At 83, this legendary star shows no signs of fading. After a life-threatening fall that left her needing facial surgery in her early 30s, she’s still riding through life at full speed — on a lavender Harley, no less. Her life tells a story of transformation, determination, and an undeniable zeal for life.
Through the years, she has cemented her place in entertainment history. While many stars from her era have slowed down, she has kept her foot on the pedal in more ways than one. But beneath her poised exterior is a story of survival.
A portrait of the actress, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images
The legendary star, circa 1965 | Source: Getty Images
The star in a scene from the movie “The Swinger” on September 29, 1967 | Source: Getty Images
The star poses in 1972 | Source: Getty Images
The actress on the set of “The Train Robbers” in 1973 | Source: Getty Images
The actress, singer and dancer photographed on March 6, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
While her career flourished, her personal life was marked by quieter struggles. In 1985, she opened up about her 13-year battle with infertility. Despite trying experimental treatments — including a hormone-injecting fertility pump — she and her husband, Roger Smith, were unable to have children of their own.
The singer and actress and husband Roger smith pose for a portrait in the 1980s | Source: Getty Images
The couple raised Smith’s three children from his previous marriage, but she still held out hope for a child, grounded in her belief that whatever was meant to be would be. She quoted the serenity prayer, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.”
The actress, singer and dancer poses for a portrait session on June 15, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Even as she dealt with these deeply personal issues, she continued to shine in the public eye. In the 1990s, she remained a star, proving her enduring appeal. Take a look at how she appeared about two decades after the accident.
The actress pictured on October 22, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
The star pictured on October 20, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
By the 2000s, she was still performing, showing the world that her resilience wasn’t just on the screen but extended into every aspect of her life. Her struggles were private, but her wins were visible to all.
The actress stars in “Perfect Murder, Perfect Town” on January 1, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
A Reserved Star in the Spotlight: The 2001 Interview
By 2001, she had spent four decades captivating audiences with her multifaceted talent, yet her reserved nature remained as strong as ever. During an interview with The Washington Post that year, she kept the conversation short and to the point.
The icon poses for a portrait session on November 9, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
After just 25 minutes, she ended the session with her characteristic breathy voice, politely saying, “That’s enough. Don’t you think that’s enough?” Though she didn’t want to say much, her 40-year career spoke for itself. She had established herself as a powerhouse across movies, nightclubs, television, and live performances.
The star at the Hallmark Channel’s “A Taste of Hollywood” reception on January 7, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Over the years, she had endured severe injuries, depression, alcoholism, and infertility, yet she remained a survivor. Reinvention was a hallmark of her career, a reflection of her resilience. Her reserved nature, attributed to her Swedish upbringing — having moved to the U.S. at five — made her fiercely private about certain topics.
The singer and actress attends Hallmark’s “A Taste of Hollywood” reception on January 7, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Among those was her widely speculated year-long affair with Elvis Presley. As a member of her entourage noted, “She really shuts down when you bring that up.”
Although she closely guarded her personal life, she was open about her love for animals. She was also happy to discuss her love for motorcycles and the tour she was embarking on.
The actress with her husband at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on August 21, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
At the time of the interview, she was touring in a 45-city production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” which had a two-week run at the National Theatre.
Despite the toll of her injuries — having broken four ribs and a shoulder in a Harley Davidson accident the year before — she remained active and full of passion.
The singer and actress at the 28th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Inaugural Chairmans Awards Gala on November 9, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Still, her patience with the media was limited. Her stunning green eyes would reportedly narrow in frustration when pressed too much. She preferred to keep certain parts of her life behind closed doors, only sharing what she felt was necessary.
The star at the “Going in Style” New York premiere on March 30, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
But even with her guarded nature, one thing was clear: She wasn’t ready to fade into the background, and her ability to adapt and reinvent herself set her apart from other stars of her generation.
The actress attends the Los Angeles Press Club’s National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards on December 1, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
A Life of Speed and Grace in Her 80s
Now in her 80s, Ann-Margret shows no signs of slowing down. Earlier this year, at the Women’s Image Network’s 25th Women’s Image Awards in February 2024, she was honored with the Living Legend Award. Accepting the award, she reflected on her life and career and was grateful for all the unexpected blessings.
