Ann-Margret

From the small Swedish hamlet of Valsjobyn (pop. 150), I was born on April 28, 1941, and came to the United States with my mother when I was only five, settling in the Chicago area. I was born Ann-Margret Olsson, but became known as Ann-Margret. In the early 1960s, George Burns propelled me into national prominence in Las Vegas. I had a meteoric rise to stardom beginning with LIFE Magazine cover story. This period details my very early film career: "Pocketful of Miracles," "State Fair," "Bye Bye Birdie," "Viva Las Vegas" with Elvis Presley, "Stagecoach," and "The Cincinnati Kid." I married the man of my dreams in 1967, Roger Smith. TV Specials, record releases, Las Vegas nightclub act, and national recognition as a "superstar sex symbol" punctuate my life in the fast paced sixties.
The Seventies truly defined me as a serious actress with Academy Award nominations for my work in "Carnal Knowledge", and "Tommy."

In the 1980s, I grew up. The eighties begin with my winning my first Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year Award. I tour the country with my Vegas act. My film career is full speed ahead, and I stars in her first of several critically acclaimed TV Dramas, and am nominated for three Best Actress Emmy's.

However, my husband Roger is stricken with Myasthenia Gravis, and I am thrust into one of the toughest role of her career... I am in charge of my career, as well as my beloved husband’s battle to survive.

I have to admit, a new, mature Ann-Margret emerges in the 1990s. My beloved husband’s health stabilizes and wonderful and new opportunities abound. I perform live at the Radio City Music Hall. I also tackle new characters in TV Film Dramas and receive re-newed acclaim for my acting. I take on two classics: "Grumpy Old Men," and its sequel, "Grumpier Old Men" with Walter Mathau, Jack Lemmon and Sophia Loren. As you will see, and I hope you agree, I am like a fine bottle of wine... I just keep getting better (and trying harder).

I am truly blessed to have all that I have, and I am thankful for each day that I can share with my Roger, and our family. My fans are also my solace, as they have been loyal, and devoted for all of these years.

For this, I say: THANK YOU, and GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.

- Biography © Ann-Margret