Let me tell you about Ann-Margret, a woman who truly embodies the spirit of music and passion. Born with a natural flair for performing, she shares her earliest musical memory with us. "My first musical memory was the sound of an accordion," Ann-Margret tells Closer. "It was wartime, and those songs were so moving, so full of beauty despite everything going on around us." You can almost hear the music in her voice as she reminisces about those early days.
At 80, Ann-Margret is still as dazzling and dynamic as ever. She's kept herself busy with films, television, and now, music. Just recently, she wrapped up recording a new album filled with iconic '60s hits, aptly titled Born to Be Wild. This isn’t just any album; it's a celebration of her journey through life and music.
Now, here's the thing: Ann-Margret hasn’t released an album in what feels like forever. "I hadn't done one for like 100 years!" she jokes with a laugh. But stepping back into the studio was pure joy for her. "I had such a blast recording it," she says with genuine enthusiasm. This album is more than just a collection of songs; it's a reflection of her heart and soul.
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Early Beginnings: Discovering Her Passion
Her love for music began at a very young age. Growing up in Sweden, Ann-Margret recalls being just four years old, harmonizing with her mother to traditional Swedish tunes. "We lived in the same house with Mormor, my grandmother, and my uncle who played the accordion," she says fondly. "It was like having our own little band!" Those early experiences shaped her into the performer she is today.
Breaking Into Hollywood: A Triple Threat Emerges
By the time she reached adulthood, Ann-Margret had already made a name for herself. Having moved to America at the age of five, she quickly established herself as a triple threat—equally comfortable in the recording studio, on a nightclub stage, and on a movie set. Her film debut came in 1961's Pocketful of Miracles, where she played Bette Davis' daughter. "My dad went to see the movie without telling me or mom," she remembers with a smile. "He just wanted to see my name in lights." And that was just the beginning.
Her career took off with musical hits like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, making her a household name. But Ann-Margret attributes much of her success to her family. "My parents and my close friends were my support system," she reveals. "They kept me grounded, even when things got crazy." It's that grounding that helped her navigate the highs and lows of fame with grace.
A Life Well-Lived: Marriage and Legacy
Ann-Margret still resides in the same Los Angeles home she purchased with her late husband, actor and producer Roger Smith, back in 1968. When asked what she's most proud of, she doesn't hesitate. "My marriage," she says firmly. She cherishes the years they shared together. "We both wanted it to work, and it did," she explains. "We were there for each other through thick and thin. We were each other's biggest fans."
Since Roger's passing in 2017, life has been different for Ann-Margret. Some of the activities they once enjoyed together, like skiing, no longer hold the same appeal. But she remains hopeful about returning to those hobbies soon. Meanwhile, her beloved cat, Harley, keeps her company. "He's 18 years old now," she says affectionately. "He's always by my side, even sleeping with me every night."
Staying Active: Building Community
Ann-Margret isn't one to stay idle. She's part of an informal walking group made up of friends she's worked with over the years. "Some days it's just a few of us, other days there's a whole crowd," she explains. "We change locations every weekend, which keeps things exciting." For her, these walks are about more than just exercise—they're about connection and community.
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And let's talk about her new album, Born to Be Wild. It's a tribute to the '60s, featuring tracks from some of her cherished friends, including Bobby Darin and Bobby Rydell, her co-star in Bye Bye Birdie. "It's all '60s music—my era!" she exclaims. Songs like "Earth Angel" and "Teach Me Tonight" have been staples in her live performances for years. Recently, she participated in a special screening of Bye Bye Birdie at the Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, followed by a Q&A session. "I never expected the movie to become such a classic," she admits. "I was just focused on remembering my lines and the lyrics."
