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Meet Ann-Margret Olsson, Elvis Presley’s not-so-secret girlfriend: the Swedish Hollywood star played The King’s wife in Viva Las Vegas – but real-life fiancée Priscilla rightly had doubts

STORYLynn Farah
Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret Olsson in hit film, Viva Las Vegas. Was the on-screen chemistry replicated off-screen? Photo: @annmargretolsson_/Instagram
Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret Olsson in hit film, Viva Las Vegas. Was the on-screen chemistry replicated off-screen? Photo: @annmargretolsson_/Instagram
Fame and celebrity

  • The Swedish-born singer landed her defining leading role with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in 1964’s Viva Las Vegas – apparently, they hit it off right away
  • But with Elvis’ fiancé Priscilla waiting in Memphis, they had to keep the affair quiet – though many fans think the Jailhouse Rock singer should’ve married Olsson

She was just five years old when her family made the move from Valsjobyn, Sweden, to Wilmette, Illinois. A career in music and dance awaited – after winning a string of talent competitions in her adolescence, Ann-Margret Olsson was a name people started taking seriously.

Ann-Margret Olsson was born in Valsjobyn, Sweden. Photo: @annmargret_official/Instagram
Ann-Margret Olsson was born in Valsjobyn, Sweden. Photo: @annmargret_official/Instagram
It didn’t take her long to meet fellow star and undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. So, who is the woman who stole Elvis Presley’s heart and who many fans consider the one who got away, thanks to fiancée Priscilla?
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Here’s what you need to know about the 60s beauty.

The breakout

Ann-Margret Olsson was a bombshell of her time. Photo: @annmargret_official/Instagram
Ann-Margret Olsson was a bombshell of her time. Photo: @annmargret_official/Instagram

Born in 1941, Olsson’s big break came when actor and comedian George Burns heard her sing at a hotel and offered her a 10-night performance gig at the Sahara Hotel in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. She was just 18. After that, the combination of her strong vocals, dance moves and looks made her transition to a Hollywood in thrall with the booming musical general both quick and natural - her debut role alongside Bette Davis in 1961’s Pocketful of Miracles earned her the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year – Actress.

Ann-Margret Olsson and Elvis Presley shared singing and acting talents. Photo: @annmargret_official/Instagram
Ann-Margret Olsson and Elvis Presley shared singing and acting talents. Photo: @annmargret_official/Instagram

After starring in musicals State Fair (1962) and Bye Bye Birdie (1963) - opposite heyday heartthrobs Pat Boone and Dick Van Dyke - she was ready for the hottest role in Hollywood: love interest of The King. Sure, she was already famous. But the Elvis Presley era changed her forever.

The start