Ann-Margret is a Swedish-American actress, singer, and dancer with a celebrated career that spans decades. With a net worth of $25 million, Ann-Margret is renowned for her versatile roles in films like Bye, Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, Grumpy Old Men, and Carnal Knowledge. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including five Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy. Not only did she establish herself as a charismatic performer on the big screen, but her contributions to music and dance further solidified her as a cultural icon.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ann-Margret Olsson was born on April 28, 1941, in Stockholm, Sweden. She spent her early childhood in a small Swedish village in Jämtland before moving to the United States with her family in 1946. Her father had emigrated ahead of her mother and herself, settling in a suburb of Chicago where Ann-Margret would later be naturalized as an American citizen in 1949.
From a young age, Ann-Margret displayed a natural talent for performing, honing her skills through dance and theater in her school years. Her first taste of show business came through performances on local variety television shows, which paved the way for her eventual rise in the entertainment industry. After briefly attending Northwestern University, she chose to drop out in pursuit of a career in the arts, joining a traveling dance group called “The Suttletones.” This decision led her to Los Angeles, where her persistence in the entertainment scene paid off.
Rise to Stardom
Ann-Margret’s big break came when she was cast in George Burns’ Christmas special, where her performance garnered widespread praise and led to opportunities in both music and film. In 1961, she released her debut album, And Here She Is: Ann-Margret, through RCA Victor, and her single I Just Don’t Understand reached the Billboard Top 40. She was soon compared to Elvis Presley, which created buzz around her career.
However, it was her role in Bye, Bye Birdie (1963) that cemented her status as a Hollywood star. Her portrayal of the vivacious Kim McAfee in the musical comedy was a massive success and even earned her a spot on the cover of Life Magazine. The next year, she starred alongside Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas, and the chemistry between them sparked rumors of an affair, something she later confirmed, describing Elvis as her “soulmate.”
Diverse Acting Roles and Accolades
Ann-Margret’s acting career quickly expanded beyond musical comedies. She received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1971 for her role in Carnal Knowledge, a film that showcased her ability to portray more complex, dramatic characters. The 1975 musical Tommy, in which she starred, earned her another Oscar nomination and won her a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
She continued to land notable roles in both film and television throughout the 1980s and 1990s, winning additional Golden Globes for performances in A Streetcar Named Desire (1984) and Who Will Love My Children? (1983). She transitioned seamlessly from the big screen to television, where she also earned Emmy nominations, including one for her performance in the 2010 episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
One of her biggest box office successes came in the 1993 comedy Grumpy Old Men, which grossed over $70 million worldwide and showcased her comedic timing alongside stars like Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1967, Ann-Margret married actor Roger Smith, who became her manager and played a significant role in her professional life until his death in 2017. Though the couple did not have children together, Ann-Margret became stepmother to Smith’s three children from a previous marriage. Throughout her career, she remained close to Elvis Presley, with whom she had an affair during the filming of Viva Las Vegas. She has spoken fondly of him, claiming that despite their separation, they remained deeply connected.
Real Estate and Later Life
Ann-Margret and her late husband Roger Smith lived in a luxurious mansion in the hills of Beverly Hills for several decades. After Smith’s passing, she continued to reside in the property, which is now valued at an estimated $7-10 million.
In recent years, Ann-Margret has taken on smaller roles in films and television, maintaining her presence in Hollywood while enjoying her legacy as one of the industry’s most dynamic performers.
Conclusion
Ann-Margret’s life and career have been defined by her versatility, beauty, and undeniable talent. She rose from humble beginnings in Sweden to become a star in Hollywood, winning awards and critical acclaim in both film and television. Her continued success in the entertainment industry, along with her lasting cultural influence, ensures that Ann-Margret remains a beloved figure in the world of entertainment.
