For me, there's one gal who's absolutely fabulous, fantastic, and completely fascinating! Her name is Ann-Margret. I'm fascinated by the way she always manages to look like she just walked out of a magazine. And I can't get over the power and talent she packs into her every performance -- and that's only the beginning. I've never really told anyone how I feel about her -- deep inside, I mean. But because I'm such a TEEN WORLD fan, I've decided to tell you!

As you probably know, when I'm on stage, I love to kid around, cut up and crack up. I laugh, sing, dance, tell jokes. Anything that'll make you happy, and I have a ball doing it. Believe me, there's nothing like show business...if you're willing to work hard.

So when I tell you that off-stage I'm really a pretty quiet, soft-spoken guy, you'll most likely be surprised. But when I get to know people, I relax and then I like to clown around with them. If you're thinking that I'm spending a lot of time explaining myself to you, you're right. But I have a good reason. 'Cause if you want to know the whole story about Ann and me, you have to understand me first.

Cool. calm, collected, and completely charming. That's Ann-Margret. And that's why I'm so fascinated by her. But I never figured that such a gorgeous creature would ever really be interested in me. Matter of fact, we we almost never did get to have a date together. But I'll tell you about it.

It all started when I was working on "Bbye Bye Birdie." I got to the set and was introduced to the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. I was so fascinated that I couldn't take my eyes off her. And I just about couldn't say a word to her. When we weren't acting, I mean. Day after day, I'd go to work and hope that she'd notice me -- personally.

Nevertheless, it went on like this for quite awhile. Then I finally decided to take my chances and ask her for a date, anyway. I figured the worst thing that could happen was that she'd say no -- and that's what I expected to happen. Well, was I ever wrong! Not only did she smile that fascinating smile of hers, but she also said, "I never thought you'd ask me!" Can you imagine that?

And that's how it happened. Our first few dates were really very informal. They took place on the set when we had a break. We'd eat lunch under a tree or just sit and talk. And the way she uses her hands and eyes when she talks adds the fascination to her words. It didn't much matter what we did, though. She's so terrific that any place you go with her is heaven. And I had this new hobby -- taking pictures. Wherever I went, my camera went with me -- and so did Ann. We'd take pictures of everyone working on the movie. I felt like a real cameraman.

The one person who made them so great was Ann. No matter what we did, I couldn't get over how wonderful and lovely she was. Even now that I know her quite well, she still surprises me sometimes. I used to think we were really very different but I don't anymore. Ann and I have a lot in common.

In fact, Ann's quite a cut-up herself. When the two of us get started, everyone knows they'd better look out. In that way, we're very much alike. We're quiet at first, but when we think someone is great and we like him (or her), we relax. That's when all the clowning starts. If you ever see us together, you'd understand.

On walks in the park, bicycle-riding dates, or quiet dinners, Ann never fails to amaze me with her tremendous amount of enthusiasm. She's one girl who really sparkles. One reason I'm so fascinated by her is that I can't figure out where she gets all her energy and zing from. She's a "mystery woman." And maybe someday I'll figure out the puzzle. But even if I don't, it's okay with me. 'Cause she's sensational!

Now that we're not working together anymore, it's harder to see each other. But you can bet we try. If I'm ever working in the same town she is, we try to see each other. Last time I was singing at the Copa in New York, Ann did everything she could to arrange to come to a show. But she got to New York one day late, and my engagement had ended the night before. That's show biz! But now, everything's really terrific. When you've got a girl who's as fascinating as Ann-Margret, what else could it be?

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