Remembering Esther ‘Million Dollar Mermaid’ Williams

November 24, 2015
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Williams appeared in a 1945 issue of Yank, the U.S. Army weekly magazine. Athletic and beautiful, she was adored by men and women alike. (Public domain via Wikimedia commons)

She made generations dream of being in the water.

Esther Williams was ready to compete in the 1940 Olympics, only to see World War II cancel her dream. Hollywood helped her create a new dream, as she swam in more than two dozen movies.

When someone says “synchronized swimming,” many people still think of Williams’ on-screen water dances.


Nancy Bo Flood

As a fish-brain surgeon or a rodeo poem wrangler, I have loved stories. I strongly believe that words – in poetry or prose – help heal our hearts and give us new eyes to see the world. I was first a research psychologist studying brain development at the University of Minnesota and London University before following my passion – writing for children. Learn more...