Esther Williams, at an exact 5ft 8 ½ (174 cm), commanded the water with her statuesque presence as a competitive swimmer and Hollywood icon. Her impressive height enhanced her graceful dives and synchronized swimming displays, making her a natural star in MGM's aquatic extravaganzas like Million Dollar Mermaid and Bathing Beauty.
Williams once reflected on her acting aspirations, noting, 'they would have thought I was too tall, because I was five feet eight and a half.' Yet, this very stature defined her glamorous image, propelling her to fame in over a dozen splashy musicals that showcased her athletic elegance and box-office appeal.
From Olympic hopeful to 'America's Mermaid,' her 174 cm frame was central to her enduring legacy in classic Hollywood.