Ann-Margret Olsson, born on April 28, 1941, in the small village of Valsjöbyn, Jämtland County, Sweden, has had an extraordinary journey from humble beginnings near the Arctic Circle to becoming a celebrated actress, singer, and dancer in Hollywood. Over seven decades, she has built a remarkable career characterized by talent, resilience, and determination, making her a true icon in the entertainment industry.
Ann-Margret was born to Anna Regina and Carl Gustav Olsson, her parents being pivotal figures in her early life. Carl Gustav had initially emigrated to the United States but returned to Sweden to marry Anna in 1937. After World War II, Carl Gustav relocated back to the U.S., seeking better opportunities for his family.
In 1946, Anna and their daughter joined him in the United States, marking the beginning of a new chapter for young Ann-Margret. By 1949, she had proudly become a naturalized American citizen, a significant step in her integration into her adopted homeland.
Ann-Margret displayed an early interest in performing arts, showcasing her innate talent for dance at a young age. Her formal training began at the Marjorie Young School of Dance, where her instructors recognized her exceptional ability to mimic and perfect complex dance steps.
Encouraged by her family and teachers, she seized every opportunity to perform. During her teenage years, she graced popular platforms such as the Morris B. Sachs Amateur Hour, Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club, and Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour. Her high school years at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, further solidified her love for theater as she excelled in school productions.
After a brief stint at Northwestern University, Ann-Margret decided to pursue her passion for entertainment full-time. She began performing with the Suttletones, a musical group that performed in Las Vegas. Her captivating performances caught the eye of comedian George Burns, who invited her to audition for his annual holiday show.
Burns recognized her immense potential, and their collaboration was a resounding success. Variety magazine praised her, declaring, “George Burns has a gold mine in Ann-Margret… she has a definite style of her own, which can easily guide her to star status.”
Ann-Margret made her film debut with Pocketful of Miracles in 1961. However, her breakthrough role came in Bye Bye Birdie (1963), a performance that showcased her infectious energy and charisma, earning her widespread acclaim. This success led to starring roles in films such as Viva Las Vegas (1964), where she shared the screen with Elvis Presley. Her chemistry with Presley became legendary, and the two developed a close bond that would remain significant throughout her life.
Ann-Margret’s versatility as an actress was evident in her performances in The Cincinnati Kid (1965) and Carnal Knowledge (1971), the latter earning her critical praise and multiple award nominations. Alongside her acting, Ann-Margret cultivated a successful music career. Signed with RCA Victor, she released several albums. Her rendition of I Just Don’t Understand (1961) reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, further cementing her reputation as a multifaceted performer.
In 1967, Ann-Margret married actor Roger Smith, who later took on the role of her manager. Their marriage spanned an impressive 50 years until Smith’s passing in 2017. Ann-Margret embraced her role as a stepmother to Smith’s three children and often spoke candidly about the challenges and joys of being part of a blended family. Before her marriage, she shared a romantic connection with Elvis Presley, a bond forged during the filming of Viva Las Vegas.
Ann-Margret is known not only for her talents on screen and stage but also for her adventurous spirit and love of motorcycles. She famously rode a 500cc Triumph T100C Tiger in The Swinger (1966) and became a recognizable figure in Triumph Motorcycles’ advertisements in the 1960s. Even a serious motorcycle accident in 2000, which left her injured, could not dampen her enthusiasm for riding. Her lavender Harley-Davidson, adorned with white daisies, remains one of her prized possessions.
Ann-Margret’s deep faith has been a cornerstone of her life. In interviews, she has often expressed how her spirituality has provided her with strength and perspective. Reflecting on the beauty of life, she once said, “All my life I’ve had this feeling, deep, deep, deep inside of me… my faith and my feelings… you think of Who created it all.” Her relationship with God and Jesus Christ is a source of immense comfort and inspiration for her.
Ann-Margret’s contributions to the entertainment industry are immense. She has inspired generations of performers with her ability to transition effortlessly between acting, singing, and dancing. In recognition of her lifelong achievements, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, awarded her an honorary doctoral degree in Humane Letters in May 2022.
In November 2024, actress Lindsay Lohan announced plans for a biopic about Ann-Margret. During an interview on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Lohan shared her commitment to honoring Ann-Margret’s legacy by authentically portraying her life and career.
Now 83 years old, Ann-Margret remains an embodiment of vitality and passion. She continues to be active in the entertainment industry and maintains her zest for life, enjoying her beloved Harley-Davidson rides. Reflecting on her incredible journey, she describes her life as “blessed” and shows no signs of slowing down, proving that her star will continue to shine brightly for years to come.
