Who’s Still Alive From ‘Viva Las Vegas’?

VIVA LAS VEGAS, Ann-Margret, Elvis Presley, 1964 — Everett Collection

Viva Las Vegas hit theaters on May 20, 1964, and remains one of Elvis Presley‘s most famous movie musicals, including the catchy title song appropriately named “Viva Las Vegas.” Directed by George Sidney, the film stars Presley as Lucky Jackson, a race car driver who comes to Las Vegas for the city’s Grand Prix and falls for Rusty Martin, a hotel swimming instructor played by Ann-Margret. The movie also stars Cesare Danova, William Demarest, and Nicky Blair. It is remembered especially for Presley and Ann-Margret’s onscreen chemistry, and as we know, Presley sadly died far too young just over a decade later. So, who from Viva Las Vegas is still alive today?

Ann-Margret as Rusty Martin

Everett Collection; David Scott Holloway/Hallmark Media/Everett Collection

Ann-Margret, 85, is the only surviving major cast member from Viva Las Vegas. She played Rusty Martin, the swimming instructor who catches Lucky Jackson’s eye, and they quickly have a steamy romance. By the time Viva Las Vegas came out, Ann-Margret was already a rising star thanks to Bye Bye Birdie, and her pairing with Presley onscreen and off helped make her a star. After Viva Las Vegas, Ann-Margret continued building a long career in film, television, and music. She earned Oscar nominations for Carnal Knowledge and Tommy, later appeared in Grumpy Old Men, Grumpier Old Men, Any Given Sunday, The Break-Up, and Going in Style, and won an Emmy for her guest role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She has continued working, with later credits including Queen Bees and the 2022 TV movie A Holiday Spectacular.

Toni Basil as Dancer in Red Dress

Everett Collection; Paul Drinkwater/©NBC/Everett Collection

Toni Basil, 82, also appears in Viva Las Vegas as a dancer in the “What’d I Say” number, though her role was uncredited. Long before she became famous for the 1982 hit “Mickey,” Basil was already working as a dancer and choreographer, and Viva Las Vegas was part of her early screen career. She later became known as a singer, dancer, choreographer, director, and street dance historian. After Viva Las Vegas, Basil appeared in films including Easy Rider and Five Easy Pieces, co-founded The Lockers, and helped bring street dance to a wider audience. She also choreographed or worked on projects connected to David Bowie, Talking Heads, Bette Midler, and Quentin Tarantino‘s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

In Memoriam

Elvis Presley, who played Lucky Jackson, died on August 16, 1977, at his Memphis home, Graceland. He was 42 and one of the biggest artists of all time.

Cesare Danova, who played Count Elmo Mancini, died on March 19, 1992, at 66 from a heart attack.

William Demarest, who played Mr. Martin, Rusty’s father, died on December 28, 1983, at the age of 91.

Nicky Blair, who played Lucky’s mechanic and sidekick Shorty Farnsworth, died on November 22, 1998, at 72 from liver cancer.

Jack Carter, who appeared as himself in the film, died on June 28, 2015, at the age of 93.

Teri Garr, who appeared as a dancer in Viva Las Vegas early in her career, died on October 29, 2024, at 79 from complications of multiple sclerosis.

Where to Watch Viva Las Vegas

As of publication, Viva Las Vegas is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home. You can also watch it for free on Hoopla, Tubi and Plex.