Esther Williams, born Esther Jane Williams on August 8, 1921, in Inglewood, California, was an American competitive swimmer and actress. She set regional and national records in her late teens on the Los Angeles Athletic Club swim team.

Unable to compete in the 1940 Summer Olympics due to World War II, she joined Billy Rose's Aquacade, where she performed alongside Olympic gold-medal winner Johnny Weissmuller.

Esther Williams caught the attention of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) scouts and began her film career with small roles before starring in a series of "aquamusicals" in the 1940s and 1950s. These films, such as "Bathing Beauty" (1944), "Million Dollar Mermaid" (1952), and "Dangerous When Wet" (1953), featured elaborate synchronized swimming and diving performances.

She was often referred to as "Hollywood's Mermaid" and "Queen of the Surf".

Esther Williams retired from acting in the 1960s and later became a successful businesswoman, investing in various ventures, including a swimwear line and a restaurant chain. She also served as a commentator for synchronized swimming at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Esther Williams passed away on June 6, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California.