‘Bye Bye Birdie' Icon Ann-Margret, 85, Is Still a Gorgeous Redhead as She Receives Major Award
Movie star Ann-Margret may go down in history for her roles in films like Bye Bye Birdie, but the iconic star hit the red carpet to be honored for another valuable cause.
The redheaded beauty, 85, who was born Ann-Margret Olsson in Sweden, always wanted to be an actress. She rose to superstardom in the '60s in iconic films like Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, and The Train Robbers. Always known for her wild dance moves, successful music career, and sharp presence on camera, the legend doesn't always hit the big screen these days. However, she has appeared on television in recent years, with appearances on Ray Donovan and The Kominsky Method. But in a rare appearance earlier this week, Ann-Margret was honored by the USO for her legacy of service at the Margaret Herrick Library in Beverly Hills, California. Glowing in electric green, the redhead showed that famous smile as she received her award.
Who Was Ann-Margret's Husband?
Ann-Margret loves to honor her late husband, Roger Smith, who died in 2017.
"They say Hollywood marriages don't last, but with Roger by my side, I knew we'd prove them wrong. Fifty years later, and I still remember the way he made me laugh in the back of that car," the actress shared in a recent Instagram post. In the stunning throwback photo, Ann-Margret sits alongside Smith in the backseat of a car. Looking dapper in a gray suit, he holds his sunglasses in his hand.
How Did Ann-Margret Get Discovered?
"I remember wanting to be in show business all my life," Ann-Margret told Fox News in 2024. "And I remember one day I said to mother and daddy, ‘I want to talk to you. It's a very, very important thing for me, and I want to get into show business.'"
Her parents agreed, and she was eventually discovered by comedian George Burns. Luckily, he gave her a spot on his Las Vegas show. The rest is history!
Related: Ann-Margret Is About to Turn 85-Her Birthday Plans Might Surprise You (Exclusive)
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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 9:56 AM.