Hair unbrushed, raw energy, and pure excitement – Ann-Margret was a breath of fresh air in the 1960s. This Swedish-born actress, now 81 years old, captivated audiences with her beauty, personality, and incredible dancing abilities. While her love affair with Elvis Presley received a lot of attention, their connection went beyond the spotlight.
In her autobiography, Ann-Margret described their relationship as soul mates who were shy on the outside but unbridled within. They had a chemistry and love affair that couldn’t be ignored, even though they both went on to marry other people.
It is unclear when exactly Ann-Margret and Elvis first met, but it is known that they were filming “Viva Las Vegas” in 1964 when Elvis’s heart was captured by the blonde Swede. Despite ultimately choosing to marry Priscilla, Ann-Margret claims that she and Elvis were soul mates. Their relationship took a toll on Elvis’s future wife, as the passion between Ann-Margret and Elvis was evident to everyone on and off-screen.
During the filming of “Viva Las Vegas,” Ann-Margret and Elvis had incredible on-screen chemistry. Filmink described them as the best on-screen partners they ever had, with Ann-Margret’s energy and pep matching Elvis’s charm. But it was more than just a performance – their affection for each other was real and continued behind the scenes.
According to Ann-Margret, Elvis wanted to marry her. They often spent their dates alone, driving up a hill and talking while looking down at the city. This exclusivity showed Ann-Margret that she was special to Elvis, deepening their bond. But their relationship faced a major obstacle – Elvis was in a relationship with Priscilla Presley.
Priscilla knew Elvis was cheating on her, but she saw Ann-Margret as a real threat. Unlike the other women Elvis had been involved with, Priscilla felt that Ann-Margret was a mirror image of Elvis, which clashed with his traditional and conservative views on marriage. Although they continued to exchange love letters after “Viva Las Vegas,” Elvis knew he had to end his relationship with Ann-Margret to fulfill his commitment to Priscilla.
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Ann-Margret and Elvis remained lifelong friends. Even after his marriage to Priscilla, Elvis would send Ann-Margret guitar-shaped floral bouquets whenever she performed in Las Vegas. When Ann-Margret didn’t receive any flowers after a show in 1977, she knew that the King was gone. She was the only female co-star of Elvis’s to attend his funeral.
Looking back on Ann-Margret’s career, it’s clear that she made a significant impact on Hollywood. Born in a tiny village in Sweden, she rose to stardom in the 1960s and became one of the world’s most famous faces. Her breakthrough came as a singer, and her sultry and vibrant voice earned her the label of the female version of Elvis Presley. Hollywood quickly realized that she had the whole package as a performer.
Throughout her six-decade-long career, Ann-Margret delivered unforgettable moments on the big screen and recorded iconic songs that are still played today. One of her most notable performances was in the musical romantic comedy “Bye Bye Birdie” in 1963. The movie was a huge success, and Ann-Margret appeared on the cover of Life Magazine twice.
Ann-Margret’s career is something she is immensely proud of, but she considers her long-lasting marriage to actor and manager Roger Smith to be the highlight of her life. They tied the knot in 1967 and stayed married until Roger’s tragic death in 2017. Their relationship didn’t start off on the best note, as Ann-Margret cried during their wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, feeling sad about how different it was from her vision. However, their marriage was strong, and they were devoted to each other until the end.
Like any relationship, Ann-Margret and Roger faced challenges. They tried unsuccessfully to have children for 13 years, but Ann-Margret embraced her role as a stepmother to Roger’s three children from a previous relationship. Roger’s health issues, including myasthenia gravis and Parkinson’s disease, forced him to retire from acting in the 1980s. Ann-Margret took a break from her career to care for him, showing her unwavering commitment as a spouse.
After Roger’s death, Ann-Margret mourned but also fondly recalled the life they built together. She believes that a great love story doesn’t end with death and carries his spirit with her. As of 2023, at 81 years old, Ann-Margret still leads a busy life. She loves motorcycles and owns a purple Harley Davidson. The actress, who still looks beautiful, enjoys feeling the horsepower beneath her and the wind in her hair. She is also still involved in Hollywood and appeared in the TV movie “A Holiday Spectacular” in 2022. Additionally, Ann-Margret has found love again, although she hasn’t revealed the name of her new partner. She describes falling in love again as a nice feeling and is grateful for every day she has.
Ann-Margret’s spectacular career and her unwavering commitment to her husband during his illness have cemented her as a true Hollywood legend. Her unforgettable performances and iconic songs will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
