Ann-Margret’s TV Debut Was with a Modern Stone Age Family

She’s a cultural icon in numerous ways, a talented singer, dancer, and actor. Ann-Margret, the former partner of Elvis and a five-time Golden Globe winner, had an impressive start to her career that began with a debut on scripted television through The Flintstones.

At 83 years old, Ann-Margret has enjoyed a career stretching over six decades, beginning in 1961. Her first significant film role was as Louise in Pocketful of Miracles, a role that won her the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress. Stepping into television presented a unique challenge for the Swedish star, introducing her to a new, prehistoric-themed audience.

Ann-Margret’s entry into television began in the Stone Age. She appeared in a 1961 episode of The Jack Benny Program and an episode of The Andy Williams Special the next year. In both cases, she was credited as “Herself.”

It wasn’t until 1963 that Ann-Margret worked with a scripted line in a television show that featured its own special plots for every episode. The fourth season premiere of The Flintstones, in the episode titled “Ann-Margrock Presents,” showcased her voice acting talent as the titular Ann-Margrock.

This collaboration became a unique and meaningful milestone in the successful paths of both The Flintstones and Ann-Margret’s career.

The Flintstones was the first animated TV show to earn an Emmy nomination for Best Comedy Series. Although the ABC show did not win, it still garnered headlines and attracted interest from stars. In many ways, it became a platform for talent, similar to what SNL would become for comedians.

The Flintstones turned into a significant career goal for anyone seeking to immortalize their names. By its fourth season, the show was already focusing on rising stars like Ann-Margret to give it an extra spark for upcoming episodes.

Not only did the show use her acting skills, but they also highlighted her musical talents by having her sing twice within the episode. At a critical point in her rise to stardom, Ann-Margret left a lasting impression on the Stone Age, adding The Flintstones as a notable entry in her early television filmography.

Source: Everett Collection