Introduction:
When Christopher Riordan first heard the name Elvis Presley, he wasn’t impressed.
In a 2026 interview, the now-88-year-old performer looked back on the surprising beginning of a relationship that would eventually span six Elvis Presley films and the legendary 1968 television special. But his first reaction was far from admiration. At the time, Riordan was working on My Fair Lady alongside stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. He had also worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, Fred Astaire, and Paul Newman.
So when MGM called and offered him two weeks of dance work on Viva Las Vegas, Riordan admitted he was a snob.
He wondered, Why would I want to work with Elvis Presley?
But a baby was on the way, and the job meant a paycheck. Since he expected little more than dancing and no lines to memorize, Riordan accepted.
Ironically, when he arrived on set, the choreographer placed him at the very back. Riordan initially saw it as the perfect arrangement: collect the money, stay out of sight, and leave without anyone even remembering he had been there.
Elvis, however, noticed him.
According to Riordan, Elvis asked a friend, “Who’s that kid in the back?” and reportedly questioned why such a good dancer had been placed so far away. Riordan did not know about the conversation at the time. He only learned of it later.
On the final day, Elvis finally approached him.
He thanked Riordan for his hard work and told him his efforts were appreciated. Then came the line that would prove unexpectedly prophetic: “I’ll see you on the next one.”
Riordan’s private response was essentially: The hell you will.
But Elvis was right.
Their next project brought them together again, and this time Riordan began seeing a side of Elvis that challenged his first impression. On Roustabout, he watched Elvis interact warmly with Barbara Stanwyck, who, according to Riordan, adored him. More importantly, Elvis repeatedly asked about Riordan’s young son.
Riordan was raising his infant son alone, something that was unusual for a man in the 1960s. He came to believe that Elvis genuinely cared about the situation. Slowly, his opinion changed.
The dancer who once wanted to disappear from an Elvis movie eventually became someone Elvis specifically wanted around.
Riordan remembered Elvis as professional, punctual, and well-prepared. He said Elvis knew his lines and made an effort to remember the names of crew members, their wives, and their children. When someone was sick, Elvis would ask about them.
Their friendship also developed through humor. Riordan said Elvis enjoyed having someone around who wasn’t overwhelmed by his fame. Elvis would invite him to play football after filming, while Riordan jokingly responded, “Elvis, you forget I’m a single mother.”
The joke became part of their bond.
Over the years, Riordan appeared alongside Elvis in Viva Las Vegas, Roustabout, Tickle Me, Spinout, Double Trouble, and Clambake, as well as the 1968 television special.
By then, everything had changed.
In the Jailhouse Rock number for the 1968 special, Riordan was positioned beside Elvis. When the choreographer tried to move him, Riordan recalled Elvis quietly telling him, “Stay right where you are.”
It was almost the perfect ending to their story.
The man who once hoped nobody would notice him in an Elvis Presley movie had become the man Elvis wanted standing right beside him.
Years later, Riordan finally visited Graceland. Walking through the house where Elvis had lived, sat, and slept was unexpectedly emotional. The experience brought back memories of a relationship that had begun with skepticism but ended with genuine affection and respect.
Riordan had once thought working with Elvis Presley was a step down.
Instead, it became one of the most unforgettable chapters of his life.