Esther Williams, a competitive swimmer who appeared in more than 20 films, has died. A spokesman for the 91-year-old says she died Thursday in her sleep. No other details were immediately available.
Williams originally wanted to compete in the 1940 Olympics, but the games were canceled because of WWII. She then landed a role in the “San Francisco Aquacade Review” opposite Olympic swimmer Johnny Weismuller, and it was there that she was discovered by MGM. She signed with the movie giant and made her silver screen debut opposite Mickey Rooney in 1942’s “Andy Hardy’s Double Life.” Williams took on roles in "aquamusical" films, which featured synchronized swimming. Her film credits include “Bathing Beauty,” “Million Dollar Mermaid,” “Neptune’s Daughter” and “Jupiter’s Darling.”
After retiring from acting in the 60s, Williams backed a bathing suit line for women and a swimming pool company. She was married four times and had three children.
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