Since the 1960s, Ann-Margret has been wowing audiences both on stage and in the movies with her talents as an actress, singer, and dancer. She is most well-known for her roles in the films “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “The Cincinnati Kid,” “Carnal Knowledge,” and “The Train Robbers,” amongst others. Her performances in these films have brought her a great deal of fame. Ann-Margret has been nominated for a total of six Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, and five Golden Globe Awards. She has also won five Golden Globe Awards. At the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2010, she was recognized for her work in the episode “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” which earned her the award for Best Guest Appearance.
Ann-Margret was born on April 28th, 1941 in the city of Stockholm, which is located in Sweden. In 1941, her family made the journey over the ocean to the United States, where they eventually made their home in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. In 1949, Ann-Margret was granted citizenship in the United States via the process of naturalization. After that, the actress went on to complete her secondary education at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, where she was active in the school’s theatrical program. Ann-Margret first enrolled at Northwestern University in 1959, but she did not complete her degree there.
Ann-Margret began her career in the entertainment industry in 1961, but the film “Bye Bye Birdie” was the catalyst that propelled her to popularity in 1963. The next year, in 1964, she co-starred with Elvis in the film “Viva Las Vegas,” and the two of them briefly dated before deciding to remain lifelong friends.
Ann-Margret first met her future husband, Roger Smith, in 1965, while she was working on the set of the film “Once a Thief.” Roger Smith is most known for his role in the television series “77 Sunset Strip.” They started going out together, and in 1967 they were married. After marrying Smith, Ann-Margret took on the role of stepmother to his three children: Tracy, Jordan, and Dallas. Although Smith died away in 2017, Ann-Margret continues to be a doting stepmother and is also a grandma at this point. Continue reading to find out more about the activities that Ann-Margret is participating in now that she is in her 80s.
into the field of work. The celebrity was candid and revealed the following information in an interview with the 700 Club:
“Ever since I was four years old, I have always enjoyed making people laugh, making them think, making them feel good, or having them experience some sort of emotion.”
In an interview with the New York Times in 1994, she said that throughout her childhood, she worked hard to maintain a positive reputation.
“Ever since I was a tiny child, I’ve worked so hard to please everyone. Always made an effort to have just the right amount of good manners. Never intended to make my mother and father unhappy. But you’re making things more difficult for yourself,” she conceded.
After establishing herself as a leading player in her high school’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” the actress realized that she have a talent that she wanted to impart to the world. As a result, she launched her professional acting career with “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Following the success of “Bye Bye Birdie” at the box office, she went on to “Viva Las Vegas,” where she co-starred with another legendary figure whom she referred to as “E.P.” Ann-Margret discussed their first encounter in depth during a sit-down interview with CBS Sunday Morning.
“It was embarrassing to say the least,” she added. She continued by saying, “Hi, but it was wonderful.”
In 1972, Ann-Margret was playing on stage in Lake Tahoe when she had an accident involving a scaffold. The accident left her face in a terrible state, and the only way to repair it was via surgery. During that period, the celebrity got a great number of emails from devoted followers wishing her the best. In 1983, she shared this story with Roger Ebert: “When I first began out, I was very, extremely afraid whenever I performed in front of an audience.” I would keep an eye on them from above. Now there is a connection on a more intimate level. My guess is that there are members of each audience who are also among those who wrote those letters. The accident truly opened my eyes to something, and as a result, I’m lot more relaxed when I perform now.
During her conversation with Ebert, Ann-Margret was in the process of getting ready to bring her show from Las Vegas on the road. She felt that she had really accomplished something by performing onstage, and she cherished every moment of it. “Given everything that’s going on, continuing with this tour would seem to be insane, but we’re both very excited about it.” It’s one of my favorite things to do. For me, it’s an electrifying experience. Since I was 4 years old, this has been the case. I feel like a racehorse waiting to be let out of the starting gate just before the curtain goes up. I just cannot wait. On the other hand, Roger was never interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts.
“He completed the task, but he was relieved when it was over. It was considered work by him. “Not in my opinion,” Ann-Margret elaborated on her stance.
In spite of the fact that she enjoys being on stage so much, Ann-Margret had a very busy schedule when she was shooting “A Streetcar Named Desire.” She revealed that
“I worked on the set of ‘Streetcar’ until five o’clock this morning.” Even if it’s the best part I’ve ever played, it’s also the one that drains me the most. I don’t consider myself a technical actor; rather, I consider myself an emotional actress, and if Blanche Dubois feels something, then so do I… I’m staying fairly busy. But if there’s one thing I’ve picked up through the years, it’s that whatever happens to you, whether it’s good or terrible, it makes you stronger.
She went on and on about the sickness that her spouse was suffering from in addition to her insane and stressful tour schedule. Ann-Margret said:
“Yes, and there are also some other things. In light of all that has been said, it may seem insane to continue with this tour, but we are both looking forward to it. It’s one of my favorite things to do. For me, it’s an electrifying experience. Since I was 4 years old, this has been the case. I feel like a racehorse waiting to be let out of the starting gate just before the curtain goes up. I just cannot wait. On the other hand, Roger was never interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts. He had done it, but he was relieved when it was over.
She continued by saying, “It was successful for him.” For me, it isn’t. There’s no need for more than one in the family. Roger is in the producing business. He has a passion for engineering things, coordinating things, and making sure that everything happens all at once on time and in the manner that it is meant to happen. We get our tiny nucleus together, which consists of Roger, myself, and our choreographer, and we are extremely thrilled about it because we are firm believers in putting on a show.
In addition to having to cope with the once-in-a-lifetime career and spouse that she had, the actress also had to deal with significant struggles of her own. She admitted to the 700 Club that she had struggled with alcohol issues as well.
“I resolved the issue. You can never say for sure that you have beaten it. However, I overcame it,” she said. She went on to say that in addition, “You constantly need to be conscious of it.” On the other hand, it has been 32 years since I last used it. My whole life, I have had this sensation, buried deep, deep, deep within of me… my religion and my emotions.
Ann-Margret has never been shy about discussing the ways in which her strong religious beliefs have helped her get through difficult times in her life. She said that whenever she was going through a difficult moment in the past, she would just go outdoors.
“What I mean is, when you walk outdoors, you see flowers. You can make out the trees. You are able to view all of your loved ones, you are able to see… “…and then you think about Who it was that created it all,” the celebrity said.
The legend also revealed some personal information, stating that the love she has for her family is the driving force for her tireless work ethic throughout her whole life.
“Loved ones and close friends. Indeed, that is the case. “That sums it up perfectly,” she said with a smug grin.
The extended career of the famous actor has also garnered some praise recently. During the course of her professional life, the woman has been recognized with a number of honors, both in the form of nominations and actual awards.
The celebrity’s kind nature and the fact that she has been so successful in her professional endeavors have both contributed to the legacy she has left behind. During the course of the Vietnam War, Ann-Margret made repeated trips to Southeast Asia in order to perform for American soldiers stationed on land and at sea.
The famous person said, “I was there in 1966 and 1968, and boy oh boy, you talk about your heart beating out of your chest!” Her love and the way it affects the world have a profound and far-reaching reach. The fact that she has such a strong connection with her husband, Smith, is one of the reasons why so many people like her. In an interview with the New York Times, she said that she had a very good idea from the beginning that she would end up marrying Smith.
“The guy I married is the man I knew I was going to marry on the third date,” she added. “The man I married is the man I knew I was going to marry.” In the same issue of People from 2017, Ann-Margret said, “I knew he would protect me. I was aware that he was someone on whom I could rely. “I had a perfect understanding of it,” she stated. She and Smith could not wait much longer and were married in May of 1967.
“My wedding will not be like this,” she said. “This is not how I envisioned my wedding.” “I believe everyone assumed I was pregnant since I was weeping during the entire event. I think they saw the tears coming down my face. But we did it!”
The marriage of the couple was neither easy nor straightforward. The pair was evaluated after he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a condition that affects nerves and muscles, and she had a near-fatal fall. On the other hand, the celebrity who has won several awards said that despite all of that, they do not regret being married.
“In all honesty,” she said, “it couldn’t be easier.” “Both of us want it to be successful.” She and Smith did not have any children of their own, but Smith had three children from a previous marriage to Victoria Shaw, and she became a stepmother to those children.
She told Closer Weekly that they were 3, 6, and 7 years old when they first met her. When she said that “Two of them are physicians,” she gave off the impression of being a very proud stepmother.
In April of 2022, Ann-Margret had her 81st birthday, and despite her age, she continues to be active. However, with the death of her spouse, the celebrity now spends her spare time with his children and grandkids. An eyewitness told Closer Weekly that her stepdaughter Tracey and stepsons Jordan and Dallas all love her. “Her stepdaughter Tracey is her biggest fan,” the insider said. “She is a loving grandma to each and every one of their children. She interacts with them on a regular basis, both in person and via communication platforms like Zoom.
Ann-life Margret’s was turned upside down when Smith passed away in 2017, particularly due to the fact that Ann-Margret served as Smith’s manager and the two spent all of their time together. One of the couple’s friends reportedly claimed, “They couldn’t bear to be away from one other, even though they were working on film sets on opposite sides of the nation.” The fact that Roger took over as her manager allowed for the two of them to be in constant contact with one another.
Smith went away owing to difficulties caused by myasthenia gravis after spending the previous fifty years of his life married to Ann-Margret. However, Ann-Margret has not given up on having fun in life and continues to cherish the memories of her late spouse. “She allows herself to feel sad, but she also treasures the years that they spent together,” the source said further. “She is under the impression that he is still keeping an eye out for her.”
Even today, Ann-Margret is actively working in the Hollywood industry, and she has no plans to slow down any time soon. She has maintained a career in television throughout the bulk of the early 2000s and has worked in the industry continuously. She had a starring role in the 2021 film “Queen Bees,” which included an all-star ensemble that included Ellen Burstyn, James Caan, and Christopher Lloyd, among others. She reassured him by saying, “You’re not dead when you reach a certain age.” You can’t afford to stop living and spend all your time in front of the TV by yourself. You have to participate.”
According to the illustrious musician, “I always consider that aging is a natural process, and I’m ready for it.” Whatever! “When I’m 85 years old, I’m going to be the finest version of myself that I can be.”
The award-winning actress also has time to pursue interests outside of acting, such as riding the purple Harley motorbike that she owns.
“You know what it’s like being outdoors in the storm with the wind and rain or whatever it is out there. She said that it was just thrilling. Not only does she now have more time for herself, but she has also rekindled an old romantic interest. The lady who had been married for over half a century opened up to CBS and discussed the ways in which her view on love has evolved since she first expressed it.
“It’s such a pleasant sensation. She asked me, “Do you know that he is not an unknown person?” Ann-Margret is still maintaining a pretty active schedule, what with the fact that she is famous, the fact that she is seeing her new lover, and the fact that she enjoys riding her motorbike for pleasure.
She remarked this as she reflected on her life and career, both of which had been filled with success and fame: “My entire life, how can this happen?” The living icon said, “I can’t express how grateful I am for everything.”
Ann-Margret finished the interview by saying, “I’m extremely glad that I have another day, sure,” which is how she felt about having another day.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas bestowed upon Ann-Margret an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree in May of 2022. The degree was conferred by the university.
Throughout the course of her career, she has appeared in more than 50 theatrical motion pictures and more than 18 different television series. The living legend may be seen continuing to make her home at the house in Los Angeles that she and her late husband Smith purchased jointly in 1968. These days, the diva is looking forward to going on walks with her friends.
In February of 2022, she gave an interview to Fox News in which she said that being a part of this organization offers her something to look forward to and helps her stay active.
Ann-Margret offered an explanation, saying, “On Monday, there could be three of us.” On another occasion, there may be 15 of them. Every weekend, when we go for a stroll, we go to a new location. “I can’t wait to get there!” she said.