Swedish-American Bombshell Ann-Margret Still Feels The Need For Speed at Age 83

Remind Staff April 28, 12:21 pm

Ann-Margret, November 30, 1968. — Mario Casilli/TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection

Actress and singer Ann-Margret, born on April 28, 1941, and was discovered by George Burns when she performed with a musical group in Las Vegas. The Swedish-American actress overheated audiences with her furious song and dance routines in Bye Bye Birdie (1963) and Viva Las Vegas (1964), in which she held her own against Elvis Presley as few could. She has been an actress of considerable talent, getting a Supporting Actress Academy Award nomination for Carnal Knowledge (1971). She had a great active recording career as well, with chart success with Beauty and the Beard (1964, with trumpeter Al Hirt) and the disco hit “Love Rush” (1979).

Ann Margrock, a character she voiced on The Flintstones in 1963

THE FLINTSTONES, Ann-Margret (as Ann Margrock), 'Ann Margrock Presents', (Season 4, ep 401, aired September 19, 1963), 1960-1966.

Sheedy-Long/TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection

Rehearsing lines with Elvis for Viva Las Vegas

VIVA LAS VEGAS, from left, Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret, on-set, 1964

Everett Collection

On a 500cc Triumph T100C Tiger motorcycle in the movie The Swinger (1966)

THE SWINGER, Ann-Margret, 1966 on a 500cc Triumph T100C Tiger motorcycle

Everett Collection

Ann-Margret remained active in film, putting in memorable performances in Grumpy Old Men (1993), Going in Style (2017) and Queen Bees (2021). She’s also been seen recently on TV, on CSI (2010), Ray Donovan (2014) and The Kominsky Method (2018). She was married to actor Roger Smith (77 Sunset Strip), who was also her manager, until his death in 2017.

With husband Roger Smith in 1970

Roger Smith with sun glasses and Ann-Margret in the back of a limo; circa 1970; New York.

Art Zelin/Getty Images

Currently the bombshell, even at 83, still has the thrill for speed as she recently told People, “I love speed, not the drug” in referring to her custom Harley. “It’s lavender and it’s got white daisies all over it,” she continued, “There’s flowers on the back fender and on the front fender. I love the speed.” Plus, she is still putting out music as she released a rock album of covers in 2023. Most recently she was honored with the Living Legend Tribute award at the Women’s Image Network Awards.

Pictured with Bo-Derek at the Women’s Image Network Awards

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 21: (L-R) Bo Derek and Ann-Margret attend Women's Image Network Awards at Saban Theatre on February 21, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.

Unique Nicole/Getty Images

Work with the USO

Additionally, the beauty has always been a big supporter of the USO and US Veterans, specifically Vietnam Vets, and has said, “They are the ones making all the sacrifices and are incredible patriots.” We couldn’t agree more. She currently has a special line of perfume with all proceeds going to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and can purchased here.