>The film Bye Bye Birdie launched the stardom of Ann-Margret, making her a pop-culture icon and household name. A year later, she would star opposite Elvis Presley himself in the 1964 hit musical Viva Las Vegas.

>Ann-Margret was born in Sweden, and moved to the U.S. with her family at the age of five. She grew up in Illinois and became a cheerleader in middle and high school. At the age of thirteen, she won a dancing and singing contest sponsored by a local TV station.

>Ann-Margret graduated from high school and attended Northwestern University in Illinois, majoring in Speech. After a year at college, she decided to pursue a career in the performing arts as opportunities quickly unfolded. She became a professional singer and eventually joined the cast of George Burns's Las Vegas show. Less than a year later, Ann-Margret signed onto the RCA music label. She released her first single "Lost Love," followed by her album And Here She Is...Ann-Margret.

>Ann-Margret made her film debut in Frank Capra's 1961 classic Pocketful of Miracles, playing the daughter of Bette Davis. In 1963, Ann-Margret sang at the celebration for President John F. Kennedy's 64th birthday.