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Show business icon Ann-Margret will never slow down—even after breaking her elbow in a recent fall.
As devoted fans might remember, the beloved actress, dancer and singer tragically fell 22 feet from a stage in 1972. Now, Ann-Margret—who turns 85 on April 28—is recovering from another fall. In our exclusive chat, she takes Parade inside her recovery from a broken elbow and reveals how she’s bouncing back.
Throughout her seven decades as a performer, the stunning redhead has excelled with an incredibly diverse body of work. Ann-Margret made her mark in big-screen musicals such as Bye Bye Birdie (1963), Viva Las Vegas (1964) and Tommy (1975). But she also starred in critically acclaimed dramas like Carnal Knowledge (1971), Magic (1978) and 52 Pick-Up (1986). The Swedish-American beauty has won a whopping five Golden Globe Awards and garnered an Emmy Award for her guest starring role on Law & Order: SVU. Along the way, she’s also earned two Academy Award nominations and two Grammy nominations. And the Grumpy Old Men star is always giving back—like when she traveled to Vietnam in both 1966 and 1968 to perform for American troops stationed there.
Next month, Ann-Margret will be honored with a major award for her contributions to dance. Read on as she takes us inside her 1972 accident, her most recent health incident and her upcoming lifetime achievement award.
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What did Ann-Margret reveal about falling in 2026?
In our exclusive phone interview, Ann-Margret sighs, “I fell the other day and so now my right elbow is broken.” After the actress confirms that she fell at her home, she adds: “That’s okay … I have fallen so many times. I don’t intend to, but I do! What can I say?”
The star had to cancel public appearances as she recovered from the elbow injury. However, fans shouldn’t worry—when asked if she’s on the road to recovery, plucky Ann replies, “Yes, I am. I sure am!”
Related: 1961 Classic Track Won an Oscar for ‘Best Original Song’ 64 Years Ago
What was Ann-Margret’s frightening 1972 accident?
On Sept. 10, 1972, Ann-Margret suffered a terrible fall from a 22-foot-high platform when she was about to perform at a Lake Tahoe, Nevada casino. She opened up about the horrific injury in her 1994 autobiography, My Story: “My face was collapsed and swollen beyond recognition. Numerous bones in my face were either broken or fractured. My jaw was broken in two places. My left arm was broken … The doctors feared I’d never dance again—if I survived.”
But just months later, Ann-Margret made a brave performing comeback and went on with her career!
Ann-Margret reflects on her 22-foot fall
“I have always learned from my parents that you just get up,” she tells Parade. “You just start all over again.” Then, she starts singing “Pick Yourself Up” by Jerome Kern: “Nothing’s impossible I have found, for when my chin is on the ground; I pick myself up, I dust myself off, and I start all over again!”
Related: Legendary Redhead Ann-Margret, 84, Reflects on Her 50-Year Marriage With Stunning Throwback Photo
What other accidents has Ann-Margret survived?
Ann-Margret played The Who star Roger Daltrey’s mother in the rock opera Tommy. During production, she suffered an on-set arm injury involving TV set glass and was immediately rushed to the hospital. She had to get 27 stitches.
The actress also broke four ribs and a shoulder in a 2000 motorcycle crash. She shrugged it off on Larry King Live. “There are two types of motorcycle riders: ones who have had an accident and ones who will,” she said.
How does Ann-Margret stay in such great shape at the age of 84?
Nicknamed the “Sex Kitten” in her 1960s ingénue days, Ann-Margret says that she stays in shape through at-home workouts with a personal trainer. “I have a gentleman that comes Tuesdays, Thursdays and sometimes Fridays,” she reveals. “I’m busy. [I do] all sorts of exercises.” However, her broken elbow hasn’t stopped her workouts—they’ve just been adapted: “Now I’m just doing [exercise] things with my legs.”
Ann’s reason for using a personal trainer is one many fans will appreciate. “If I don’t do that, I’ll probably start saying, ‘Well, I don’t know. I’ve got a cold. I’ve got this, I’ve got that.’ But this man keeps me going,” she adds.
What award is Ann-Margret receiving?
The performer famed for her dance moves will pick up the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards on May 18, 2026, at the NYU Skirball Center.
“Ann-Margret is a singular icon whose electrifying presence has defined ‘triple threat’ for stage, film and television,” said Joe Lanteri, founder and executive director of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, Inc. “She has inspired generations of dancers to perform with the same passion and vivacious spirit that has defined her remarkable six-decade career.”
“It means the world,” Ann says of the upcoming honor. “My goodness. I’ve always thought of myself as someone who moves. I’m a mover!” But the star also takes a moment to praise Rivera’s legacy. “She was this incredible dancer and I’m not that,” she adds. Her fans, of course, would likely disagree.
How will Ann-Margret continue to take care of herself?
The legend promises, “I’m going to try and be really really careful and not flop down, not fall again, but one never knows!”
Related: Redhead Queen Ann-Margret, 84, Posts Stunning Knit Bathing Suit Throwback Photo: ‘An Absolute Smoke Show’
