Esther Williams: "Million Dollar Mermaid" Swimmer And Actress Dies Aged 91.

It has been confirmed by publicist Harlan Boll that the 1940s Hollywood actress and record-setting swimmer, Esther Williams, died on 6th June in her sleep.

Born in Inglewood, California, she was the youngest of fifth children to a psychologist mother and sign painter father, and gained an enthusiasm for swimming through working at a local pool, later going on to set records with her swimming team, winning three U.S National Championships.

Swimming was temporarily put on hold for Williams as she began to work in a department store to pay college tuition fees which, due to her good looks, included modelling clothing for customers and led to her being featured in newspaper advertisements. Her move to the screen came after she successfully auditioned for 'Billy Rose's Aquacade': a music, dance and swimming show, attracting attention from MGM Studio's scouts.

Williams combined her talents, starring in 'aquamusical' films, such as Million Dollar Mermaid and Dangerous When Wet (both 1953) in the 40s and 50s which showcased her skills for synchronized swimming, diving, and acting and earned her the nickname "Million Dollar Mermaid".

Still a strong swimmer, she was set to compete in the 1940 Olympics until it was cancelled due to WWII's outbreak.

Stunning Williams quickly achieved movie success and pin-up status, due to her swimmer's physique being regularly snapped in bathing suits.

However, after 15 years, her contract with MGM turned sour after she refused a leading role in 1956's The Opposite Sex and was subsequently dropped.

From then on, her once-sparkling acting career would wind down yet she continued to make TV appearances and was inducted to the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1966.

On the news of her death last night, stepson from her 3rd of 4 husbands, Lorenzo Lamas tweeted that she was "The best swim teacher and soul mom", whilst film historian Leonard Maltin recognises she was prouder of her swimming than Hollywood achievements, and had a "champion spirit" that "held her in good stead to the very end of her life."

Former Swimmer And Actress, Esther Williams [Second From Left], Dies Aged 91.