The name Ann-Margret evokes the glamour and talent of Hollywood's golden age. Emerging as a major sex symbol in the 1960s, this Swedish-American actress, singer, and dancer proved herself a formidable triple threat, captivating audiences with her beauty and skill. Now 84, her legacy as a screen siren and accomplished performer endures.
From Stage to Silver Screen Stardom
Ann-Margret's journey to fame began with dance lessons at the Marjorie Young School of Dance. Her early career saw her performing on stage and as part of the Suttletones, a Las Vegas troupe. A significant break came when comedy legend George Burns featured her in his show, setting her on the path to stardom. Signed to a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox after a 1961 screen test, her film debut was in Pocketful of Miracles alongside Bette Davis.
Her rise was meteoric. She starred in the 1962 remake of the musical State Fair with Bobby Darin, but it was her role in Bye Bye Birdie (1963) opposite Dick Van Dyke that cemented her status as a major star. However, it was her pairing with rock 'n' roll king Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas (1964) that created Hollywood legend, both on-screen and off, as the two embarked on a highly publicised romance.
A Career of Hits and Critical Acclaim
Following the success with Elvis, Ann-Margret worked with an array of Hollywood's leading men. She starred with Steve McQueen in The Cincinnati Kid (1965) and appeared alongside John Wayne in The Train Robbers (1973). Her career reached a dramatic peak with 1971's Carnal Knowledge, directed by Mike Nichols. Her powerful performance as the girlfriend of Jack Nicholson's character earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
She received a second Oscar nomination for her role in Tommy (1975). Her versatility shone across decades, from thrillers like 52 Pick-Up (1986) to beloved comedies such as Grumpy Old Men (1993) and its sequel with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. She even played the mother of a five-year-old Angelina Jolie in the future star's 1982 screen debut, Lookin' to Get Out.
Music, Marriage, and Lasting Legacy
Parallel to her film work, Ann-Margret maintained a music career. She recorded with RCA Victor, scoring a Billboard Top 40 hit in August 1961 with I Just Don't Understand. Her most successful album was Beauty and the Beard (1964). Demonstrating enduring passion, she released her first rock album, Born to be Wild, in April 2023.
In her personal life, she found lasting love with actor and manager Roger Smith. The couple were married for 50 years, from 1967 until his death in 2017. Professionally, she never slowed, taking supporting roles in major films like The Break-Up (2006) with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, and appearing in television series such as Ray Donovan and The Kominsky Method.
Ann-Margret's story is one of extraordinary longevity and talent. From a 1960s sex symbol to a respected Oscar-nominated actress and recording artist, she carved a unique path in entertainment history, working with icons from Elvis Presley to John Wayne and leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood.
