’60s screen legend Ann-Margret has shared a charming surprise ahead of her milestone 85th birthday. The Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas star, who turns 85 on April 28, admitted she hasn’t made any firm plans for the occasion—but suspects friends and family may already be organizing something behind the scenes.
Speaking with Parade, the actress said she expects to be surprised, adding that she’s also hoping birthday cake will be part of the celebration. While keeping this year low-key, Ann-Margret sounded excited about whatever may be in store.
The beloved star also opened up about the habits she believes have helped her stay vibrant well into her 80s. She described herself as a naturally happy person and said she focuses on eating well, though she confessed sweets remain her biggest weakness. Desserts and sugar, she joked, are the temptations she constantly has to watch.
Exercise continues to play a big role in her routine as well. Ann-Margret shared that she has a longtime walking group made up of close friends, sometimes as many as 15 people, who meet regularly to stay active and enjoy each other’s company. She said the laughter and friendship are just as important as the exercise itself.
Last month, the star also revealed she recently suffered a fall at home that left her with a broken right elbow. Despite the injury, she kept her signature upbeat attitude, saying she has had plenty of falls over the years and simply takes it in stride.
Ann-Margret’s remarkable career has spanned more than seven decades. She first rose to fame in the early 1960s with her debut album and breakout film roles, quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Her performances in Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas made her a household name, while later acclaimed roles in Carnal Knowledge and Tommy earned her Academy Award nominations.
Even in recent years, she has remained creatively active. She appeared in the 2022 TV movie A Holiday Spectacular and released the rock album Born to Be Wild in 2023, marking her first appearance on a Billboard chart in nearly 60 years.
