| rdfs:comment | - Esther Jane Williams (August 8, 1921 – June 6, 2013) was an American competitive swimmer and Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer movie actress. Williams set multiple national and regional swimming records in her late teens as part of the Los Angeles Athletic Club swim team. Unable to compete in the 1940 Summer Olympics because of the outbreak of World War II, she joined Billy Rose's Aquacade, where she took on the role vacated by Eleanor Holm after the show's move from New York City to San Francisco. While in the city, she spent five months swimming alongside Olympic gold medal winner and Tarzan star, Johnny Weissmuller. Williams caught the attention of MGM scouts at the Aquacade. After appearing in several small roles, alongside Mickey Rooney in an Andy Hardy film, and future five time co-star Van Johns
- Esther Jane Williams was born on August 8, 1921, in Inglewood, California. As a teenage swimming champion, she won three United States National championships. She eventually was spotted by an MGM talent scout while working in a Los Angeles department store. Esther Williams died at age 91 in her sleep on June 6, 2013, in her home in Los Angeles.
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| abstract | - Esther Jane Williams was born on August 8, 1921, in Inglewood, California. As a teenage swimming champion, she won three United States National championships. She eventually was spotted by an MGM talent scout while working in a Los Angeles department store. 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. After this short movie, stardom was not far away. MGM created a special subgenre for her known as "Aqua Musicals". Her first swimming role was in Bathing Beauty (1944). Bathing Beauty was a simple movie compared to her later big splashes such as Million Dollar Mermaid (1952), co-starring Victor Mature and Walter Pidgeon. Williams was often called "America's Mermaid", as it appeared that she could stay underwater forever! After the decline of the once lucrative MGM aqua musical, Williams attempted dramatic roles. The Unguarded Moment (1956) is one example of this new found dramatic confidence. It co-starred George Nader and John Saxon. 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 guest star 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. She also had 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. Esther Williams died at age 91 in her sleep on June 6, 2013, in her home in Los Angeles.
- Esther Jane Williams (August 8, 1921 – June 6, 2013) was an American competitive swimmer and Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer movie actress. Williams set multiple national and regional swimming records in her late teens as part of the Los Angeles Athletic Club swim team. Unable to compete in the 1940 Summer Olympics because of the outbreak of World War II, she joined Billy Rose's Aquacade, where she took on the role vacated by Eleanor Holm after the show's move from New York City to San Francisco. While in the city, she spent five months swimming alongside Olympic gold medal winner and Tarzan star, Johnny Weissmuller. Williams caught the attention of MGM scouts at the Aquacade. After appearing in several small roles, alongside Mickey Rooney in an Andy Hardy film, and future five time co-star Van Johnson in A Guy Named Joe, Williams made a series of films in the 1940s and early 1950s known as "aquamusicals," which featured elaborate performances with synchronized swimming and diving.
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