Elvis Presley and Ursula Andress: The Untold Acapulco Love Triangle That Shocked Hollywood
When Elvis Presley met Ursula Andress on the set of Fun in Acapulco, sparks flew—both on-screen and behind the scenes. But what really happened between these two legends? This untold love triangle might just surprise you.
The Ultimate 1963 Box Office Hit: Elvis Presley, Ursula Andress, and the Magic of Fun in Acapulco
In 1963, Fun in Acapulco became a top-grossing movie musical, and for good reason. Elvis Presley, known for his legendary hip thrusts and irresistible charm, captivated audiences as Mike Windgren. Ursula Andress, the original Bond girl from Dr. No, brought a sizzling chemistry that turned heads in Hollywood. Together, they created magic both on and off the screen.
While the movie’s plot was your typical beachside musical, it was Elvis’ smooth moves and incredible voice, paired with Andress' beauty and charisma, that made it unforgettable. Songs like “Bossa Nova Baby” hit No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, helping the film become one of the top earners of the year.
But behind the glitz and glam of Fun in Acapulco, there was more than just onscreen chemistry. What went on between Elvis and Ursula off-camera? Let’s dive into the juicy details of this unforgettable on-set romance.
Ursula Andress: The Hollywood Bombshell Who Had Eyes for Elvis
Ursula Andress was one of the biggest stars of 1963, riding high off her role as the Bond girl in Dr. No. On the set of Fun in Acapulco, she played Marguerita Dauphin, a stunning hotel social director who falls for Elvis' character, Mike. While she initially kept a respectful distance, their undeniable chemistry grew as they spent more time together.
Andress was initially starstruck by Elvis' presence. In an interview, she recalled the first time she met him: “The only way I knew him was from TV, this new idol, this hip-swinging lover with a guitar. But when I met him, I was taken aback by his warmth, charm, and kindness.”
Interestingly, it wasn’t Elvis who pursued Andress—she made the first move. Sonny West, a member of Elvis' inner circle, revealed that Andress was quite eager to get closer to the King. "She went after him. She wanted him bad," West admitted.
Did Elvis Presley Fall for Ursula Andress?
Rumors about a romance between Elvis and Ursula quickly began to swirl. After all, who wouldn’t be intrigued by the stunning Bond girl? But despite the obvious chemistry, Elvis remained surprisingly distant.
Although Elvis was reportedly fascinated by Andress’ past relationship with James Dean, he never pursued a romantic relationship with her. According to friends close to Elvis, he simply wasn't that impressed by her looks. Alan Fortas, a member of the Memphis Mafia, shared that Elvis actually found her “too broad-shouldered” for his taste—definitely not the petite women he typically preferred.
It also didn't help that Andress had a high-profile relationship with actor John Derek, who was extremely possessive. Elvis, known for his personal rule of never getting involved with married women, kept a professional distance despite the sparks flying.
Priscilla Presley’s Take on Ursula Andress
In her memoir Elvis and Me, Priscilla Presley revealed some of the colorful things Elvis had to say about Ursula. He famously criticized Ursula’s body, describing her as having “a body like a man” with shoulders broader than his. “I was embarrassed to take my shirt off next to her,” he confessed to Priscilla.
While this may sound harsh, it’s clear that Elvis had his own preferences, and Ursula didn't fit his typical type. Still, Priscilla was surprised by how critical Elvis was of the iconic Bond girl, who was, at the time, one of the most famous women in the world.
Fun in Acapulco: The Challenges of Filming in Mexico
A fun fact that surprises many: Fun in Acapulco wasn’t filmed in Acapulco at all! Due to a long-standing controversy with the Mexican government, Elvis had been banned from performing in the country. The rumor that Elvis had insulted Mexican women led to this fallout. Even though this was never substantiated, it prevented him from filming in the iconic coastal city. Instead, most of the location shots were done with a stunt double at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Elvis and His Iconic Outfits
Elvis wasn’t entirely comfortable with some of the outfits he had to wear in the film. Particularly, he disliked his untucked, short-sleeved shirt during the Marguerita song sequence. But despite his discomfort, he did enjoy wearing the flamenco-style costumes, even requesting to keep some of them as his personal collection.
The Margarita Mix-Up: A Fun Detail You May Have Missed
One amusing moment from Fun in Acapulco involves the margaritas that Elvis and Ursula order. In the film, Elvis' character Mike seems confused about the drink, asking if "Margarita" is her name. The scene becomes even funnier when the margaritas served in the film aren’t quite what we’d expect today—they appear more like straight tequila with a salted rim than the lime-infused cocktail we know today.
Cliff Dives and Trapeze Stunts: Elvis’ Fearless Side
While Elvis was known for his daring antics, some of the stunts in Fun in Acapulco weren’t done by him. For example, the dramatic 136-foot cliff dive was performed by a professional stunt double. However, Elvis did swing on a trapeze in one of the film’s most exciting sequences, showing that the King wasn’t afraid to put in the work, even if it meant risking a little danger.
Legacy of Fun in Acapulco: The End of an Era
Released just as the world was on the cusp of Beatlemania, Fun in Acapulco marked the end of an era for Elvis. The movie’s lightheartedness offered a temporary escape from the social upheaval of the early 1960s. In a quirky twist, even The Beatles themselves watched Fun in Acapulco during their first American tour, bridging two different worlds of musical icons.
As the 1960s ushered in a new era of music and cultural revolution, Elvis Presley’s reign as the King of Rock and Roll began to fade. But Fun in Acapulco remains a beloved snapshot of his cinematic legacy, marking the last chapter of a golden age in Hollywood history.
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