Through the years, she has cemented her place in entertainment history. While many stars from her era have slowed down, she has kept her foot on the pedal in more ways than one. But beneath her poised exterior is a story of survival.

Defying expectations, she has continued to thrive well into her 80s. But long before her resilience became a hallmark, the star had already captivated audiences in the ’60s with her beauty and charm. Take a look at how she dazzled during her early years.

The Accident That Almost Changed Everything

In September 1972, disaster struck during what should have been another one of her mind-blowing performances. Just moments before stepping on stage at a Lake Tahoe casino, she plunged 22 feet from a platform, landing hard on the ground below.

The impact left her with multiple facial fractures, a broken jaw, a concussion, and a broken arm. Witnesses described the incident as terrifying, with reports initially fearing for her dancing career, but her knee was fortunately spared from injury.

She was rushed to the U.C.L.A. Medical Center, where doctors worked for three hours to repair the extensive damage to her face. The surgery, while successful, left many questioning whether she would ever return to her full glory.

The actress was known for her beauty as much as for her talent, and with her facial fractures so severe, some wondered if this was the end of her time in the spotlight. While others might have retreated from the spotlight, she faced this turning point head-on.

Private Battles and Public Victories

She didn’t just return to the spotlight after recovering from the accident — she thrived. The facial surgery did not hinder her from continuing her career, and she quickly dispelled any doubts about her future in show business. By 1973, she was back in action, portraying Mrs. Lowe in “The Train Robbers.”

Her work in the years following the accident further solidified her status as a versatile performer. By 1975, she had earned two Oscar nominations. By the time the 1980s rolled around, she had also accumulated six Emmy nominations, her range going far beyond her early days as a sex symbol.

While her career flourished, her personal life was marked by quieter struggles. In 1985, she opened up about her 13-year battle with infertility. Despite trying experimental treatments — including a hormone-injecting fertility pump — she and her husband, Roger Smith, were unable to have children of their own.

The couple raised Smith’s three children from his previous marriage, but she still held out hope for a child, grounded in her belief that whatever was meant to be would be. She quoted the serenity prayer, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.”

Even as she dealt with these deeply personal issues, she continued to shine in the public eye. In the 1990s, she remained a star, proving her enduring appeal. Take a look at how she appeared about two decades after the accident.

By the 2000s, she was still performing, showing the world that her resilience wasn’t just on the screen but extended into every aspect of her life. Her struggles were private, but her wins were visible to all.

A Reserved Star in the Spotlight: The 2001 Interview

By 2001, she had spent four decades captivating audiences with her multifaceted talent, yet her reserved nature remained as strong as ever. During an interview with The Washington Post that year, she kept the conversation short and to the point.

After just 25 minutes, she ended the session with her characteristic breathy voice, politely saying, “That’s enough. Don’t you think that’s enough?” Though she didn’t want to say much, her 40-year career spoke for itself. She had established herself as a powerhouse across movies, nightclubs, television, and live performances.

Over the years, she had endured severe injuries, depression, alcoholism, and infertility, yet she remained a survivor. Reinvention was a hallmark of her career, a reflection of her resilience. Her reserved nature, attributed to her Swedish upbringing — having moved to the U.S. at five — made her fiercely private about certain topics.

Among those was her widely speculated year-long affair with Elvis Presley. As a member of her entourage noted, “She really shuts down when you bring that up.”

Although she closely guarded her personal life, she was open about her love for animals. She was also happy to discuss her love for motorcycles and the tour she was embarking on.

At the time of the interview, she was touring in a 45-city production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” which had a two-week run at the National Theatre.

Despite the toll of her injuries — having broken four ribs and a shoulder in a Harley Davidson accident the year before — she remained active and full of passion.

Still, her patience with the media was limited. Her stunning green eyes would reportedly narrow in frustration when pressed too much. She preferred to keep certain parts of her life behind closed doors, only sharing what she felt was necessary.

But even with her guarded nature, one thing was clear: She wasn’t ready to fade into the background, and her ability to adapt and reinvent herself set her apart from other stars of her generation.

A Life of Speed and Grace in Her 80s

Now in her 80s, Ann-Margret shows no signs of slowing down. Earlier this year, at the Women’s Image Network’s 25th Women’s Image Awards in February 2024, she was honored with the Living Legend Award. Accepting the award, she reflected on her life and career and was grateful for all the unexpected blessings.

“I am so blessed. I just can’t believe all the things that have happened to me. I never expected it,” Ann-Margret said. Despite her age, she remains just as vibrant and energetic as ever, known for her love of speed.

At the event, she spoke about her passion for motorcycles, proudly sharing that she still rides her lavender Harley Davidson, adorned with white daisies. “It’s got flowers on the back fender and on the front fender. I love the speed,” she said with a grin.

Ann-Margret’s reflections on the stage were both nostalgic and full of life, revealing that, while she may slow down at times to reflect, she is far from done living life to the fullest. From her early rise to fame to her more recent moments of joy, she continues to embrace every opportunity that comes her way.

Fans continue to admire her grace and beauty. Some have commented, “A timeless beauty ❤️❤️❤️,” “Beautiful lady now and always,” and “Still a beautiful, lovely & classy lady!♥️”

As she rides through life, both literally and figuratively, Ann-Margret continues to inspire with her strength, resilience, and unrelenting passion. From her early days as a Hollywood darling to her ongoing journey at 83, she has shown that beauty, grace, and talent do not fade with time.