Ann-Margret, the vibrant Swedish-born actress and singer, took Hollywood by storm in the 1960s with her undeniable talent, electrifying performances, and beauty. Now 81 years old, she remains a legendary figure in the entertainment industry. Though her career is filled with iconic roles, her relationship with Elvis Presley often steals the spotlight in discussions about her life. Their passionate love affair, though short-lived, left a lasting mark on both their lives.
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In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating life of Ann-Margret, her relationship with Elvis, and how she continues to live today, embracing both her past and present.
Ann-Margret and Elvis: A Love Affair That Rocked Hollywood
The romantic connection between Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley began in 1964 while filming Viva Las Vegas. Their chemistry was undeniable both on and off the screen. Ann-Margret, with her raw energy and captivating charm, matched Elvis in every way, making their on-screen romance one of the most memorable of the era. Behind the scenes, their love affair blossomed.
“We both felt a current, an electricity that went straight through us,” Ann-Margret once said, describing their mutual attraction. The connection between them was powerful, leading many to believe they were destined for each other. However, there was one major obstacle—Elvis was already in a relationship with Priscilla Presley.
The Tension Between Ann-Margret and Priscilla Presley
At the time of the Viva Las Vegas filming, Priscilla Presley had moved in with Elvis in Memphis. Though Elvis and Ann-Margret’s love affair was no secret, it caused tension in Elvis’ relationship with Priscilla. Priscilla was well aware of Elvis’ wandering eye, but his relationship with Ann-Margret felt different. Ann-Margret was not just another woman—she was someone who Elvis saw as his equal, which made her a real threat to Priscilla.
Despite their deep connection, Elvis knew he had to make a choice, and ultimately, he ended his affair with Ann-Margret to marry Priscilla in 1967. Though heartbroken, Ann-Margret understood the situation. “We knew that our relationship had to end, that Elvis needed to fulfill his commitment,” she wrote in her autobiography, My Story.
A Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley
Though their romantic relationship ended, Elvis and Ann-Margret maintained a lifelong friendship. Even after Elvis’ marriage to Priscilla, the two continued to correspond, exchanging love letters and phone calls. Elvis often sent her guitar-shaped floral bouquets before her performances in Las Vegas, a gesture of affection that continued until his death.
Ann-Margret was one of the few women in Elvis’ life who attended his funeral in 1977. When the flowers stopped coming, she knew something was terribly wrong. Her deep bond with Elvis extended far beyond their brief romance, and she remains one of the few people who speaks about him with genuine love and respect.
Ann-Margret’s Marriage to Roger Smith
While her relationship with Elvis is well-documented, the true love of Ann-Margret’s life was her husband, actor and manager Roger Smith. The two married in 1967 and remained inseparable until Roger’s death in 2017. Their marriage was not only a romantic partnership but also a professional one, with Roger managing Ann-Margret’s career for much of her life.
Ann-Margret often credited Roger with providing her the emotional support she needed. “In Roger, I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one—a father, a friend, a lover, a manager,” she once said. Despite facing challenges, including the couple’s inability to have children, their relationship remained strong for five decades.
Ann-Margret’s Life After Roger’s Death
Swedish-American actress Ann-Margret with Elvis Presley (1935 – 1977) in the musical film ‘Viva Las Vegas’, directed by George Sidney, 1964. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
In 2017, Ann-Margret’s life changed when Roger passed away after a long battle with myasthenia gravis and Parkinson’s disease. For years, she had dedicated herself to caring for him, putting her career on hold to ensure he was comfortable. His death was not a shock, but it left a void in her life that was hard to fill.
Yet, Ann-Margret has continued to embrace life. “She certainly mourned for Roger but, more than anything, she fondly recalled the life they made together,” a close friend shared. “To her, a great love story doesn’t end with death. You carry their spirit with you.”
A Passion for Motorcycles and Life’s Adventures
Elvis Presley (1935 – 1977) as Lucky Jackson and Ann-Margret as Rusty Martin in the film ‘Viva Las Vegas’, 1964. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
Even in her 80s, Ann-Margret’s zest for life hasn’t dimmed. One of her greatest passions is motorcycles, and she still enjoys the thrill of riding. She owns a lavender Harley Davidson, which she takes out for rides, relishing the freedom and power of the open road. “If I ride somewhere, to like a biker place, mine is the only lavender bike there,” she says with a laugh. “They get a kick out of it.”
Her love of motorcycles is just one example of her adventurous spirit, proving that age is just a number when it comes to enjoying life’s thrills.
Continuing Her Career and Finding Love Again
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Ann-Margret has never fully stepped away from the limelight. In 2022, she appeared in the TV movie A Holiday Spectacular, demonstrating that her passion for performing is still very much alive. She’s also found love again with a new partner, though she keeps his identity private. “Falling in love again is a nice feeling,” she shared in a recent interview, revealing that she’s grateful for all the happiness life continues to bring her.
Ann-Margret’s Legacy in Hollywood
Looking back at Ann-Margret’s incredible career, it’s clear that she has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. From her iconic performances in films like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas to her electrifying stage presence, she remains one of the greatest entertainers of her generation. Her intense energy and undeniable talent have solidified her place in Hollywood history.
Ann-Margret at the White House Correspondents Dinner, 1997 / Wikipedia Commons
But for Ann-Margret, the highlight of her life wasn’t her career—it was her long-lasting marriage to Roger Smith. “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage,” she once said, a testament to the deep love and commitment she shared with her husband.
Conclusion: A Life Well-Lived
Ann-Margret’s life has been one of passion, adventure, and enduring love. From her legendary romance with Elvis Presley to her five-decade-long marriage to Roger Smith, she has lived a life filled with excitement and deep connections. At 81, she continues to inspire with her energy, grace, and willingness to embrace every moment.
Though her love affair with Elvis may have ended, Ann-Margret’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars will continue to shine for generations to come.
