Ann-Margret Talks About Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, & Her Secret Souvenir From ‘Viva Las Vegas’

Ann-Margret is still as active as ever, even in her 80s. The octogenarian began dancing professionally as a teen and was discovered by comedian George Burns during a performance in Las Vegas at age 19. Soon after, Ann scored roles in classics like Bye Bye Birdie (1963), Viva Las Vegas (1964), The Cincinnati Kid (1965), Carnal Knowledge (1971), and Tommy (1975).

The multi-talented beauty worked alongside famous icons like Bette Davis, Steve McQueen, Jack Nicholson, Gene Hackman, Jack Lemmon, and the rock and roll king, Elvis Presley. Still going strong, Ann recently released her first album in over ten years, Ann-Margret: Born to Be Wild, and a limited-edition perfume.

Ann-Margret’s love for motorcycles

The cover of her new album featured a throwback of Ann atop a motorcycle in a snazzy suit and her hair flowing sultrily. “When I’m on a motorcycle, I feel all good and happy things,” she told Woman’s World recently.

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She added that her bike, named Harley, was gifted to her years ago, and she adores it. “It’s lavender and has Harley-Davidson in white script with flowers going through it,” she said. “I didn’t know many women who rode bikes back when I first got one.”

Being a bike-lover, Ann continues to enjoy her interest despite suffering “many broken bones” from it. “I still love speed. I certainly feel those bones, especially when it’s overcast, but I still get out and walk and I feel better,” she assured.

Working with Elvis Presley was a happy time for her

Ann recalled her time on the set of Viva Las Vegas and working with Elvis Presley. She regarded the experience as “one of the happiest times” in her life and had to preserve its memory. Ann, who was 23 years old at the time, still has the shirt she wore while filming with Elvis.

“It’s like a turtleneck with three black buttons and a bow. I loved doing that movie… so I wanted a keepsake from that,” she said. “I felt it was okay to take the shirt, and of course, I told the studio I was taking it. It’s in my closet, sitting there very happily.”

Ann also worked with Dean Martin, whom she had a great time filming with as well. “He was just so funny, and such a wonderful actor —he was always right there,” she recalled. “You’d look into his eyes and he was present.”