Esther Williams made a unique splash in films

As a teenager, Esther Williams dreamed of Olympic glory on the U.S. swim team. She had to settle instead for becoming a movie star. The self-described "Million Dollar Mermaid," whose wholesome beauty, shapely figure and aquatic skills launched anBorn in Los Angeles in 1921, Esther Williams hoped to compete as a swimmer at the 1940 Olympic Games, but the Olympics were canceled that year due to World War II. Disappointed, Williams took a job at a department store before landing the lead role on"Esther Williams had one contribution to make to movies — her magnificent athletic body," wrote New York Times film critic Pauline Kael. "And for over 10 years MGM made the most of it, keeping her in clinging, wet bathing suits and hoping the audienceLOS ANGELES (KTLA) — The famous swimming champion who became an actress, Esther Williams, has died at 91, according to

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