On a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, the audience was treated to an unforgettable performance by the talented Ann-Margret. The chat show was buzzing with excitement as the very exciting young lady took the stage and captivated everyone with her amazing talent.
The host, Johnny Carson, gave Ann-Margret the longest introduction he had ever given anyone on the show, highlighting the significance and anticipation surrounding her appearance. As they caught up and reminisced about their first meeting at the inauguration of President Johnson in 1964, it became clear that Ann-Margret was on the cusp of stardom.
Johnny, with his historically oriented staff, dug into Ann-Margret‘s rise to fame in the 60s. She had just started gaining recognition and was becoming fairly well-known at the time. Ann-Margret, originally from Sweden, shared that she had to watch and learn English, as she didn’t speak a word of it when she first arrived in America at the age of seven or eight.
The conversation took an interesting turn when they discussed Ann-Margret‘s marriage to Roger, who didn’t speak Swedish, and her visit back to Sweden to meet her family. Through a lot of smiling, nodding, and eating, Ann-Margret and her family managed to communicate despite the language barrier. She even humorously mentioned having moose meatballs during the visit, adding a playful touch to the discussion.
They delved into her roots in Sweden, and Johnny mentioned a segment on 60 Minutes that covered the country. According to the show, Sweden seemed like one of the happiest countries with a low suicide rate. Ann-Margret clarified that while they may seem happy, Swedes tend to keep their emotions inside, which can lead to festering. She admitted to getting mad once a year and occasionally resorting to throwing things as a way of letting it out.
Anticipation grew as they discussed Ann-Margret‘s upcoming special on The Tonight Show. She was to pay tribute to some of the great ladies of the screen, such as Betty Grable, Rita Hayworth, and Esther Williams. The special included a montage of various performances, beginning with Ann-Margret in bed with 18 men and featuring swimming sequences reminiscent of Esther Williams’ iconic films.
The host and guest bantered playfully throughout the interview, exchanging amusing remarks about the show and their shared memories. Their chemistry was evident as they joked about swimming scenes, production values, and Esther Williams’ incredible feats in her movies.
Ann-Margret showcased her immense talent by performing a stunning musical number on the show. She delivered a powerful rendition of “I Got the Music in Me” that had the audience enthralled. Her vibrant energy and undeniable stage presence left no doubt that she was a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
In a surprise twist, Ann-Margret even showcased her high school cheerleading skills, taking Johnny and the audience down memory lane. It was a mini high school reunion right there on The Tonight Show.
Ann-Margret‘s unforgettable performance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson left a lasting impression on both the audience and the host. Her talent, charisma, and ability to captivate a crowd were on full display. With her star on the rise, it’s no wonder she became an icon in the entertainment industry.
Air date: 22/01/1975
Originally aired on January 22, 1975
