Key Takeaways
- Ann‑Margret celebrated her 85th birthday on April 28, 2026.
- Her 54‑year marriage to Roger Smith, whom she calls “the love of my life,” remains her proudest accomplishment.
- In 2023 she released the album Born to Be Wild, a collection of covers and collaborations that showcased her enduring musical talent.
- 2026 brought both honors and health challenges: she is slated to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chita Rivera Awards, suffered a home fall that broke her elbow (leading to a canceled appearance), and announced she is on the mend.
- A biopic of her life is reportedly in development, with Lindsay Lohan tapped to play the iconic star.
Ann‑Margret, born Ann‑Margret Olsson in Sweden and raised in the United States, has been a fixture of American entertainment for more than six decades. Turning 85 in April 2026, she continues to be celebrated not only for her legendary performances on stage and screen but also for the personal milestones that have shaped her life. In a candid interview with People magazine, she reflected on her marriage to Roger Smith, the actor and producer she wed in 1961. Describing their union as “the love of my life,” she emphasized that the 54 years they spent together “just flew by because it was really good.” Smith, who passed away in 2017, remains a central figure in her narrative; she called their marriage her proudest accomplishment and spoke warmly of the care he provided her throughout their decades together.
Professionally, Ann‑Margret has showed little sign of slowing down. In 2023 she added Born to Be Wild to her discography, an album that blends classic covers with new collaborations, demonstrating her versatility as a vocalist and her willingness to explore contemporary sounds while honoring her roots. The project received positive reviews from critics who praised her timeless voice and the nostalgic yet fresh feel of the recordings. This release reinforced her status as a multi‑talented performer who can seamlessly move between film, television, and music.
The year 2026 has been a mixture of accolades and personal challenges. Ann‑Margret is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious Chita Rivera Awards, an honor that recognizes her lasting impact on the performing arts. The announcement generated considerable excitement among fans and industry peers alike, underscoring the respect she commands across generations. However, the celebrations were tempered by a domestic accident: she suffered a fall at her home that resulted in a broken elbow, necessitating the cancellation of a scheduled public appearance. In subsequent statements, she reassured supporters that she is recovering well and remains optimistic about returning to her usual activities soon.
Amid these developments, a biopic chronicling Ann‑Margret’s life has entered early production phases. Reports indicate that Lindsay Lohan has been cast in the lead role, a choice that has sparked conversation about the portrayal of the star’s tumultuous yet triumphant journey. While details about the script, director, and release timeline remain scarce, the project signals renewed interest in her story—from her early days as a rising star in the 1960s, through her high‑profile romance with Elvis Presley, to her enduring marriage and later‑career resilience.
Overall, Ann‑Margret’s recent updates paint a picture of a veteran artist who continues to honor her past while actively engaging with the present. Her reflections on love and loss, coupled with new creative endeavors and recognition for her lifetime of work, illustrate a life lived fully—both on and off the stage. As she navigates the physical setbacks of age, her spirit and dedication to her craft remain evident, promising that her influence will endure for years to come.