Ann-Margret Still Dazzles 65 Years On With Unwavering Star Power
Iconic performer Ann-Margret remains exceptionally active as she nears her 65-year milestone in show business.
After Ann-Margret (born Ann-Margret Olsson) relocated from her homeland Sweden to the United States with her relatives during the 1940s, she displayed remarkable talent for performing early on, attending the Marjorie Young School of Dance. Swiftly achieving stardom in Hollywood, Ann-Margret established an enduring reputation through her memorable roles in films such as Bye Bye Birdie and, subsequently, Grumpy Old Men.
In the 1964 musical comedy Viva Las Vegas, Ann-Margret appeared alongside Elvis Presley, a collaboration so well-received that they went on to record three joint songs. The undeniable connection between Presley and Ann-Margret extended beyond the screen, developing into a genuine romance, which was later depicted in the 2005 CBS miniseries Elvis. (Within the CBS production, Rose McGowan took on the role of Ann-Margret, as Jonathan Rhys Meyers embodied Presley.)
Reflecting on their romance in 2023, Ann-Margret quipped that Presley’s consistent pleasant scent was a particular draw for her.
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“He could have been wearing nothing, yet he invariably smelled wonderful,” she shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “[Elvis] possessed an exceptional sense of humor. He would deliver his witty remarks, causing me to burst into laughter. Moreover, he enjoyed playfully provoking me, and I would respond with teasing in return. On occasion, I would playfully hit him. He never reciprocated with a punch. Since if he had, my punch would have been delivered with considerable force.”
Ann-Margret’s second profound affection was for her deceased spouse Roger Smith, renowned for the iconic ABC detective show 77 Sunset Strip. Their union stood out as one of Tinseltown’s most lasting commitments; they exchanged vows in 1967 and stayed united until Smith passed away in 2017 from myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder. (Ann-Margret became a stepmother to the three children Smith had from an earlier marriage.)
“Reflecting on my life, my marriage brings me the greatest sense of accomplishment,” the performer confided to Closer Weekly in 2022. “Both of us were committed to its success. And indeed, it proved successful. We spent our days and nights inseparable. Our love for one another was constant, and we consistently supported each other.”
The star of Bye Bye Birdie maintained her involvement in the Hollywood scene even into her eighties, notably capturing attention in July 2025 during a red carpet event for the Project Angel Food’s Lead With Love benefit in Los Angeles.
She held a distinguished position at the charitable gathering, where she was also honored with an onstage commendation from Will & Grace star Eric McCormack. Referring to the film legend as “the female Elvis,” McCormack emphasized Ann-Margret’s “1960s dance routines that enthralled audiences globally.”
“You redefined the way an entire generation moved on the dance floor,” McCormack proclaimed. “From where do such astonishing movements originate? Is it customary for everyone in Sweden to dance in that manner?”
During September 2025, Ann-Margret was celebrated as a distinguished attendee at the 7th Annual Daytime Beauty Awards, being honored by Emmy-winning style authority Lawrence Zarian. Furthermore, she graced Walt Disney World in Florida in November 2023 with a special presence, serving as the guest narrator for the park’s celebratory Candlelight Processional. This prestigious tradition has previously recognized notable figures including Neil Patrick Harris, Kurt Russell, Sigourney Weaver, and Helen Hunt.
According to an exclusive May 2024 report by Us Weekly, a much-anticipated biographical film about Ann-Margret’s remarkable journey and profession was in development, with Lindsay Lohan emerging as a strong candidate to portray the star. A source revealed exclusively to Us then that Lohan believed she was “the sole individual capable of embodying the character,” and expressed optimism that this part could “garner her an Oscar [or] an Emmy.”
“[This opportunity has the potential to] elevate her career significantly,” an insider commented regarding Lohan, after her recent professional resurgence with Irish Wish and Freakier Friday.
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Ann-Margret has endorsed the idea of Lohan taking on the role, yet she informed IndieWire in July 2025 that crucial specifics remained to be resolved before the biographical film could proceed.
“I am aware that [Lohan] is eager to pursue that [biopic],” Ann-Margret stated. “The progression hinges on the nature of the script’s dialogue. How else can I express it? I hold deep affection for her. I believe she possesses immense talent, and I am simply curious to discover their creative output.”
Although Ann-Margret’s roles in film and television are infrequent now, she has unequivocally not ceased her acting career. Lately, she featured in a supporting capacity alongside Ellen Burstyn and James Caan in the romantic comedy Queen Bees, and also had a brief role in the Hallmark Channel feature A Holiday Spectacular, both released in 2021.
It might be unbeknownst to many that Ann-Margret contemplated retiring for a short period in the 1970s, even embarking on a farewell performance tour. As Ann-Margret later recounted to Interview Magazine, she swiftly concluded that she found little satisfaction in a life away from the spotlight and committed to continuing her work indefinitely.
“My thought was, ‘Okay, this is it. I’m exiting the profession,’ ” she recollected in 2014. “However, I mentally spent a year in retirement, and subsequently declared, ‘Darling, I don’t believe I wish to remain retired. I desire to perform on stage once more.’ ”
The performer continued. “You understand, I feel incredibly fortunate [regarding my existence]. The reality that I possess numerous companions who are utterly sincere, steadfast, understanding, and continue to show concern.”
In periods when she’s not making striking red carpet appearances, the Viva Las Vegas star spends her time in the company of her intimate circle of friends. Ann-Margret informed Closer Weekly in 2022 that her companions established a walking club to assist her in staying energetic and involved in daily life after her husband’s passing in 2017.
“Perhaps three of us might gather on Monday,” Ann-Margret mentioned. “On a different day, the group could number 15. Each weekend, we visit a distinct location for our walks. I look forward to participating.”
