Esther Williams Facts

Youngest of five children. The others were Stanton, June, Maurine and David.
She was offered roles in both The Poseidon Adventure (1972) and The Towering Inferno (1974) by Irwin Allen. She turned down both.

Stepmother of Lorenzo Lamas.

Three step-children, from Lamas: Cristina, Alexandra "Alex," and Lorenzo.
Her son, Kim, was injured in a motorcycle accident. Both of his legs were shattered and he had to relearn how to walk.

She has two grandchildren, Austin and Erin, from her son Ben. She has a grandson, Thomas, from her daughter Susie.
Was the national champion in the 100 meter freestyle and was a favorite to make the 1940 Olympic team. Unfortunately, she missed her opportunity due to the outbreak of World War II.

Esther Williams was an advisor to the International Olympic Committee at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles for the new sport of Synchronized Swimming.

Children: Benjamin, Kimball and Susan.

She lent her name to a brand of swimming pools that are still sold today, Esther Williams Pools.


Son Benjamin Stanton "Ben" Gage was born August 6, 1949.

Son Kimball Austin Gage was born October 30, 1950.

Daughter Susan Tenney "Susie" Gage was born October 1, 1953.

Before her stint in MGM musicals, she had been training as a competitive swimmer, and probably would've participated in the 1940 and/or 1944 Olympics (she would've been 18 and 22 years old respectively) if World War II hadn't canceled them.

Longtime friend of June Allyson.

Her first job was at age 8 at a local Inglewood, California neighborhood school's swimming pool counting towels.
She and teammate Virginia Hopkins were to take part in the 1940 Olympics, which was canceled due to World War II.

Met first husband Leonard Kovner while a student at the University of Southern California. He was a premed student.