic roles.

Returned to work four months after giving birth to her son Kimball to begin filming Texas Carnival (1951).

In the 1950s, she was known as "America's Mermaid".

A mother of three children, two sons and one daughter. Benjamin Stanton "Ben" Gage was born on August 6, 1949. Second son, Kimball was born on October 30, 1950. And only daughter, Susan Tenney "Susie" Gage was born on October 1, 1953.

Miscarried what would have been her first child with second husband Ben Gage in September 1946 at four months pregnant.

Her first swimming role was in Bathing Beauty (1944).

She made her film debut with MGM in an "Andy Hardy" picture called Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942). She became Mickey Rooney's love interest in the movie, and her character was called Sheila Brooks. Following this movie, stardom was not far away. MGM created a special sub-genre for her known as "Aqua Musicals".

Stated that her favorite film was Ziegfeld Girl (1941).

Before her stint in MGM musicals, she had been training as a competitive swimmer, and probably would've participated in the 1940 and/or 1944 Olympics (she would've been 18 and 22 years old respectively) if they hadn't been canceled because of World War II.

Esther Jane Williams was born on August 8, 1921 in Inglewood, California. Her youth was spent as a teenage swimming champion and she won three United States National championships. She eventually was spotted by a MGM talent scout while working in a Los Angeles department store.