Known for her fiery beauty, boundless talent, and iconic roles in films like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, Ann-Margret captured hearts on and off screen. She famously dated Elvis Presley and stood out as one of the few Hollywood stars who actively supported Vietnam troops. But despite the fame, she believes her greatest achievement was something far more personal.
Perhaps it’s my own Swedish roots, but Ann-Margret has always felt special to me. Her warmth, humor, and humility set her apart from the rest of Hollywood. Even in recent years, she’s stayed active, releasing her debut rock album Born to Be Wild at age 81—a testament to her enduring spirit.
A Love Like No Other
Though she once dated legends like Elvis and Eddie Fisher, it was actor Roger Smith who truly won Ann-Margret’s heart. Known for his roles in 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts, Smith had the charm of a classic Hollywood heartthrob. But winning over Ann-Margret wasn’t easy.
“Every other woman I met was falling all over me,” he once said. “But this innocent, fresh-faced beauty only spoke to me when I spoke to her—and the rest of the time, she ignored me.”
Their relationship began in the mid-1960s, sparked by a shared love of motorcycles. Determined to impress her, Roger bought a bike just so they could ride together.
“By our third date, I knew,” Ann-Margret later said. “I knew he would protect me. I could depend on him completely.”
They married in 1967 in Las Vegas, though the wedding itself wasn’t as romantic as she’d hoped.
“This is not the way I envisioned my wedding,” she admitted. “I cried through the whole thing. Everyone thought I was pregnant!”
But what came after was nothing short of beautiful.
A Marriage Built on Partnership
Soon after their marriage, Roger stepped back from acting to manage Ann-Margret’s career. He believed in her more than he believed in himself, helping her move past the “sex kitten” label and into more serious, complex roles. His guidance led to her acclaimed performance in Carnal Knowledge (1971), a turning point in her career.
“Now in Roger, I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one—a father, a friend, a lover, a manager,” she told People.
Together, they created a true partnership. But their journey wasn’t without hardship.
Trials and Triumphs
In 1972, Ann-Margret suffered a near-fatal fall from a 22-foot platform during a performance in Lake Tahoe. She broke several bones in her face and had to undergo facial reconstructive surgery.
Roger sprang into action—literally stealing a plane and flying her to UCLA Medical Center for immediate care. Ten days later, with her jaw wired shut and 59 stitches, she made a triumphant return to the stage—riding a Harley-Davidson.
Their bond only deepened when Roger was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 1980, an incurable neuromuscular disease. At times, he could barely get out of bed. Ann-Margret stepped away from her work to care for him full-time.
“If one of you has a broken wing,” she said, “the other takes over.”
Despite his illness, the couple remained hopeful and even tried to have children. Though they were unsuccessful, Ann-Margret embraced her role as stepmother to Roger’s three children. The lack of biological children, she later said, was one of her life’s deepest regrets.
Until the End
Roger’s health slowly declined, eventually including Parkinson’s disease. In 2017, he passed away at age 84 from complications of myasthenia gravis.
Ann-Margret was devastated—but never bitter. She found peace in the strength of their love.
“When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage,” she told Closer Weekly. “We both wanted it to work. And it did. We were together night and day. We loved each other—and we were always in each other’s corner.”
A Moment in Time
One photo captures it all: Taken on January 1, 1985, in New York City, it shows Ann-Margret and Roger—elegant, smiling, and radiating Hollywood royalty. You can sense the depth of their bond in the way they look at each other. Even then, as Roger battled illness, their love shone through.
It wasn’t just a glamorous image—it was a testament to devotion, resilience, and enduring partnership.
Share this story with someone who believes in timeless love. Ann-Margret and Roger Smith remind us all that true devotion shines brightest when life gets tough.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.
