Esther Jane Williams was a competitive swimmer and actress. As a teenager, Williams set multiple national and regional swimming records, and had planned to compete in the 1940 Summer Olympics but it was cancelled because of the outbreak of WWII. While performing in an aquacade (a swimming and diving show set to music), she caught the eye of Hollywood. She made several "aquamusical" films in the 1940s and 1950s. Williams was also a successful businesswoman; investing in several businesses and lending her name to a line of retro-style swimsuits.