Ann-Margret Spotted in Wheelchair During Rare Los Angeles Outing
The 85-year-old Hollywood legend, known for her roles alongside Elvis Presley, appeared in good spirits.
Legendary actress Ann-Margret, 85, was seen in a wheelchair during a rare public appearance in Los Angeles last weekend. The "Viva Las Vegas" star was photographed arriving at a hotel, where staff assisted her.
Ann-Margret, dressed in an emerald-green jacket over an all-black ensemble, accessorized with dark sunglasses and a silver cross necklace. Her signature auburn hair was styled in soft, shoulder-length waves. She appeared to be in good spirits, smiling as she was wheeled towards the hotel entrance.
Other images showed the actress standing with assistance beside a vehicle, her wheelchair positioned nearby. This suggests the mobility aid may be used for assistance with transportation rather than constant use.
The outing comes after Ann-Margret was hospitalized in January following a fall at her home that resulted in a broken elbow. She told Parade magazine at the time, "I fell the other day and so now my right elbow is broken... I have fallen so many times... I just get up. I just start all over again."
In 1972, Ann-Margret suffered a severe fall offstage during a concert in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, sustaining a broken arm, a severe concussion, and facial fractures, including a crushed cheekbone.
Born Ann-Margret Olsson in Sweden in 1941, she moved to the United States as a child. She pursued a career in show business after attending Northwestern University, first gaining attention as a nightclub performer and catching the eye of George Burns. By the 1960s, she had a recording contract and began her Hollywood career.
Initially known as a "sex kitten" for her energetic performances and captivating screen presence, Ann-Margret evolved into a respected dramatic actress. She achieved stardom with roles in "Bye Bye Birdie" and "Viva Las Vegas," the latter leading to a romance with co-star Elvis Presley. She later married her manager, Roger Smith, who passed away in 2017.
Her dramatic performances earned her critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for "Carnal Knowledge" (1971) and another for "Tommy" (1975). She also starred in the comedies "Grumpy Old Men" (1993) and "Grumpier Old Men" (1995). Her most recent acting credit was in the 2022 Hallmark TV movie "A Holiday Spectacular."
Ann-Margret's career has been recognized with five Golden Globe Awards, one Emmy Award, two Academy Award nominations, and two Grammy Award nominations.