Ann-Margret, born Ann-Margret Olsson on April 28, 1941, in Stockholm, Sweden, is a Swedish-American actress, singer, and dancer. She began her entertainment career as a singer in Las Vegas before making her film debut in Pocketful of Miracles (1961). She appeared alongside Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas (1964), Steve McQueen in The Cincinnati Kid (1965), and Jack Nicholson in Carnal Knowledge (1971). Her performance as Nora Walker in the musical film Tommy (1975) earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 33rd Golden Globe Awards in 1976. During her career, she received five Golden Globe Awards, two Academy Award nominations, and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Early Life and Family Background

Ann-Margret was born on April 28, 1941, in Stockholm, Sweden, to Carl Gustav Olsson and Anna Regina Olsson. Her family moved to the village of Valsjöbyn in Jämtland County when she was a young child. The village, located in northern Sweden, was home to families involved in farming and forestry.

Her father had previously lived in the United States and returned to Sweden before marrying her mother. Following World War II, he moved back to America. In November 1946, when Ann-Margret was five years old, she and her mother joined him. The family settled in Winnetka, a suburb north of Chicago, Illinois.

Her mother worked as a receptionist at a funeral home to help support the family. In 1949, Ann-Margret became a naturalized United States citizen.

She showed an interest in music and dancing during childhood. She received her first formal dance lessons at the Marjorie Young School of Dance in Chicago. Her parents supported her participation in performances, and her mother made costumes for her early appearances.

She attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, where she participated in musical and theatrical activities. After graduating, she enrolled at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She studied there but left before completing a degree to pursue a career in entertainment.

George Burns and the Beginning of Her Entertainment Career

While attending Northwestern University, Ann-Margret performed with a musical group and participated in student productions. She subsequently began appearing in nightclub performances with other young musicians.

In 1960, comedian and actor George Burns saw her perform and offered her an opportunity to appear in his Las Vegas show. She joined his Christmas production at the Sahara Hotel, where her singing and dancing attracted the attention of entertainment industry representatives.

Burns helped introduce Ann-Margret to professional audiences and supported her early career. She subsequently obtained recording and film contracts.

In 1961, she began recording for RCA Victor. Her early singles included Lost Love and I Just Don't Understand. The latter reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her first nationally charting hit.

Her debut album, And Here She Is... Ann-Margret, was released in 1961. The album included interpretations of popular songs and introduced her recording style, which incorporated pop, jazz, country, and rock and roll influences.

During the same year, she signed a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox, beginning her professional film career.

Film Debut and Early Hollywood Career

Ann-Margret made her film debut in 1961 in Pocketful of Miracles, directed by Frank Capra. She played Louise, the daughter of Apple Annie, portrayed by Bette Davis. The comedy-drama also starred Glenn Ford and Peter Falk.

Her performance earned her the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress in 1962.

In 1962, she appeared in the musical film State Fair, playing Emily Porter. The production was based on the musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. She appeared alongside Pat Boone and Bobby Darin.

Her next major musical film was Bye Bye Birdie (1963), directed by George Sidney. She played Kim McAfee, a teenager involved in the publicity surrounding a popular rock and roll singer. The film also featured Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh, and Bobby Rydell.

Her performance in Bye Bye Birdie earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Viva Las Vegas and Elvis Presley

In 1964, Ann-Margret starred alongside Elvis Presley in the musical romantic comedy Viva Las Vegas, directed by George Sidney. She played Rusty Martin, a swimming instructor who becomes romantically involved with Lucky Jackson, a racing driver portrayed by Presley.

The film featured musical performances and dance sequences involving both actors. Their on-screen partnership became one of the best-known collaborations in Presley's film career.

During production, Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley developed a personal relationship. Their romance received considerable media attention, although Presley was already involved with Priscilla Presley. The romantic relationship ended, but they maintained a friendship afterward.

Viva Las Vegas was released in April 1964 and included songs performed by Presley and Ann-Margret. The film remained associated with their musical partnership and their appearances together in Hollywood during the 1960s.

Films During the 1960s

Following Viva Las Vegas, Ann-Margret continued appearing in comedies, dramas, and action films. In 1965, she starred alongside Steve McQueen in The Cincinnati Kid, directed by Norman Jewison. She played Melba, a woman involved in the personal and professional conflicts surrounding a poker player.

The film also featured Edward G. Robinson, Karl Malden, and Tuesday Weld.

In the same year, she portrayed Kristine Pedak in Once a Thief, a crime drama starring Alain Delon.

Her 1966 films included Made in Paris, in which she played Maggie Scott, and Murderers' Row, an action-comedy starring Dean Martin as secret agent Matt Helm. In the latter film, she played Suzie Solaris.

She also appeared in Stagecoach (1966), a remake of the 1939 Western, and The Swinger (1966), a musical comedy.

During the late 1960s, her film work included productions made in Europe, particularly Italy. She continued performing in musical shows and recording songs while working in the film industry.

Return to Hollywood and Carnal Knowledge

In 1970, Ann-Margret appeared alongside Anthony Quinn in R.P.M., a drama set against the background of student protests at an American university. She played Rhoda, a student involved in the campus unrest.

That year, she also starred in C.C. and Company, playing Ann McCalley opposite Joe Namath.

In 1971, she appeared in Carnal Knowledge, directed by Mike Nichols. The film starred Jack Nicholson, Art Garfunkel, and Candice Bergen and examined relationships and changing attitudes toward sexuality over several decades.

Ann-Margret portrayed Bobbie, a woman involved in a troubled relationship with Nicholson's character. Her performance earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture in 1972.

She also received her first Academy Award nomination, in the Best Supporting Actress category, for Carnal Knowledge.

Her subsequent films included The Outside Man (1972), a crime thriller in which she played Nancy Robson, and The Train Robbers (1973), a Western starring John Wayne.

1972 Stage Accident and Recovery

In September 1972, Ann-Margret suffered a serious accident while performing at a hotel in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. She fell from an elevated stage platform and sustained significant facial injuries, including fractures and damage to her jaw.

She underwent surgery and required a period of recovery. Her husband, actor Roger Smith, supported her during her treatment and rehabilitation.

After recovering, she returned to performing and continued accepting film and television roles.

Tommy and the 1976 Golden Globe Award

In 1975, Ann-Margret starred in Tommy, a musical fantasy film directed by Ken Russell. The production was based on the rock opera by the British band The Who, with music written principally by Pete Townshend.

She portrayed Nora Walker, the mother of Tommy, a young man played by Roger Daltrey. The film also featured Oliver Reed, Jack Nicholson, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Tina Turner.

The story follows Tommy, who develops severe sensory and communication difficulties after witnessing a traumatic event during childhood. His experiences eventually lead him to become a public figure associated with a religious movement.

Ann-Margret's performance combined dramatic acting, singing, and physically demanding musical sequences.

At the 33rd Golden Globe Awards in 1976, she won Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for Tommy. She also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

These were her second Academy Award nomination and third Golden Globe victory.

Film Career During the Late 1970s and 1980s

After Tommy, Ann-Margret continued working in films across several genres. In 1977, she appeared in Joseph Andrews, directed by Tony Richardson, playing Lady Booby. The performance earned her another Golden Globe nomination.

She also appeared in The Last Remake of Beau Geste (1977), The Cheap Detective (1978), and Magic (1978). In Magic, she played Peggy Ann Snow opposite Anthony Hopkins.

In 1979, she appeared in the Western comedy The Villain, starring Kırk Douglas and Arnold Schwarzenegger. She played Charming Jones.

Her films during the early 1980s included Middle Age Crazy (1980), Lookin' to Get Out (1982), and I Ought to Be in Pictures (1982).

In 1985, she starred alongside Gene Hackman and Ellen Burstyn in Twice in a Lifetime, portraying Audrey Minelli. The following year, she appeared in 52 Pick-Up, directed by John Frankenheimer, playing Barbara Mitchell.

Television Drama and A Streetcar Named Desire

In addition to film work, Ann-Margret appeared in television dramas and adaptations of stage productions.

In 1983, she starred in the television film Who Will Love My Children?, portraying Lucile Fray. The film tells the story of a mother who learns she has a terminal illness and attempts to find homes for her children.

Her performance earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film in 1984. She also received a Primetime Emmy nomination.

In 1984, she played Blanche DuBois in a television adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire, the play written by Tennessee Williams. The production also starred Treat Williams, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid.

Her portrayal of Blanche DuBois earned her another Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film in 1985.

In 1987, she appeared in The Two Mrs. Grenvilles, a television miniseries based on the novel by Dominick Dunne.

Newsies and Grumpy Old Men

In 1992, Ann-Margret appeared in Newsies, a musical drama directed by Kenny Ortega. The film starred Christian Bale, David Moscow, Bill Pullman, and Robert Duvall.

She played Medda Larkson, a theatrical performer who supports young newspaper sellers during a labor dispute in New York City.

In 1993, she starred alongside Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau in the comedy Grumpy Old Men, directed by Donald Petrie. She portrayed Ariel Truax, a woman who moves into the neighborhood of two elderly men whose longstanding rivalry becomes complicated by her arrival.

The film also featured Daryl Hannah and Burgess Meredith.

Ann-Margret returned as Ariel in Grumpier Old Men (1995), the sequel directed by Howard Deutch. The film reunited her with Lemmon, Matthau, and Hannah.

She subsequently appeared in Any Given Sunday (1999), directed by Oliver Stone, alongside Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, and Jamie Foxx.

Later Film and Television Work

During the 2000s, Ann-Margret continued acting in films and television productions. She appeared in Taxi (2004), playing the mother of detective Andrew Washburn, portrayed by Jimmy Fallon.

In 2006, she appeared in The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, playing Sylvia Newman. The Christmas comedy starred Tim Allen and Martin Short.

Her other projects included Memory (2006), Tales of the Rat Fink (2006), and The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond (2008), based on a screenplay by Tennessee Williams.

In 2010, she guest-starred in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, portraying Rita Wills in the episode "Bedtime." The performance earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.

In 2017, she appeared in Going in Style, released in Turkey as Son Macera. The comedy, directed by Zach Braff, starred Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Arkin, and Matt Dillon.

Ann-Margret portrayed Annie, a woman who develops a romantic relationship with Alan Arkin's character, Albert.

She continued appearing in film and television productions in subsequent years, including Queen Bees (2021), a comedy starring Ellen Burstyn, James Caan, and Christopher Lloyd.

Music Career and Recordings

Alongside acting, Ann-Margret maintained a recording and concert career. She began releasing albums through RCA Victor in 1961, recording pop, jazz, country, and rock and roll material.

Her early recordings included And Here She Is... Ann-Margret (1961), On the Way Up (1962), and The Vivacious One (1962). Her single I Just Don't Understand reached the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961.

In 1964, she recorded Beauty and the Beard with trumpeter Al Hirt. The album combined vocal performances with jazz arrangements.

In 1969, she collaborated with singer-songwriter Lee Hazlewood on The Cowboy and the Lady. The album featured country-influenced pop recordings and vocal duets.

She later recorded gospel music, including God Is Love: The Gospel Sessions (2001), which received a Grammy nomination in the gospel music category.

Her recordings also included Ann-Margret's Christmas Carol Collection (2004) and God Is Love: The Gospel Sessions 2 (2011).

On April 14, 2023, at the age of 81, Ann-Margret released the rock and roll album Born to Be Wild through Cleopatra Records. The project included collaborations with musicians such as Joe Perry, Pete Townshend, Cliff Richard, and Pat Boone. It was her first new studio album in more than a decade.

Awards and Nominations

Ann-Margret has won five Golden Globe Awards and received two Academy Award nominations during her acting career. Her Golden Globe victories include New Star of the Year for Pocketful of Miracles (1962), Best Supporting Actress for Carnal Knowledge (1972), and Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for Tommy (1976).

She also won Golden Globe Awards for her television performances in Who Will Love My Children? (1984 ceremony) and A Streetcar Named Desire (1985 ceremony).

Her Academy Award nominations were for Best Supporting Actress in Carnal Knowledge and Best Actress in Tommy.

In 2010, she received a Primetime Emmy Award for her guest performance in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1973 for her work in motion pictures.

Personal Life and Marriage to Roger Smith

During the early 1960s, Ann-Margret was romantically linked to television producer Burt Sugarman. She also had a relationship with Elvis Presley during the period surrounding the filming of Viva Las Vegas.

On May 8, 1967, she married actor Roger Smith at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Smith was known for his work in the television series 77 Sunset Strip.

Following their marriage, Smith became closely involved in managing her professional career. After developing myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular disorder, he reduced his acting activities and concentrated on her career management.

Ann-Margret had no biological children. She became stepmother to Smith's three children from his previous marriage: Tracey, Jordan, and Dallas.

The couple remained married until Smith's death on June 4, 2017, at the age of 84.

Autobiography

In 1994, Ann-Margret published her autobiography, Ann-Margret: My Story, written with Todd Gold. The book recounts her childhood in Sweden, immigration to the United States, musical and acting careers, relationships, marriage, and recovery from her 1972 stage accident.

Awards

1962 - Golden Globe Award - New Star of the Year, Actress (Pocketful of Miracles)
1972 - Golden Globe Award - Best Supporting Actress, Motion Picture (Carnal Knowledge)
1972 - Academy Award Nomination - Best Supporting Actress (Carnal Knowledge)
1976 - 33rd Golden Globe Awards - Best Actress, Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Tommy)
1976 - Academy Award Nomination - Best Actress (Tommy)
1984 - Golden Globe Award - Best Actress, Miniseries or Television Film (Who Will Love My Children?)
1985 - Golden Globe Award - Best Actress, Miniseries or Television Film (A Streetcar Named Desire)
2010 - Primetime Emmy Award - Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit)

Albums

1961 - And Here She Is... Ann-Margret
1962 - More and More American Hits
1962 - On the Way Up
1962 - The Vivacious One
1963 - Bachelors' Paradise
1964 - Beauty and the Beard (with Al Hirt)
1964 - David Merrick Presents Hits from His Broadway Hits (with David Merrick)
1966 - Songs from The Swinger (And Other Swingin' Songs)
1969 - The Cowboy and the Lady (with Lee Hazlewood)
1980 - Ann-Margret
2001 - God Is Love: The Gospel Sessions
2004 - Ann-Margret's Christmas Carol Collection
2007 - Love Rush
2007 - Everybody Needs Somebody Sometimes (Single)
2008 - All's Faire in Love
2011 - God Is Love: The Gospel Sessions 2
2023 - Born to Be Wild

Films and Television Series

1960 - The Flintstones (Ann-Margrock, Voice Role, Television Series)
1961 - Pocketful of Miracles (Louise, Film)
1962 - State Fair (Emily Porter, Film)
1963 - Bye Bye Birdie (Kim McAfee, Film)
1964 - Viva Las Vegas (Rusty Martin, Film)
1965 - Once a Thief (Kristine Pedak, Film)
1965 - The Cincinnati Kid (Melba, Film)
1966 - Made in Paris (Maggie Scott, Film)
1966 - Murderers' Row (Suzie Solaris, Film)
1970 - R.P.M. (Rhoda, Film)
1970 - C.C. and Company (Ann McCalley, Film)
1971 - Carnal Knowledge (Bobbie, Film)
1972 - The Outside Man (Nancy Robson, Film)
1973 - The Train Robbers (Mrs. Lowe, Film)
1975 - Tommy (Nora Walker, Film)
1977 - Joseph Andrews (Lady Booby, Film)
1977 - The Last Remake of Beau Geste (Flavia Geste, Film)
1978 - The Cheap Detective (Jezebel Dezire, Film)
1978 - Magic (Peggy Ann Snow, Film)
1979 - The Villain (Charming Jones, Film)
1980 - Middle Age Crazy (Sue Ann Burnett, Film)
1982 - Lookin' to Get Out (Patti Warner, Film)
1982 - I Ought to Be in Pictures (Steffy Blondell, Film)
1983 - Who Will Love My Children? (Lucile Fray, Television Film)
1984 - A Streetcar Named Desire (Blanche DuBois, Television Film)
1985 - Twice in a Lifetime (Audrey Minelli, Film)
1985 - That's Dancing! (Herself, Documentary Film)
1985 - Larry King Live (Herself, Television Series, 2 Episodes)
1986 - 52 Pick-Up (Barbara Mitchell, Film)
1987 - A Tiger's Tale (Rose Butts, Film)
1987 - Biography (Herself, Television Series)
1987 - The Two Mrs. Grenvilles (Ann Arden Grenville, Television Miniseries)
1992 - Newsies (Medda Larkson, Film)
1993 - Grumpy Old Men (Ariel Truax, Film)
1995 - Grumpier Old Men (Ariel Gustafson, Film)
1999 - Third Watch (Barbara Halsted, Television Series, 2 Episodes)
1999 - Any Given Sunday (Margaret Pagniacci, Film)
2001 - Blonde (Della Monroe, Television Film)
2004 - Taxi (Washburn's Mother, Film)
2006 - Memory (Carol Hargrave, Film)
2006 - The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (Sylvia Newman, Film)
2006 - Tales of the Rat Fink (Heartbreaker, Voice Role, Film)
2008 - The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond (Cornelia, Film)
2009 - All's Faire in Love (Mrs. Banks, Film)
2010 - A Handful of Beans (Martha, Film)
2010 - Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Rita Wills, Television Series)
2011 - Lucky (Film)
2012 - Cunning Little Vixen (Elena, Reported Film Project)
2017 - Going in Style (Annie, Film)
2021 - Queen Bees (Margot Clark, Film)

Source: Biyografiler.com