The Diving Venus: Annette Kellerman

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A black and white head shot of Annette Kellerman, wearing a sequinned costume with feathers as part of the head-dress.
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/08-2018/586348.jpg
Title:
The Diving Venus: Annette Kellerman
NFSA ID
586348

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Variety called Annette Kellerman 'The Diving Venus' in 1909. Kellerman had moved to America in 1907 to perform her vaudeville act.

This evocative publicity still comes from her time as a silent film star.

Kellerman had many nicknames, including: The Perfectly Formed Woman, Million Dollar Mermaid, The Australian Mermaid, Cooee Girl, Queen of the Mermaids, Neptune's Daughter and Queen of the Aquatic World.

Notes by Beth Taylor

Annette Kellerman
silent era