Esther Williams’ Son: Her Greatest Strength Was Never Giving Up

Esther Williams, the renowned star of the classic film “Million Dollar Mermaid,” left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the hearts of many. Recently, her son Ben Gage shared a heartfelt reflection on his mother’s remarkable resilience and strength. In an exclusive interview, Ben revealed that his mother’s greatest attribute was her unwavering determination, stating, “She never gave up.”

Esther, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 91, often reminisced about her early days in the film industry. Just before her death, she revisited some of her iconic MGM musicals and remarked on her youthful beauty, saying, “I’m watching this beautiful young girl. She’s so pretty and charming.” This touching moment captured by Ben highlights Esther’s enduring charm and grace.

In the 1940s and 50s, Esther emerged as America’s darling, transforming from a talented swimmer into Hollywood’s beloved aquatic star. She once noted in her memoir that she swam an astounding 1,250 miles for her film performances, solidifying her status as a pioneer in aquatic musicals. Raised primarily by her sister in Los Angeles, Esther learned to swim at a young age, earning the small fee required to access public pools by counting towels. Her natural talent was evident from the start, leading her to become a formidable swimmer, one that outshone many of her contemporaries.

However, Esther’s life was not without its challenges. Tragedy struck early when she lost her older brother to illness. Later, she faced a horrific personal assault that could have defined her life negatively. Yet, she refused to let these experiences define her. Ben emphasized that her strength lay in her indomitable spirit, explaining, “Her greatest strength was her indomitable nature.” This powerful resolve propelled her to stardom and marked her as a champion in both sport and film.

By age 17, Esther was already making waves in competitive swimming and had secured a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, only for the games to be canceled due to World War II. While she viewed her transition to film as a “consolation prize,” it quickly became evident that her talent in the spotlight would resonate with audiences around the globe. After a stint performing at Billy Rose’s Aquacade, MGM scouts took notice, and after much persuasion, Esther agreed to a screen test that proved pivotal in her career.

Her debut came in the 1942 film “Andy Hardy’s Double Life,” but it was her role in “Bathing Beauty” that catapulted her to fame. Esther was instrumental in creating a new genre of films centered around swimming, famously improvising many of her underwater sequences. MGM responded by investing in a state-of-the-art swimming pool for her productions. This led to a series of successful films that showcased her extraordinary talent.

As her career progressed, Esther faced numerous physical challenges, including injuries sustained during dangerous stunts. During the filming of “Million Dollar Mermaid,” a mishap caused her to break multiple vertebrae, yet she showed incredible resilience, even contemplating quitting before renegotiating her contract to avoid future stunts.

Esther’s personal life was no less tumultuous. Her marriage to a medical student was short-lived, and her 13-year relationship with singer Ben Gage was fraught with highs and lows. Despite the challenges, Ben acknowledged that Gage was “the love of her life.” Their marriage was complicated, ultimately leading to a difficult separation that left Esther grappling with significant personal and financial struggles.

Following her divorce, Esther enjoyed a whirlwind romance with her co-star Fernando Lamas, who, unlike many of her past partners, could share her passion for swimming. Their relationship created distance between her and her children, as Lamas preferred a life without kids. Later, Esther found love again with Edward Bell, marrying him in 1994, and the couple remained together until her passing.

In her later years, Esther fostered connections with her family’s children and cherished her relationships with fellow female stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age. While Ben expressed that it was challenging to bond with his mother, the circles of friends she cultivated understood the unique pressures of fame and fortune.

As new generations continue to discover Esther Williams’ films and legacy, her story serves as a powerful reminder of not just her on-screen talent but also her remarkable endurance in life’s face of adversity. The world may remember her as the “Million Dollar Mermaid,” but it is her spirit that will forever inspire.