Esther Williams
Aqua Musicals, Hollywood Swimming Star, Neptune's Daughter
The Leo Mermaid
Esther Williams was an Olympic-caliber swimmer who became a major Hollywood star by simply doing what she did better than anyone: swimming. Her aqua musicals — Neptune’s Daughter, Bathing Beauty — featured synchronized swimming sequences of extravagant beauty. She was so unique as a category that MGM literally invented a new genre around her.
Leo Legacy
- Olympic contender: Qualified for the 1940 Olympics — cancelled due to WWII
- Bathing Beauty: 1944 — established the aqua musical as a Hollywood genre
- Neptune’s Daughter: Won Oscar for Best Original Song — ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’
- Swimwear line: Esther Williams swimwear launched 1956 — still sold today
Williams’ Leo performance was as natural as water — she made the extraordinary look effortless.
“If I had not become a swimmer, I would never have become a movie star.”