Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 19, 2025 · Entertainment

Ann-Margret at 84: Hollywood Icon, Elvis Date & Angelina Jolie's Screen Mom

She started working in films in the 1960s. She is known for her roles in Pocketful of Miracles (1961), State Fair (1962), Bye Bye Birdie (1963), Viva Las Vegas (1964), with Elvis, whom she dated

The Sultry Saga of Ann-Margret: From Swedish Siren to Hollywood Icon

In a career spanning over six decades, Ann-Margret has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. This ravishing red-haired siren has been making waves in Tinseltown since the 1960s, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing voice, dazzling dance skills, and sultry charm.

Born to a Swedish mother and American father, Ann-Margret's early life was marked by a passion for performing. She took her first dance lessons at the Marjorie Young School of Dance, where she would eventually hone her craft alongside some of the industry's brightest stars.

She is Ann-Margret. She is a Swedish-American actress, dancer and singer who was the hottest thing in the 1960s and 1970s, and still looked incredible today

As a teenager, Ann-Margret began appearing on stage, showcasing her undeniable talent and charisma. Her big break came when George Burns spotted her and featured her in his show, catapulting her to national attention. This exposure led to a record deal with RCA Victor, where she released her debut single "Lost Love" in 1961.

But it was Ann-Margret's screen test at 20th Century Fox that truly sealed her fate as Hollywood royalty. Signed to a seven-year contract, she made her film debut in the 1961 classic "Pocketful of Miracles," starring alongside Bette Davis. Her subsequent roles in "State Fair" (1962) and "Bye Bye Birdie" (1963) cemented her status as a major star.

And then there was Elvis Presley – the King himself. Ann-Margret's on-screen sizzle with the rock 'n' roll icon in "Viva Las Vegas" (1964) was undeniable, and rumors of a romantic affair still linger to this day. Their chemistry on screen was so palpable that it sparked a nationwide phenomenon, making them one of Hollywood's most beloved couples.

Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley on the set of Viva Las Vegas, directed and produced by George Sidney in 1964

But Ann-Margret's success wasn't limited to her performances with the likes of Elvis and Dean Martin. She went on to star in some of the most iconic films of the 1960s and 1970s, including "Carnal Knowledge" (1971), "The Train Robbers" (1973), and "Tommy" (1975). Her Academy Award-nominated performance in "Carnal Knowledge" proved her mettle as a serious actress.

As the years went by, Ann-Margret continued to impress audiences with her versatility. She effortlessly transitioned from playing Angelina Jolie's mother in her screen debut ("Lookin' to Get Out," 1982) to showcasing her singing talents alongside Walter Matthau in "I Ought to Be in Pictures" (1982). Her supporting role in the hit film "The Break-Up" (2006), opposite Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, proved she still had what it took to captivate modern audiences.

But Ann-Margret's life hasn't been without its share of drama. In 1967, she married actor Roger Smith, with whom she shared a 50-year marriage until his passing in 2017. Their relationship was the stuff of Hollywood legend – a true fairy tale romance that endured through thick and thin.

Here they are seen on the poster for the MGM movie Viva Las Vegas

In recent years, Ann-Margret has continued to wow audiences on screen and stage. She guest-starred in "The Kominsky Method" (2018), bringing her signature charm to the hit show, and even released her first rock album, "Born to Be Wild," in April 2023 – a testament to her enduring passion for music.

Today, at the ripe age of 84, Ann-Margret remains an icon of Hollywood's golden era. Her legacy as a triple threat – actress, singer, and dancer – continues to inspire generations of performers. As she takes her final bow on screen, we can't help but marvel at the sultry saga of this Swedish-American siren, who has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

A Brief Timeline of Ann-Margret's Career

The star worked with Dick Van Dyke, Bobby Rydell, Janet Leigh in 1963's Bye Bye Birdie

  • 1961: Makes film debut in "Pocketful of Miracles"
  • 1962: Stars in "State Fair" alongside Bobby Darin
  • 1963: Breakout role in "Bye Bye Birdie"
  • 1964: Sizzles on screen with Elvis Presley in "Viva Las Vegas"
  • 1970s: Stars in iconic films like "Carnal Knowledge," "The Train Robbers," and "Tommy"
  • 1982: Co-stars with Walter Matthau in "I Ought to Be in Pictures" and stars alongside Angelina Jolie in her screen debut
  • 1990s: Appears in "Newsies," "Grumpy Old Men," and "Any Given Sunday"
  • 2006: Supports Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn in "The Break-Up"
  • 2014: Lands recurring role on Showtime's "Ray Donovan"
  • 2018: Guest stars in "The Kominsky Method"

A Look Back at Ann-Margret's Music Career

  • Releases debut single "Lost Love" with RCA Victor in 1961
  • Scores minor success with "I Just Don't Understand," which reaches the Billboard Top 40 in August 1961
  • Records her only charting album, "Beauty and the Beard," in 1964
  • Re-releases first rock album, "Born to Be Wild," in April 2023

Ann-Margret and Pat Boone on-set of the musical film, State Fair in 1962

Seen in the The Train Robbers with John Wayne

Ann-Margret arrives at the 39th Academy Awards at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica with Roger Smith in 1967

Ann-Margret attended Day 2 of the Cinecon Classic Film Festival at Writers Guild Theater on August 30 in Beverly Hills

Seen with singer Pat Boone