As the sun sets and the lights of Hollywood flicker on, one name often shimmers brighter
than most: Ann-Margret.
A consummate performer and an undeniable icon, she has left a lasting mark on the entertainment
industry with her talent, charisma, and resilience.
Known for her roles in classics like 'Bye Bye Birdie' and 'Viva Las Vegas', her performances
are etched in the annals of film history, earning her a place among the pantheon of
Hollywood legends.
Yet, beyond her public persona, there lies a woman with a rich personal tapestry woven
with stories of love, loss, and resilience.
The men in Ann-Margret's life have played significant roles, each contributing to her
personal and professional growth.
In this video, we’ll draw from several candid interviews with the star, revealing insights
into her most influential relationships.
As we journey through the pages of her life, we will discover a side of Ann-Margret that
many of her fans may not be privy to - the insights, experiences, and emotions that have
shaped her off-screen persona.
From enduring love stories to heart-wrenching separations, Ann-Margret's romantic life is
as captivating as any of her on-screen performances.
Each relationship has left a significant imprint on her, shaping the woman we know and admire
today.
But while the details of her intimate relationships certainly are worth discussing, today we’ll
also be revealing Ann-Margret’s profound love and appreciation for the men who served
their nation in the armed forces, putting their lives on the line for the sake of liberty.
Join us as we embark on this intimate journey, exploring the layers of Ann-Margret's life
and love, and uncovering the stories that have remained virtually untold until now.
Facts Verse Presents: Ann-Margret Opens Up About the Men She Loved Most
Ann-Margret’s Ceaseless Support of the Troops
Despite her reputation as a leading Hollywood siren and her presence in several of the biggest
blockbuster films of her time, Ann-Margret has always asserted that her most cherished
accomplishment lies far from the glittering lights of Tinseltown or the galaxy of stars
she encountered in her journey.
In the year of 1966, a heartfelt letter landed on her desk, adorned with some 3,000 signatures
of servicemen stationed in Vietnam, expressing their longing for a live performance from
her.
Ann-Margret, without a second thought, decided to collaborate with the USO, embarking on
a 15-day journey to Vietnam to be with "her guys".
This cherished encounter has stuck with her throughout her long-standing Hollywood career,
with her still receiving heartfelt correspondence from the veterans who witnessed her performances
in Vietnam to this day.
As a tribute to "her guys", she recently introduced a fragrance line, the proceeds of which will
be donated exclusively to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated
to "preserve and honor the legacy of service and educate all generations about the impact
of the Vietnam War."
In an interview that she gave to Fox News in May 2023, Ann-Margret articulated her deep
affection for the troops, saying "These men mean everything to me.
It has always been my desire to reciprocate their love...".
She went on to elaborate on the difficulty she frequently encounters while speaking about
them, overwhelmed by the love and respect she has for these men and women who are ever-ready
to risk their lives for their country.
Despite her Swedish origins, Ann-Margret's heart lies firmly in America, the land she
has called home since the age of six, and she credits the nation's brave service members
for defending her beloved adoptive country.
She asserts that her presence in Vietnam was not just some political statement but an expression
of her deep affection for the troops, aiming to assure them that they were neither alone
nor forgotten.
Before her Hollywood fame, a young Ann-Margret Olsson, during her freshman year at Northwestern
University, embarked on her first USO tour.
She joined her college mates to entertain U.S. troops in Europe during the Christmas
break of 1960.
That same year, she moved to Los Angeles and made her television debut on "The Jack Benny
Program."
During her USO tour in Vietnam, her group's helicopter came under attack.
In that Fox interview, Ann-Margret recalled how the troops rallied around her to protect
her from enemy fire.
Following that harrowing experience, she performed for thousands of troops and revisited Vietnam
in 1968, where she visited combat hospitals and formed bonds with wounded warriors and
their caregivers.
In recognition of her contributions, the USO honored her with the Spirit of Hope award
in 2003, which is named after her close friend and fellow USO legend, Bob Hope.
She was also reunited with Force Base, Nevada, in 2005 to welcome the troops home.
Ann-Margret has always been an open book when discussing her experiences with the troops,
and it's clear that her time with them made a profound impact on her.
As a symbol of unity and peace in an increasingly volatile world, Ann-Margret's belief in love
and kindness is a testament to her character.
It's this belief that has guided her interactions with the troops and continues to influence
her actions today.
Her enduring affection for "her guys" and her tireless efforts to honor their sacrifices
truly define Ann-Margret as a woman of deep compassion, strength, and unwavering love.
Ann-Margret’s Affair With Elvis
Back in 1964, while filming the iconic movie "Viva Las Vegas", a covert romance began to
bloom between co-stars Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret.
Ann-Margret, who's now 82, shared her memories of that time with the Las Vegas Review-Journal
back in 2021.
She candidly admitted that their bond was initially fueled by mutual interests, central
to which was their shared fondness for Las Vegas.
The clandestine affair unfolded despite Elvis being married to Priscilla Presley at the
time.
The secret liaison between Elvis and Ann-Margret continued for approximately a year until Priscilla
discovered their covert relationship.
Yet, Ann-Margret recalls her time with Elvis without any hint of regret, reflecting warmly
on their shared experiences.
Their relationship wasn't merely a fleeting affair.
It was a time marked by shared laughter, common interests, and a bond that Ann-Margret holds
dear, even decades later.
Ann-Margret further detailed her relationship with Elvis in her 1994 autobiography, "My
Story".
She candidly wrote about an immediate spark between them, a connection that went beyond
their shared talents in singing, acting, and dancing.
Their bond was complex and layered, marked by common struggles or as she put it, similar
"demons".
This palpable chemistry was evident to the observant eyes of their fellow crew members
on set.
In her memoir, Ann-Margret further wrote about their early interactions.
While their romance was intense and filled with passion, it was also fraught with complexities
due to Elvis's marital status.
This perhaps added a layer of tension to their relationship, which ultimately couldn't stand
the test of time.
However, the impact of their bond is still very evident in Ann-Margret's fond recollections
of their time together.
Interestingly, despite her fond memories and the undeniable chemistry between them on-screen,
Ann-Margret revealed she has only watched "Viva Las Vegas" once.
Ann-Margret’s Late Husband
Ann-Margret's illustrious acting career, spanning over six decades, is undoubtedly filled with
numerous high points and accolades.
However, her enduring marriage to Roger Smith was a personal accomplishment that she held
in the highest regard.
The charismatic "Viva Las Vegas" actress and her beloved husband shared a remarkable marital
journey that spanned over half a century, only ending with Roger's death in 2017.
Their paths first crossed in 1961, around the time Ann-Margret made her cinematic debut
with "Pocketful of Miracles".
Although they initially met as acquaintances, the sparks of romance ignited only five years
later in 1966.
Their second encounter happened when Roger invited Ann-Margret to one of his performances
at a nightclub in San Francisco.
This led to a series of lavish dates, marking the beginning of their storied love affair.
Roger, in a 1976 interview with New York Magazine, described his initial impression of the stunning
Swedish-born actress.
He was struck by her lack of immediate interest in him, which contrasted sharply with his
usual experiences.
Ann-Margret's refreshing indifference and radiant innocence intrigued him, setting the
stage for their future relationship.
Their relationship, though not rushed by any means, quickly blossomed into a deep and steadfast
bond.
After a year of dating, they exchanged vows in a civil ceremony in Las Vegas in 1967.
Ann-Margret, in a 1994 interview with the New York Times, reminisced about their early
days together, revealing that she knew she would marry Roger after just three dates.
The couple savored more than 50 years of marital bliss.
Tragically, Roger passed away at the age of 84 in June 2017 following a prolonged battle
with a terminal illness.
Roger had also been grappling with myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular
disease, for many years leading up to his death.
Despite the profound loss, Ann-Margret continues to treasure the many years they spent together.
She allows herself to grieve but finds comfort in her belief that Roger continues to look
out for her.
In an interview with Closer in February 2022, Ann-Margret revealed that she still resides
in the same Los Angeles home that she and Roger purchased in 1968.
The memories of their shared life are precious keepsakes that she continues to hold close
to her heart.
Reflecting on her life, she once stated that her marriage was her proudest achievement.
Their successful partnership, according to her, was a testament to their mutual commitment
and love.
They were inseparable, and their mutual support was unwavering.
From her lifelong love and appreciation for the troops to her half-century-spanning marriage
to Roger Smith, Ann-Margret is clearly someone who loves hard.
She's obviously a very loyal, dedicated, and compassionate person who isn't afraid to wear
her heart on her sleeve.
It's been touching to take a look back at how she has expressed her relentless love
throughout her life.
And since she's currently in her early 80s, we should take the opportunity that remains
to send a little love in her direction while she's still with us.
We're just about out of time for this video, so we'll go ahead and wrap things up.
But before you go, we'd love to hear from you!
Did you know that Ann-Margret had a 'hush hush' affair with Elvis Presley while he was
married to Priscilla, and were you aware that Ann-Margret has spent much of her life performing
for the troops with the USO?
Let us know in the comments.
And as always, thanks for watching!