At 83, Ann-Margret remains an icon in the entertainment world, defying time with her passion, resilience, and zest for life. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including a near-fatal accident in the early 1970s, she has continued to move through life at full throttle—often quite literally on her lavender Harley Davidson, adorned with daisies. Her story is one of constant reinvention, determination, and survival, earning her a place among Hollywood’s most beloved and enduring stars.
Ann-Margret captivated audiences from the start. By the 1960s, her beauty and talent were on full display in films such as “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Viva Las Vegas.” Her vivacious spirit and undeniable charisma cemented her place as one of Hollywood’s rising stars, but it wasn’t just her looks or early roles that made her remarkable. Even before her resilience became a hallmark, she was dazzling audiences with her multifaceted performances across music, film, and live entertainment.
However, her life took a dramatic turn in 1972. During a performance at a Lake Tahoe casino, Ann-Margret suffered a devastating fall from a 22-foot platform. The incident left her with severe facial fractures, a broken jaw, and a broken arm. Despite initial concerns about whether she would return to the spotlight, she underwent successful surgery and returned to acting just a year later. Her comeback was marked by a starring role in the 1973 film “The Train Robbers,” proving her fortitude and solidifying her place as more than just a sex symbol—she was a survivor.
While Ann-Margret’s professional triumphs continued, her personal life was filled with quieter, more private battles. She faced a 13-year struggle with infertility, enduring experimental treatments in the hopes of becoming a mother. Despite the emotional toll, she and her husband, Roger Smith, embraced life together, raising Smith’s three children from a previous marriage. Her private heartbreak was balanced by public success, as she received Oscar nominations, multiple Emmy nods, and continued to reinvent her career. Her versatility as an actress was matched by her ability to keep evolving, showcasing that she was a powerhouse on screen and stage well into the 1980s and beyond.
As she entered her later years, Ann-Margret remained a private individual, carefully guarding her personal life while continuing to make public appearances and perform. Her fierce determination was evident in her 45-city tour of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” in 2001, even after breaking several bones in a motorcycle accident the year prior. Her love for speed, whether on motorcycles or in life, was a defining trait, and it was clear she wasn’t ready to slow down.
By the time she reached her 80s, Ann-Margret continued to shine, accepting accolades for her remarkable career. In 2024, she was honored with the Living Legend Award at the Women’s Image Awards, reflecting on her blessings and her unexpected journey. Still riding her beloved lavender Harley, Ann-Margret exemplifies grace, speed, and strength in all that she does.
Today, Ann-Margret’s enduring appeal comes from her ability to embrace life fully—both its highs and lows. Her resilience in the face of personal and professional adversity, combined with her unyielding passion for life, keeps her a beloved figure in Hollywood. From her early rise to fame to her reflections at 83, she continues to inspire, showing the world that, even now, she’s far from slowing down.