Planet Comicon: Classic Hollywood star Ann-Margret shows pop culture event is for all ages

Ann-Margret vividly recalls her first professional singing gig, at downtown Kansas City’s Muehlebach Hotel. She even lied about her age, a common thing among actors, but this time it was to appear older rather than the Hollywood standard of “playing younger than you are.”

“I was 16, but I told them I was 18,” she told more than 400 people attending her celebrity panel at Planet Comicon in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ann-Margret Olsson was one of the classic Hollywood stars who enjoys visiting with fans at pop culture conventions, like Planet Comicon.

Planet Comicon annually demonstrates that pop culture conventions appeal to people of all ages. Veteran celebrities who have previously participated in fan-facing panels include William Shatner, Henry Winkler and Adrienne Barbeau.

Classic television series represented have included “Happy Days” and “Land of the Lost.”

The Kansas City visit in March was her first time visiting such a convention outside of California. The 84-year-old Swedish immigrant enjoyed reminiscing with fans about her time in Kansas City.

Making her professional debut with a small band, the singer belted out standards that would lead to a professional career spanning more than 60 years. She lived near Chicago at the time.

“Daddy took us here,” she said. “My parents were so amazing. He drove mother and I here from Illinois. I don’t know how long it was, but he dropped us off and turned around and drove right back because he had to go to work.”

Ann-Margret’s career took off, with her making her movie debut in 1961’s “Pocketful of Miracles,” which starred Glen Ford and Bette Davis.

Ann-Margret may be best known for musicals such as “Bye Bye Birdie,” “State Fair” and “Viva Las Vegas.” She pushed her reputation as a sex symbol with a performance opposite fellow singer Art Garfunkel in 1971’s “Carnal Knowledge.” The movie also starred Candace Bergen, Jack Nicholson and Rita Moreno.

She also appeared in “Tommy” and “Newsies.” Later, she starred in “Grumpy Old Men” with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon. She also appeared in television series, including “Law and Order: SVU,” “CSI” and “Army Wives.”

Growing up, Ann-Margret knew she wanted to be an entertainer. Her mother and grandmother would sing to her, and they enjoyed dancing, she said.

“I didn’t know about acting,” Ann-Margret said. “I didn’t feel that until I actually was asked to do a screen test in 1961 and I loved being able to be another person. What freedom. I can play a villain. I can get angry.”

Prior to her Hollywood career, Ann-Margret sought the thrill of performing in Las Vegas.

“We (her family) had a big meeting; we had our big meetings at the kitchen table,” she said. “So I sat them down, and I said that I wanted to go to Las Vegas. I was with a group then called the Summer Tones, a piano, bass, and drums and me. I was the girl singer. I told them what I wanted to do. And of course, they were so supportive.”

Her father emigrated to the United States, establishing himself before sending for the family.

Her first time in New York City left a lasting impression when they visited Radio City Music Hall, Ann-Margret said.

“I was six years old, and the seats were dark red, and they were velvet seats,” she said. “And everything was so beautiful. The carpets were so beautiful. And then the screen came on. Oh, my goodness, I could hardly breathe. It was so incredible to me. And you know what? It still is.”

Falling in love with entertainment at a young age seemingly cemented her future as a singer, dancer and actress.

She recalls her first big break – performing with George Burns. Their first show together was memorable, Ann-Margret said.

Wearing a light blue sweater and tight pants during her audition, she thought she’d wear a red velvet dress for the show.

“‘What are you wearing?,’ he said, Ann-Margret shared. “And I thought, this is brand new. ‘I just bought it. Isn’t it pretty? ‘Where’s the outfit that you auditioned in? Tight square. Tight square,’ he said.”

She changed outfits.

“Oh, George,” she said laughing. “Oh, George.”

A long-time supporter of the military, Ann-Margret performed several times as part of Bob Hope’s USO shows during the Vietnam War.

“One was in 1966 and that was just Johnny Rivers and his bassist and drummer and me,” she said. “There’s the four of us, and we went everywhere, just everywhere. I remember there was one performance that we had to do at 8 a.m.”

She may be 84, Ann-Margret refuses to slow down and enjoy retirement. Having recently recorded an EP of pop music covers, she still performs in concert.

“I love performing,” she said. “I love singing and dancing.”