Michael is joined each week by Aussie historian, author & entertainer Jim Haynes, for his unique knowledge of the not-so-famous characters from Australia’s history.

This week Jim shines the spotlight on Annette Kellerman – The Perfect Woman

Swimmer, athlete, dancer, diver, actress, entertainer, author, designer, fitness expert, model, women’s liberator, childhood cripple and movie star Annette Kellerman was born in 1886. Her violinist father, Frederick, and her French-born mother, pianist and music teacher Alice, lived in the inner Sydney suburb of Marrickville.

Kellermann was one of the first women to wear a one-piece bathing costume, instead of the then-accepted pantaloons, and inspired others to follow her example.

Her swimming costumes became so popular that she started her own fashion line of one-piece bathing suits and she helped popularize the sport of synchronised swimming, and authored a swimming manual.

She appeared in several movies, usually with aquatic themes, and as the star of A Daughter of the Gods was the first major actress to appear nude in a Hollywood production. Kellermann was an advocate of health, fitness, and natural beauty throughout her life.

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