What Happened to Ann-Margret Olsson?
Ann-Margret, the iconic Swedish-American actress, singer, and dancer, continues her illustrious career spanning over seven decades. At 85 years old in 2026, she remains active, releasing new music, making public appearances, and is the subject of an upcoming biopic, solidifying her legacy as a versatile and enduring Hollywood legend.
Quick Answer
Ann-Margret, the celebrated actress, singer, and dancer, is still active in 2026 at the age of 85. She recently released a new album, "Born to Be Wild," in 2023, and has continued to make public appearances at various events throughout 2025 and 2026. In May 2026, she is slated to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chita Rivera Awards. Despite a recent fall at home resulting in a broken elbow, she is reportedly recovering well, and a biopic about her life, with Lindsay Lohan attached, is reportedly in development.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Born in Stockholm, Sweden
Ann-Margret Olsson was born in Stockholm, Sweden, to Anna Regina and Carl Gustav Olsson.
Became a Naturalized American Citizen
After moving to the United States with her parents, Ann-Margret became a naturalized American citizen.
Film Debut in 'Pocketful of Miracles'
Ann-Margret made her film debut in Frank Capra's 'Pocketful of Miracles', starring alongside Bette Davis.
Breakthrough Role in 'Bye Bye Birdie'
Her performance as Kim MacAfee in the musical film 'Bye Bye Birdie' catapulted her to major stardom.
Co-starred with Elvis Presley in 'Viva Las Vegas'
Ann-Margret starred opposite Elvis Presley in the iconic musical film 'Viva Las Vegas', solidifying her 'female Elvis' image.
Married Roger Smith
Ann-Margret married actor Roger Smith, beginning a 50-year partnership during which he also became her manager.
First Academy Award Nomination for 'Carnal Knowledge'
She received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her dramatic role in Mike Nichols' 'Carnal Knowledge'.
Suffered Severe Stage Fall in Lake Tahoe
Ann-Margret endured a devastating 22-foot fall from a stage platform in Lake Tahoe, sustaining multiple injuries but making a resilient recovery.
Second Academy Award Nomination for 'Tommy'
She earned her second Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Actress, for her role in the rock opera 'Tommy'.
Husband Roger Smith Passed Away
Her husband of 50 years, Roger Smith, passed away at the age of 84 after battling myasthenia gravis.
Released New Album 'Born to Be Wild'
Ann-Margret released her album 'Born to Be Wild', featuring covers and collaborations, which became her first album to chart in decades.
Received Living Legend Tribute Award
Ann-Margret was honored with the Living Legend Tribute award at the Women's Image Network Awards in Beverly Hills.
Public Appearance at Project Angel Food Telethon
She made a notable public appearance at Project Angel Food's Lead With Love 6 telethon in Los Angeles, delighting fans.
Revealed Recent Broken Elbow, Recovering
Ann-Margret revealed in an interview that she suffered a fall at home, breaking her right elbow, but stated she is recovering.
Celebrated 85th Birthday
Ann-Margret celebrated her 85th birthday, reflecting on her extensive career and personal life.
To Receive Chita Rivera Lifetime Achievement Award
Ann-Margret is scheduled to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards at the NYU Skirball Center.
Biopic Starring Lindsay Lohan Reportedly in Development
A biographical film about Ann-Margret's life, with Lindsay Lohan reportedly attached to star, is said to be in the works.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Ann-Margret Olsson, known professionally as Ann-Margret, was born on April 28, 1941, in Stockholm, Sweden, and became a naturalized American citizen in 1949. Her career began in the early 1960s, quickly rising to stardom with her dynamic performances in films like "Bye Bye Birdie" (1963) and "Viva Las Vegas" (1964), where she co-starred with Elvis Presley. Her electrifying stage presence and versatility as a triple threat—actress, singer, and dancer—earned her the moniker "the female Elvis."
Throughout the 1970s, Ann-Margret transitioned to more dramatic roles, earning critical acclaim and two Academy Award nominations for her work in "Carnal Knowledge" (1971) and the rock opera "Tommy" (1975). She also became a renowned Las Vegas headliner, often referred to as "The Queen of Vegas." Her personal life saw a significant turning point with her marriage to actor Roger Smith in 1967, a partnership that lasted 50 years until his passing in 2017. Smith also became her manager, guiding her career and helping her navigate various challenges, including a severe 22-foot fall from a stage in Lake Tahoe in 1972, from which she made a remarkable recovery.
In recent decades, Ann-Margret has continued to maintain an active presence in the entertainment industry. She won her first Emmy Award in 2010 for a guest appearance on "Law & Order: SVU." In 2023, she released a new album titled "Born to Be Wild," featuring a mix of covers and collaborations, which marked her first album to chart on a Billboard chart in nearly six decades.
As of 2026, Ann-Margret, who celebrated her 85th birthday on April 28, continues to be in the public eye. She received the Living Legend Tribute award at the Women's Image Network Awards in February 2024. In 2025, she made notable public appearances at events such as Project Angel Food's Lead With Love 6 telethon in June and the Daytime Beauty Awards in September. Looking ahead, she is set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chita Rivera Awards on May 18, 2026, recognizing her enduring impact on dance and performance. Despite a recent fall at home in early 2026 that resulted in a broken elbow, she has expressed her resilience and is recovering. Furthermore, a biopic about her life, with actress Lindsay Lohan reportedly in the lead role, is currently in development, signaling continued interest in her remarkable story.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Ann-Margret Olsson made different choices?