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At 85, Ann-Margret still has a need for speed.
The “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Viva Las Vegas” legend is opening up his archives to fans, partnering with Julien’s Auctions to sell collectibles, household items and extravagant costumes designed by Bob Mackie beginning June 23.
Another crown jewel of the sale is his custom 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 Hugger, decked out in a mauve-and-daisy design and ridden by the star for more than 20 years.
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Ann-Margret has partnered with Julien’s Auctions to open up her archives to fans, offering a stunning collection of memorabilia spanning her illustrious career. The auction features beloved memorabilia from popular movies, such as “Viva Las Vegas,” as well as deeply personal items, including one of his prized motorcycles. Auction launched on June 23, 2026. (Cleopatra Records)
When asked by Fox News Digital what riding means to him, the actor, without missing a beat, declared, “Freedom, freedom, freedom!”
Ann-Margret noted that she loves “speed” and still happily rides today.
Ann-Margret is seen here with a motorcycle, circa 1965. (Darlene Hammond/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
“Back in Sweden, my uncle, my mother’s brother, had a big motorcycle,” he said. “I looked at him, and then, I asked him if I could ride with him. I went. And that was it. I had to have mine.”
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Reluctantly, Ann-Margret answered, “no” when asked if she was ever afraid.
“Isn’t that something?” he said. “I’ve never walked. I love speed. I try not to go too fast, even though I love speed. I’m happy when I get on that bike. I’m not afraid. That’s the problem!”
Ann-Margret starred as Kim MacAfee in the 1963 film “Bye Bye Birdie.” (John Springer/Corbis Collection)
A dedicated motorcycle enthusiast since the 1960s, Ann-Margret has spent decades chasing adventure on two wheels, both on set and off. In one of her best photos, photographer Douglas Kirkland captured the star in 1971 running down the Las Vegas strip in a crouch, wearing a patriotic ensemble and knee-high boots.
Ann-Margret 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 Hugger Motorcycle. It has been ridden by this star for over 20 years. (Julien’s Auctions)
And if the star gets any second glance from the reckless bikers, it seems he doesn’t.
“I’m busy making sure I’m riding my bike the right way, I don’t see things like that!” laughing.
Ann-Margret attends the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards at NYU Skirball Center in New York City on May 18, 2026. (Manny Carabel/Getty Images)
That independent play extends beyond the open road. At her home, visitors can expect to find a sign that reads, “You can tell a Swede, but you can’t tell him much,” which was put up by her late husband, Roger Smith.
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Ann-Margret’s new 1980 Harley-Davidson. (Julien’s Auctions)
“It’s true,” he laughed. “I’m a rebel. And I’m happy. I’m happy with my life. I’ve had 54 good years with Roger. I’m a happy person. And I enjoy my job. It’s not a job for me. I deeply appreciate my fans. I understand that they understand me. I’m determined to be an entertainer, but again, it’s not a joy for me.”
Ann-Margret and her husband Roger Smith are seen arriving at the premiere of the movie “Going In Style” in New York on March 30, 2017. The actress and producer died in June of that year at the age of 84. (Bryan R. Smith/AFP)
Ann-Margret performs with male backup dancers during a 1975 show, dressed in a patriotic burlesque costume. (Edward Roth)
Ann-Margret never played by the rules. One item up for auction is an ivory and orange plunging V-neck dress she wore in 1963 while appearing on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” She wore the same ensemble to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1963 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, following in Marilyn Monroe’s footsteps a year later.
“Such a beautiful dress,” she said. “And I had the courage to sing ‘Baby, You Won’t Come Back Home’ [to the president]. I was very young. And that strength? Yes, I had a great time.”
Ann-Margret’s 1963 dress was worn on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and to perform for President John F. Kennedy. (Julien’s Auctions)
The memory of playing for Kennedy remains tied to another incident from that chapter of his life. Ann-Margret described voting for Kennedy as one of the many joys of her life.
Ann-Margret’s 1975 “patriotic” outfit from her White House stint. (Julien’s Auctions)
“I was very happy to vote,” she said. “It will always be a special moment for me. And I love my boys and girls [from the USO]. I certainly remember all the trips I made. They all still mean the world to me.”
Ann-Margret’s many Bob Mackie dresses at auction helped solidify her status as a Hollywood sex symbol, a topic she’s not shy about.
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Actress, singer and dancer Ann-Margret poses in a silver and blue beaded dress with a slit at the waist and a purple boa designed by Bob Mackie in Los Angeles, 1980. (Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
“Well, if men think I’m sexy, that’s fine,” she said. “It’s fine with me.”
There’s no denying that Ann-Margret has remained young at heart over the years. Another item up for auction is a signed 1979 book written by Arnold Schwarzenegger titled “Arnold’s Bodyshaping for Women.” The two starred in the 1979 comedy “The Villain.”
Ann-Margret’s 1979 Arnold Schwarzenegger autographed book titled “Arnold’s Bodyshaping for Women.” (Julien’s Auctions)
“One thing I really can’t keep [up with Arnold] you really eat dinner at seven o’clock,” she said. “But you’re amazing. The proof is in the pudding with him. He practices what he preaches.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ann-Margret were seen in the 1979 Columbia Pictures film “The Villain.” (Pictorial Press LTD)
Like Schwarzenegger, Ann-Margret credits discipline and longevity with helping to sustain a career spanning decades. He said he was still surprised by the unwavering support from his fans, admitting that he was “humbled by everything.”
On May 3, 2026, Ann-Margret allowed Sabrina Carpenter to wear this gown, now available at Julien’s Auctions, to Anna Wintour’s pre-Met Gala dinner. The carpenter replaced it at the waist and shoulders, and rolled it up to the knees. Restored to its original height. (Aeon Images/GC/Getty Images; Julien Auctions)
“I’ve been working non-stop all those years, and here I am,” he said. “I still get really nervous before I do something. But it’s fun. I’m much better emotionally today than I was when I was 18. And I was successful. I think I have it. [also] he was very good at hiding it. When I start singing and dancing, I get so into it that I feel confident.”
And Ann-Margret has no plans to slow down anytime soon.
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Actress Ann-Margret attends a USO event honoring her legacy of service at the Margaret Herrick Library in Beverly Hills, April 29, 2026. (Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
“Even when I was four or five years old, I was always moving,” she said. “I was always moving. I moved a lot, and I’m still moving. I’m a happy person, especially when I’m moving.”
That idea has fueled him for decades. Ann-Margret previously told Fox News Digital that it’s no secret that her love of Harley-Davidsons has kept her young.
Ann-Margret motorcycle helmets from the 1990s. (Julien’s Auctions)
“When I was 10 years old, I was riding on the back [my uncle’s] he remembers that time. He would take me to the Norwegian border, and then we would go to Norway. There’s no way I’ll ever forget that motorcycle.”
Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley ride motorcycles in a scene from the 1964 movie “Viva Las Vegas.” (Screenshot Archives/Getty Images)
“I have a lot of energy,” he reflected. “It doesn’t come in a bottle. I’m just blessed that my mom and dad gave me so much strength. And there’s no negativity here. They gave me all these amazing things that I’m still carrying. You don’t cry about things. You just go out and do the things you love. And I feel blessed with the life I’ve been given.”
