At 84, Ann-Margret still lights up when remembering her time on Bye Bye Birdie. The actress recently spoke with People at the Daytime Beauty Awards and reflected on working with her legendary costar, Dick Van Dyke. She fondly recalled his boundless energy on set, which left her both amazed and inspired.
Van Dyke, who is approaching his 100th birthday this December, made his film debut in Bye Bye Birdie as songwriter Albert Peterson. Ann-Margret played Kim MacAfee, the teenage fan swept up in the arrival of rock star Conrad Birdie. Looking back on the 1963 classic, Ann-Margret said she was struck by her costar’s energy, asking him repeatedly how he managed it.
Remembering ‘Bye Bye Birdie’
For Van Dyke, the role of Albert was one he had already made famous on Broadway, even earning him a Tony Award. The film version gave audiences their first taste of his charm on the big screen, with Ann-Margret’s bright performance perfectly balancing his. Reflecting on that time, Ann-Margret called it “one of the happiest times of my life.”
Her career following Bye Bye Birdie blossomed. She went on to star in musicals like Viva Las Vegas with Elvis Presley, State Fair, Tommy, and Newsies. Along the way, she earned two Oscar nominations and an Emmy Award. Still, her memories of working alongside Dick Van Dyke remain among her most cherished.
Ann-Margret Today
Even now, Ann-Margret maintains a youthful spirit. Earlier this year, she told People that she still loves the thrill of riding her lavender Harley Davidson, decorated with white daisies. “I love speed,” she said, adding that the motorcycle is one of her greatest joys.
At the Daytime Beauty Awards, where she served as an ambassador, Ann-Margret was once again full of gratitude. After decades in Hollywood, she continues to honor the past while celebrating the present. And when she speaks about Dick Van Dyke, her admiration for her Bye Bye Birdie co-star shines through, reminding fans of the special bond the two shared during one of Hollywood’s most memorable musicals