At 83, this legendary star shows no signs of fading. After a life-threatening fall that left her needing facial surgery in her early thirties, she’s still riding through life at full speed—on a lavender Harley no less. Her life tells a story of transformation, determination, and an undeniable zeal for life.

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

The star in 1966 | Source: Getty Images

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

A portrait of the actress, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images

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The legendary star, circa 1965 | Source: Getty Images

The star in a scene from the movie “The Swinger” on September 29, 1967 | Source: Getty Images

The legendary star poses, circa 1968 | Source: Getty Images

The Accident That Almost Changed Everything

In September 1972, during what should have been another one of her mind-blowing performances, disaster struck. 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 star before the devastating accident in 1972 | Source: Getty Images

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

The star poses in 1972 | Source: Getty Images

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The star pictured in 1970 before the accident | Source: Getty Images

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 star is seen 1972 | Source: Getty Images

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.

The legendary star seen in Los Angeles 1972 | Source: Getty Images

Private Battles and Public Victories

Following her recovery from the accident, she didn’t just return to the spotlight—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.”

The actress on the set of “The Train Robbers” in 1973 | Source: Getty Images

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The actress as Mrs. Lowe in “The Train Robbers” in 1973 | Source: Getty Images

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.

The actress, singer and dancer photographed on March 6, 1981 | Source: Getty Images

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 singer and actress and husband Roger smith pose for a portrait in the 1980s | Source: Getty Images

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.”

The actress, singer and dancer poses for a portrait session on June 15, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

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.

The actress pictured on October 22, 1991 | Source: Getty Images

The star pictured on October 20, 1996 |Source: Getty Images

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.

The actress stars in “Perfect Murder, Perfect Town” on January 1, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

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.

The icon poses for a portrait session on November 9, 2001 | Source: Getty Images

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.

Ann-Margret attends the Hallmark Channel’s “A Taste of Hollywood” reception on January 7, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

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, which she attributed to her Swedish upbringing—having moved to the U.S. at the age of five—made her fiercely private about certain topics.

The singer and actress attends Hallmark’s “A Taste of Hollywood” reception on January 7, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Among those was her widely speculated year-long affair with Elvis Presley. As one member of her entourage noted, “She really shuts down when you bring that up.” Although she kept her personal life closely guarded, 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.

The actress with her husband at the 2010 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on August 21, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

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.

The singer and actress attends the 28th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Inaugural Chairmans Awards Gala on November 9, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

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

Ann-Margret attends the “Going in Style” New York premiere on March 30, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

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.

The actress attends the Los Angeles Press Club’s National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards on December 1, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

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, expressing gratitude for all the unexpected blessings.

Ann-Margret attends Women’s Image Network Awards on February 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

“I am so blessed. I just can’t believe all the things that have happened to me. I never expected it,” she 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!♥️”