Elvis Presley & Ursula Andress: The Acapulco Love Triangle That Almost Was

Elvis Presley was no stranger to on-screen chemistry, but his pairing with Ursula Andress in Fun in Acapulco created a buzz that went far beyond the movie set.

Fresh off her breakout role as the first Bond girl in Dr. No, Andress brought undeniable star power, while Elvis was already a global icon.

Their connection on screen was electric—but what really happened behind the scenes?

A Record-Breaking Musical Amid Turbulent Times

Released in 1963, Fun in Acapulco became the top-grossing musical of the year, showcasing Elvis at the height of his Hollywood career.

His signature charm, smooth vocals, and hit song “Bossa Nova Baby” helped solidify its success, despite the film’s simple beachside storyline.

The movie debuted just weeks after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, offering audiences a brief escape from reality.

Today, revisiting Fun in Acapulco reveals not just a nostalgic glimpse into Elvis’s film career but also a collection of untold stories and behind-the-scenes moments that many fans never noticed.

Ursula Andress Was Smitten With Elvis

By 1963, Ursula Andress was considered one of the most beautiful women in the world. In the film, she played Marguerita Dauphin, a hotel social director who falls for Elvis’s character, Mike.

However, off-screen, it was Andress who was reportedly drawn to Presley.

At first, she was wary due to tabloid rumors about his personal life, but after meeting him, her perception changed completely.

“The only way I knew him was from TV—this hip-swinging lover with a guitar. But when I met him, he was so humble, full of charm, with kindness in his eyes. I was so surprised,” Andress later revealed.

Unlike Elvis’s usual dynamic—where he pursued his co-stars—it was Andress who seemed most interested.

Memphis Mafia member Sonny West recalled, “They were very close. She went after him. She wanted him bad.”

Did Elvis Reciprocate?

Rumors of a romance between Elvis and Andress spread quickly, but those close to the King claimed nothing happened.

In fact, insiders say Elvis wasn’t as captivated by her as the public assumed.

Alan Fortas, another member of Elvis’s inner circle, noted that while Elvis was intrigued by her connection to James Dean (whom she had previously dated), he ultimately wasn’t drawn to her physically.

“She was too broad-shouldered for his taste. He liked petite women,” Fortas explained.

But there may have been another reason Elvis kept his distance—his devotion to Priscilla Presley.

Elvis Had a Rule About Relationships

Despite his flirtatious reputation, Elvis had personal boundaries—one of which was avoiding relationships with married women. Andress was married to actor John Derek at the time, and Elvis reportedly went out of his way to ensure they were never alone together.

His friend Alan Fortas even recalled teasing him about Andress’s interest, but Elvis firmly responded, “No way, son. Not with John Derek lurking all over the place.

I’d be goddamned if I’d start a conversation with her and see his possessive eyes glaring at me.”

Priscilla Presley, in her memoir Elvis and Me, revealed even more about his thoughts on Andress.

According to her, Elvis found Ursula “too sharp-featured” and once joked, “I was embarrassed to take my shirt off next to her.”

Hollywood Toned Down Ursula’s Sex Appeal

Despite being known for her sultry image in Dr. No, Andress was required to dial back her appearance in Fun in Acapulco.

“They wouldn’t let me wear a real bikini. Instead, they put me in a ruffled outfit and even stuck a ribbon in my hair—thinking it would appeal to Elvis’s young audience,” she later complained.

The attempt to make her look more modest was likely aimed at preserving Elvis’s clean-cut image.

Elvis Never Set Foot in Acapulco

Surprisingly, despite the film’s title, Elvis never actually filmed in Acapulco. Due to political tensions between him and the Mexican government, all his scenes were shot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

In 1957, a rumor circulated that Elvis had made insulting comments about Mexican women.

While this was later proven false—allegedly started by a politician upset that Elvis refused to perform at his daughter’s party—the damage was done. He was unofficially blacklisted, and even years later, the controversy prevented him from working in Mexico.

A body double, Raul Garcia, handled all the on-location shots, ensuring the illusion remained intact.

Costume Choices That Surprised Even Elvis

While Elvis had input into many of his film outfits, there were some wardrobe choices he didn’t love.

For his performance of “Marguerita,” he was required to wear a short-sleeved, untucked shirt—something he admitted he would never wear in real life. However, because his double had already worn the outfit in an earlier shot, he had no choice but to match it.

That said, Elvis did love his flamenco-style ensemble from the movie and personally requested to keep it, along with two black silk shirts.

A Margarita Mishap

One humorous moment from the film involves a scene where Elvis and Andress’s characters order margaritas at La Perla. When Marguerita asks for the drink, Elvis’s character, Mike, misinterprets and asks, “He’s asking your name?”

However, the real comedy comes when the drinks arrive. Instead of the familiar lime-and-tequila cocktail, they’re served what appears to be straight tequila in coupe glasses, complete with a salted rim and a straw. Not exactly a traditional margarita!

Cliff Dives, Trapeze Tricks, and an Awkward Grab

Although Elvis was known for performing his own stunts, he wisely left the film’s dramatic 136-foot cliff dive to a professional. However, he did insist on performing his own trapeze stunts—so much so that the scene was saved for the last day of filming in case of injury.

One behind-the-scenes blooper occurred during a triumphant celebration scene. After his character’s big dive, Elvis was hoisted onto the shoulders of excited onlookers—only for one overenthusiastic extra to grab him a little too aggressively. Multiple retakes were required before the crew discreetly removed the overly eager fan from set.

Familiar Faces and Hollywood Crossroads

Sharp-eyed fans might recognize a few Fun in Acapulco cast members from other Elvis films.

Darlene Tompkins (who plays an underage girl at a canteen) previously appeared in Blue Hawaii.
Linda Rivera (hotel telegraph worker) had a small role in Loving You (1957).
Teri Garr, who later had a major Hollywood career, made her uncredited debut as an extra. Tragically, she passed away in 2024 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Elvis’s Last Film Before Beatlemania

Fun in Acapulco holds a unique place in pop culture history. It was Elvis’s final film before The Beatles took the world by storm, ushering in a new era of music.

In fact, The Beatles themselves reportedly watched Fun in Acapulco at a drive-in theater during their first U.S. tour—a fitting moment where one musical generation unknowingly passed the torch to another.

Even today, Fun in Acapulco remains a vibrant piece of Elvis’s legacy, filled with unforgettable moments, behind-the-scenes drama, and a fascinating glimpse into the ever-changing world of Hollywood.