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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Ann-Margret was talking about motorcycles, not illegal stimulants. In a PEOPLE interview connected with the Women’s Image Network’s 25th Women’s Image Awards on February 21, 2024, the actor and singer said she loved “speed” before quickly clarifying: “Not the drug!”
She was referring to the sensation of riding her lavender Harley-Davidson, decorated with white daisies—the latest expression of a motorcycle fascination she has described as lifelong.
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What Ann-Margret meant by “speed”
The remark was a joke built around an obvious double meaning. Ann-Margret’s “speed” was the speed of a motorcycle: the wind, the weather and the feeling of being exposed to the elements. In the interview context, there is no basis for interpreting the comment as an admission of drug use.
Her motorcycle is not described as an anonymous collector’s prop. She has continued riding a lavender Harley-Davidson with white daisies, a striking machine that fits the performer’s long-established appetite for theatrical style and motion.
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She has also connected that interest to her family. She recalled riding on the back of her uncle’s motorcycle as a child, an experience that helped establish her affection for the road. She has described the appeal in sensory terms: speed, wind, rain, sleet, hail and the feeling of being in the elements rather than sealed away from them.
A lifelong passion, with a serious safety history
Ann-Margret’s enthusiasm should not be read as advice for older riders—or anyone else—to ride recklessly or at high speed. She has said that she tries to avoid heavy traffic, and her riding history includes a serious 1997 motorcycle accident that broke ribs and her shoulder.
That context matters. A love of motorcycles can coexist with caution: choosing routes carefully, wearing appropriate protective equipment, checking weather and road conditions, and respecting the limitations created by traffic, visibility and physical recovery. Ann-Margret’s comments describe her personal passion, not a medical or scientific explanation for why she remains energetic.
From Swedish immigrant to major Hollywood star
Born Ann-Margret Olsson in Sweden on April 28, 1941, she moved to the United States as a child. In an AARP interview, she recalled that George Burns discovered her when she was 19 and singing in Las Vegas.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHer breakthrough came with Bye Bye Birdie in 1963. The film made her a star and established the combination of singing, dancing, screen presence and comic timing that defined much of her early career.
Among her best-known films is the 1964 musical Viva Las Vegas, in which she appeared opposite Elvis Presley. The two recorded three duets, and the film remains one of the central links between Ann-Margret’s career and Presley’s movie years. Her later work also included the drama Carnal Knowledge and the rock musical Tommy.
Readers who want a longer account than a short interview can look for Ann-Margret’s memoir, My Story, published by Putnam in 1994. Catalog records identify the book by Ann-Margret and list ISBN 0-399-13891-9. Availability and editions can vary by seller, so this is best treated as a reader resource rather than a claim about current inventory.
Her reputation for resilience
Motorcycles are only one part of the public image Ann-Margret has built over decades. Her career also includes a well-documented history of returning to work after severe injuries.
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In 1972, a stage fall left her with major injuries, including a broken jaw and arm. According to AARP’s account, she returned to the stage in less than three months. That recovery helps explain why profiles often emphasize her persistence, but it should not be turned into a “secret to longevity” or used as medical advice. Recovery depends on the injury, the person and professional care.
Her connection to Vietnam veterans
Ann-Margret also entertained U.S. troops in Vietnam in 1966 and 1968. A perfume associated with her was reportedly intended to direct profits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, but the current availability of that fragrance, its seller and the terms of any charitable arrangement were not independently verified.
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For that reason, it would be misleading to say that the perfume is currently available or that every present-day purchase benefits the fund. Readers interested in the underlying cause can support the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund directly; the organization’s work centers on honoring and preserving the legacy of service and educating the public about the Vietnam War.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the headline says 82
The age refers to the timing of the interview, not to Ann-Margret’s age today. The PEOPLE interview took place in February 2024, when she was 82. Born April 28, 1941, she turned 85 on April 28, 2026.
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That date distinction keeps the playful headline in its proper historical frame. In 2024, Ann-Margret was describing why motorcycles still energized her. In 2026, the enduring story is the same: a performer with a long career, a taste for the open road and a sense of humor sharp enough to prevent “speed” from being misunderstood.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ann-Margret say she used the drug called speed?
No. In the February 2024 interview, she said she loved “speed” while discussing motorcycles and immediately clarified, “Not the drug!” The comment referred to motorcycle speed and the sensation of riding.
How old is Ann-Margret now?
The interview described her as 82 because it took place in February 2024. She was born on April 28, 1941, and turned 85 on April 28, 2026.
What motorcycle does Ann-Margret ride?
The reports describe her riding a lavender Harley-Davidson decorated with white daisies. The available research does not establish a more specific current model designation.
What are Ann-Margret’s most famous films?
Her major screen associations include Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas with Elvis Presley, Carnal Knowledge and Tommy.
The Bottom Line
Ann-Margret’s “speed” comment was about motorcycles—not drugs. The 82-year-old interview subject was describing her love of riding, especially the wind and weather of the open road, while acknowledging both her lifelong interest and the need for caution after a serious past accident.
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