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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZANN-MARGRET(b Ann-Marget Olsson, 28 April '41, Valsjobyn, Sweden) Singer, dancer, actress. Came to USA '46. Runner-up at 16 on Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour. Pro debut '58 with band in Kansas City; graduated high school '59; to Northwestern U, joined combo called Suttletones, went solo. Hired by George Burns for Vegas Xmas show '60; signed to RCA. Top 20 single 'I Just Don't Understand' '61; well- crafted LPs And Here She Is '61, On The Way Up '62, Bachelor's Paradise '63, Beauty And The Beard (with Al Hirt, '64). She appeared in Pocketful Of Miracles '61 and has made nearly 40 films, singing roles incl. State Fair '62, Bye Bye Birdie '63, Viva Las Vegas '64 (with Elvis Presley). Typecast as big-bosomed sex symbol; two Sour Apple awards from Hollywood's Women's Press Club for lack of cooperation '60s but Carnal Knowledge '71 brought an Oscar nomination. Fell 22 feet from the stage at Lake Tahoe's Hotel Sahara '72, but was back in action within a year. Played Roger Daltrey's mother in film of the Who's Tommy '75 (another Oscar nom.); much- praised roles in Return Of The Soldier '82 and as Blanche in TV movie version of Streetcar Named Desire '84; she also continued singing and worked in clubs. |