By Candice Wiener
Meeting Anita King felt like destiny. From our first interaction, it was as though I had known her all my life. Born in Sweden, Anita made her way to the United States at the age of 19. Her American journey began in California, where she worked as a governess—a role similar to that of a private tutor or caretaker today. A close friend eventually encouraged her to take a job as a waitress, leading Anita to work in various cafes and restaurants throughout Burbank.
It was in one of these establishments that Anita met Swedish-born Hollywood icon Ann-Margret. Anita fondly recalls that Ann-Margret always ordered the same meal, making it easy to remember her preferences. When Ann-Margret discovered they shared Swedish roots, she invited Anita to lunch. Their shared heritage instantly bonded them, and Anita was delighted to order from a Swedish menu once again.
Though she returned briefly to Sweden at her parents’ request—just weeks before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy—Anita found herself longing for life in the U.S. While standing in a Swedish post office, she learned of Kennedy’s death and remembers the nation entering a state of mourning. Despite trying to settle into conventional office jobs in Sweden, she missed the vibrancy of American life. “I never really adjusted. I missed everything and had left my heart behind,” she said.
Anita eventually returned to the U.S., where she met her future husband, George King, a lighting technician, and proud member of IATSE Local 720. George had an extensive career in the entertainment industry, having worked on Broadway productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair. Through mutual friends and professional circles, the couple rubbed shoulders with stars like Lauren Bacall and Liza Minnelli. In 1966, they welcomed their son, Steven, who became Anita’s greatest joy.
In 1974, the family moved to Las Vegas, originally intending a short stay while working on Elvis Presley’s show at the International Hotel (now the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino). One year quickly turned into many, and Las Vegas became their permanent home. George’s career brought the family into close contact with legends such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Anita fondly remembers Sinatra as a true pleasure to work with.
(From left to right: Anita featured in a Swedish magazine, Anita King with Milton Berle 1994, 2 of ZZ Top’s Showgirls costumes by Anita King)
Anita carved out an extraordinary career as a costumer and stylist. Her expertise graced nearly every celebrity and film produced in Las Vegas from the late 1970s onward. In the late ’70s, she decided to pursue work as a stagehand and approached IATSE Local 720. At the time, stagehand work was a male-dominated field, with only 20 to 40 members, all men. Undeterred, Anita persisted and ultimately became one of the first women admitted, breaking gender barriers alongside a close female colleague. She recalls one particularly transformative moment when a supervisor fired nearly all stagehands except for five—she and her friend were among the few retained.
(Sammy Davis Jr. and Anita King)
Anita’s professional encounters span an impressive roster of A-list names, from Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner to Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Robin Williams, ZZ Top, and Jackie Chan. She even formed a special bond with Sammy Davis Jr., her personal favorite, a connection that resonated deeply as my grandfather, attorney Louis Wiener Jr., once represented Davis during the Rat Pack era.
(From left to right: Anita on ZZ Top’s Motorcycle, Jackie Chan & Chris Tucker Rush Hour)
One story that stands out for Anita is the time she bowled with Lauren Bacall—a surreal experience that left her pinching herself to ensure it was real. Her anecdotes are peppered with both heartwarming and humorous encounters with the glitterati. Some tales, she shares with a knowing smile, are best kept between friends.
(From left to right: Mash “Radar” Gary Berghoff & Anita King, Brooke Shields on set of a show as a teenager)
Today, Anita lives a serene life in Las Vegas, enjoying frequent visits to Sweden to reconnect with family and escape the desert heat. Her storytelling, paired with a twinkle in her eye, brings her memories to life. With grace and charm, Anita King has not only styled the stars but also preserved the golden age of entertainment through her lived experiences.
A review of her extensive resume and cherished photographs is more than a glimpse into an illustrious career—it’s a treasured journey through time, shaped by passion, talent, and an indomitable spirit.
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