- Ann-Margret’s enduring beauty and illustrious career.
- The transformative effects of her 1972 facial surgery.
- AI-generated images reveal her natural aging.
Ann-Margret poses for a publicity portrait for “State Fair,” in 1961
Veteran star Ann-Margret experienced multiple injuries in her early career, leading to facial surgery. Now, AI-generated images show what she might have looked like if she had never undergone the procedure.
The award-winning Swedish American actress is recognized as one of the most attractive and well-known female stars from the 1960s and beyond.
Despite the surgery that altered her appearance, new AI images provide a glimpse of her natural aging process. Her need for surgery stemmed from her showbiz career, which had been flourishing before the operation.
Ann-Margret’s Meteoric Rise to Fame
Ann-Margret, an actress and singer, is celebrated as a sex symbol and iconic figure from the 1960s. Her career continued to thrive through the decades and into the 21st century.
Ann Margret on the set of “State Fair,” 1962 | Source: Getty Images
Born Ann-Margret Olsson in Valsjöbyn, Sweden, she moved to America at age six. She attended Northwestern University before leaving for Las Vegas to pursue a singing career.
Discovered by George Burns, Ann-Margret soon secured both a record deal with RCA and a film contract with 20th Century Fox. In 1961, her single “I Just Don’t Understand” made it to the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, she debuted in acting, playing Bette Davis’ daughter in “Pocketful of Miracles.”
Ann-Margret, Bette Davis Apple Annie on the set of “Pocketful of Miracles,” 1961 | Source: Getty Images
She starred in the musical “State Fair” in 1962, but her big break came with “Bye Bye Birdie” (1963) and “Viva Las Vegas” (1964), where she starred opposite Elvis Presley. These roles turned her into a household name as she became a top box office star and a teen idol.
Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley on the set of “Viva Las Vegas,” 1964 | Source: Getty Images
Dubbed Hollywood’s hottest young star, Ann-Margret earned the nickname “sex kitten.” Despite mixed reviews for films like “Bus Riley’s Back in Town” (1965) and “The Swinger” (1966), she also garnered praise for “The Cincinnati Kid” (1965).
Ann-Margret on the set of “The Cincinnati Kid,” 1965 | Source: Getty Images
Her career faced challenges due to typecasting, but by 1970, she made a comeback with films like “R.P.M.” and appeared in Las Vegas shows including television specials.
Ann-Margret transformed her image with her Oscar-nominated performance in “Carnal Knowledge” (1971), shifting from sex kitten to respected actress. She received another Oscar nomination for “Tommy” (1975), and her career flourished into the late 1970s and 1980s.
Oliver Reed and Ann-Margret on the set of “Tommy,” 1975 | Source: Getty Images
She co-starred with Anthony Hopkins in “Magic” (1978) and appeared alongside Gene Hackman and Glenda Jackson. In 1983, she starred in a television remake of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” A highlight of her later career was “Grumpy Old Men” (1993).
Ann-Margret, who has won several accolades through the years including an Emmy Award, five Golden Globe Awards and two Oscar nominations, remains active in the film industry.
Ann-Margret’s Facial Surgery
In September 1972, Ann-Margret suffered a near-fatal accident when she fell from a stage platform, leading to multiple injuries and facial surgery. The surgery, performed at U.C.L.A. Medical Center, lasted about three hours.
Ann-Margret performing at the Las Vegas Hilton on April 12, 1972 in Las Vegas. | Source: Getty Images
Ann-Margret sustained facial fractures, a concussion, a broken jaw, and a broken arm from the 22-foot fall just before a performance at a Lake Tahoe casino. Although an initial report suggested a broken kneecap, hospital officials clarified that her knee was not injured.
Ann-Margret attends 29th Annual Golden Globe Awards on February 6, 1972 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Besides this incident, Ann-Margret endured a motorcycle accident, resulting in four broken ribs and a shoulder injury in Minnesota. She has faced serious health challenges, including bouts of depression, alcoholism, and infertility. Despite these hardships, she has shown remarkable resilience.
Ann-Margret seen at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel on February 1, 1972 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Proud Moments: Her Marriage with Roger Smith
Amidst life’s challenges, Ann-Margret found joy in her marriage to actor and producer Roger Smith. The couple married in May 1968 and remained together for 50 years until Smith’s passing in 2017 at age 84.
In a 2022 interview, Ann-Margret reflected on her life and expressed that her marriage was her proudest achievement. “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage,” she said, appreciating the years shared with Roger.
Roger Smith and Ann-Margret in the back of a limo on January 1, 1970 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
“We both wanted it to work. And it did work. We were together night and day. We loved each other and were always in each other’s corner,” the star further explained. Since Roger’s death, Ann-Margret has lost interest in some shared pastimes like skiing but hopes to return to the slopes soon.
Ann-Margret and Roger Smith during ABC Press Tour at Ritz Carlton Hotel on January 9, 1991 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Her cat, Harley, is now her most constant companion. “He is always with me and sleeps with me every night,” she divulged. Ann-Margret continues to live in the same Los Angeles home she and Smith purchased in 1968.
Roger Smith and Ann-Margret attend the 2010 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on August 21, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Ann-Margret Defies Age
At 83, Ann-Margret remains stunning. Ahead of her birthday this year, the six-time Golden Globe winner revealed what keeps her energized. “I love speed. Not the drug,” she clarified, referring to her Harley Davidson motorcycle, which she still enjoys riding.
In February 2024, veteran star Ann-Margret received WIN’s Living Legend Award. Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg, who presented the award, remarked on her vitality.
Ann- Margret honored with Living Legend Tribute at the Women’s Image Network Awards on February 21, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
“When you reach your 80s, people want to dip you in bronze and stick you on a shelf somewhere, legend or not,” Annenberg said. “But why gather dust on a shelf when you are still young and vital, and ready to rock?”
“Why go gently into the night when you can ride your lavender Harley until sunrise and be your own damn woman?” she continued. “If it were up to me, the word legend in the Oxford English Dictionary would be accompanied by a picture of our honoree.”
Ann-Margret Reimagined via AI
Although Ann-Margret looks vibrant and flawless today, AI-generated images offer a glimpse of how she might have aged naturally without facial surgery.
In the image below, Ann-Margret is shown with voluminous, wavy blonde hair. Her striking blue eyes give a piercing gaze, and the soft lines on her face reflect her age gracefully. Her serious and contemplative expression adds to her dignified appearance.
Ann-Margret via AI | Source: Midjourney
The second image her wavy hair cascades more relaxedly down her shoulders, with blue eyes exuding wisdom and intensity. Fine lines and wrinkles highlight the natural aging process, and she maintains a composed and thoughtful expression.
Ann-Margret via AI | Source: Midjourney
In this image, Ann-Margret has red-blonde hair with a tousled look, softening her features. Her light blue eyes convey calmness and serenity, and her facial lines show her advanced age while retaining elegance and poise.
Ann-Margret via AI | Source: Midjourney
In comparison, Ann-Margret’s real-life appearance differs entirely. In the following picture from 2023, her face is much fuller with little to no wrinkles yet she still has smile lines.
Ann-Margret speaks onstage during the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The next photo via AI shows her voluminous, reddish-blonde hair which adds warmth to her complexion. Expressive light blue eyes reflect experience and kindness. Prominent wrinkles and lines add character and depth, giving her a serene and composed look.
Ann-Margret via AI | Source: Midjourney
In comparison with the photograph above, Ann-Margret’s image dated from February 2024 shows another contrast between how she would look like via AI and her appearance now. Wrinkles are barely evident yet her facial lines are apparent.
Ann-Margret attends Women’s Image Network Awards on February 21, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
Ann-Margret’s hair is most voluminous in the following AI image, with flowing red-blonde waves enhancing her youthful spirit. Bright and clear blue eyes exude vitality. Deeply etched lines portray natural beauty, and her expression reflects quiet confidence and grace.
Ann-Margret via AI | Source: Midjourney
Ann-Margret’s enduring charm and legacy continue to captivate audiences. AI-generated images bridge the gap between reality and speculation, offering a glimpse into her natural aging. Her impact remains significant, and the curiosity around her ageless beauty endures.