Esther Williams' youth was spent as a teenage swimming champion. She eventually was spotted by a MGM talent scout while working in a Los Angeles department store.

She made her film debut with MGM in a 1942 "Andy Hardy" picture called Andy Hardy's Double Life. She became Mickey Rooney's love interest in the movie, and her character was called "Sheila Brooks".

Following this short movie, stardom was not far away. MGM created a special sub-genre for her known as "Aqua Musicals". Her first swimming role was in Bathing Beauty. "Bathing Beauty" was a simple movie compared to her later big splashes such as Million Dollar Mermaid, 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. The Gentle Web, is one example of this new found dramatic confidence. It co-starred George Nader and John Saxon. Also, The Big Show, 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 audiences eyes, she was unsuccessful.

She retired from the movie industry in the 1960s, returning as a star guest in That's Entertainment! III 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 TV work discussing her contribution to the film industry is a treat for her fans from time to time.



Raw Wind in Eden (1958): $250,000
The Unguarded Moment (1956): $200,000

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. In the 1950s she was known as "America's Mermaid." Her movie career played a major role in the promotion of competitive and synchronized swimming, which she is credited with popularizing. Measurements: 36-26-36 (as a champion swimmer), 38-27-34 (filming Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)), (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine) Met fourth husband, Edward Bell, at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Son Benjamin Stanton "Ben" Gage was born August 6, 1949. Daughter Susan Tenney "Susie" Gage was born October 1, 1953. Longtime friend of June Allyson. She and teammate Virginia Hopkins were to take part in the 1940 Olympics, which was canceled due to World War II. Received her first screen kiss by Mickey Rooney in Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942). Second husband was singer/actor Ben Gage, a "Big Band" vocalist who dubbed Victor Mature, George Montgomery, Dana Andrews and Cornel Wilde in various musical films. They had three children. Youngest of five children. The others were Stanton, June, Maurine and David. 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. Stepmother of Lorenzo Lamas. Three step-children, from Lamas: Cristina, Alexandra "Alex," and Lorenzo. She has two grandchildren, Austin and Erin, from her son Ben. She has a grandson, Thomas, from her daughter Susie.