Ann-Margret radiated joy as she was honored as a living legend at the 25th Women’s Image Awards. Reflecting on her incredible journey, she told Closer, “I never imagined as a kid that I’d be receiving awards like this. I’m just so blessed.”
As she looks back on a career spanning seven decades—filled with singing, dancing, acting, movies, television, and more—the 82-year-old icon feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. “Ever since I was 4 years old, I’ve loved performing and being in front of an audience,” Ann-Margret shares. Her journey began when she emigrated to the United States with her mother from Sweden in 1946, marking the start of what would become a storied career.
In 1963, Bye Bye Birdie catapulted Ann-Margret to major stardom, but it was her role in Viva Las Vegas alongside Elvis Presley in 1964 that cemented her status as a legend. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 60 years,” she reminisces. “Elvis and I had so much fun together! He loved teasing me, but I gave it right back. There was never a dull moment with him.”
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Like Elvis, Ann-Margret’s live performances in Las Vegas became iconic events during the late 1960s and 1970s. “Performing live in front of an audience is my favorite thing to do,” she says. “I also had the chance to sing and dance in two popular TV specials. Those were truly unforgettable times.”
A Life Filled with Love and Laughter
Ann-Margret resides in her longtime home in the Hollywood Hills, sharing it with her beloved dog, Bambi, and cat, Harley, who was a gift from her late husband, actor and producer Roger Smith. “Roger brought Harley home for me 20 years ago,” she recalls fondly. “He was wearing a bomber jacket, and when we opened it, there was this tiny little kitten inside. Harley has been my companion ever since.”
Her friendships have endured through the years, including her bond with Elvis Presley, whom she briefly dated. Even after their romantic relationship ended, they remained close until his passing in 1977. “I hope and pray that Elvis is out there somewhere having a great time,” she says with a smile.
She’s also stayed friends with co-stars like Jack Nicholson, whom she worked with in the 1971 film Carnal Knowledge. Her performance in that movie earned her an Oscar nomination. “Jack and I would often run into each other at Lakers games,” she remembers. “We’d wave to each other and exchange smiles. It was always a warm moment.”
Ann-Margret cherishes her close-knit group of friends, many of whom have been with her since the beginning of her career. “Once I have a friend, they’re a friend for life,” she declares. For her, a perfect day involves sharing a meal and laughter with her favorite people in a beautiful setting. “I’m surrounded by incredible, wonderful friends, and laughter is such an important part of my life,” she says.
Among her favorite indulgences are shoes and sweets. “I’m absolutely crazy about shoes—they take up an entire wall in my home!” she laughs. While she tries to maintain some self-control when it comes to sweets, she admits to having a soft spot for them. “I was advised long ago to avoid dairy products like whipping cream, but most of the time, I manage to stay disciplined. Of course, I do have my moments of weakness when it comes to sweets.”
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To stay fit, she exercises twice a week with a trainer and enjoys long outdoor walks with friends. “Sometimes, there are 25 of us hiking through the canyons—it’s like a little adventure!” she says.
Today, Ann-Margret’s life is peaceful, and she doesn’t dwell on the past. “It might sound surprising, but I’ve only watched my movies once,” she reveals. “I don’t feel my age—I might feel 65 today, but who knows how I’ll feel tomorrow? Life is unpredictable, and I embrace it.”
