Ann-Margret, known for her fiery beauty, undeniable talent, and iconic career, captured hearts both on and off the screen. Famous for her electrifying roles in Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, she was not only a movie star but also a compassionate woman who always maintained a sense of grace and charm. With a career that spanned decades and included notable relationships, perhaps her greatest achievement was the deep love she shared with her husband, Roger Smith. Their relationship was one that remained steadfast through challenges, including illness, and demonstrated the power of devotion and unconditional love.
The Beginning of a Timeless Love
Ann-Margret’s romantic life before Roger was filled with high-profile relationships, including with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley. However, despite her famous romance with Elvis, it was Roger Smith, an actor known for his roles in 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts, who truly captured her heart. Unlike other Hollywood men who were used to women fawning over them, Roger was intrigued by Ann-Margret’s independence. According to Roger, “Every other woman I met was falling all over me. But this innocent, fresh-faced beauty only spoke to me when I spoke to her and the rest of the time ignored me.”
Their first meeting in the 1960s didn’t immediately lead to a romance, but by 1965, they were dating seriously. Ann-Margret was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and Roger, eager to impress, bought one of his own so they could enjoy rides together. By their third date, Ann-Margret knew Roger was the one. “I knew he would protect me. I knew that I could depend on him. I sensed it completely,” she shared in a 2017 interview.
Marriage and Mutual Support
The couple married in 1967, though their wedding was far from the glamorous affair many might expect from Hollywood royalty. Ann-Margret tearfully recalled her Las Vegas wedding in a smoky room at the Riviera Hotel, saying, “This is not the way I envisioned my wedding,” and admitted, “I think everyone thought I was pregnant because I was crying through the whole thing. But we did it.”
Despite the rocky start to their marriage, the love they shared was undeniable. Roger took on the role of Ann-Margret’s manager, recognizing her immense talent and believing in her potential. He sacrificed his own acting career to support her, often making strategic decisions that helped her move away from the “sex kitten” persona and embrace more complex roles. His efforts played a significant role in her breakout performance in Carnal Knowledge in 1971.
Ann-Margret reflected on Roger’s importance to her, saying, “Now in Roger, I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one—a father, a friend, a lover, a manager, a businessman. It’s perfect for me. I couldn’t exist without a strong man.” Together, they weathered both the highs and lows of Hollywood life, proving that their bond was built on more than just love—it was a deep, unwavering partnership.
Struggles and Triumphs
Throughout their years together, Ann-Margret faced significant challenges, including a difficult battle with substance abuse and a life-altering injury in 1972. While performing in Lake Tahoe, Ann-Margret suffered a devastating fall, breaking nearly every bone in her face. With Roger by her side, she underwent reconstructive surgery and made a miraculous recovery. Only ten days after the accident, she returned to the stage, riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a symbol of her resilience.
Despite these struggles, it was Roger who remained a steady pillar of support for Ann-Margret. He played a crucial role in her recovery, even piloting a stolen plane to rush her to the UCLA Medical Center for immediate care. He was not just her husband, but her greatest supporter and constant companion.
Facing Health Challenges Together
In the 1980s, Roger was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an incurable neuromuscular disease. This illness left him unable to get out of bed at times and had a profound impact on both his and Ann-Margret’s lives. For Ann-Margret, the disease meant that she had to pause her career to care for Roger, showing her commitment to him in his time of need. She once said, “If you’re a spouse, if one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over.” Despite the struggles of Roger’s illness, their relationship remained strong, and she stood by him as he faced Parkinson’s disease in his later years.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Roger Smith’s condition eventually worsened, and in 2017, he passed away at the age of 84 from complications related to myasthenia gravis. Ann-Margret was devastated by his death, describing their marriage as the greatest achievement of her life. “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage,” she said. “We both wanted it to work. And it did work. We were together night and day. We loved each other and we were always in each other’s corner.”
In the years following his death, Ann-Margret has found solace in the beautiful memories they shared and continues to speak fondly of their time together. Despite the heartache, she carries on with the strength Roger always admired in her.
A Photo that Captures Their Love
A powerful photo taken on January 1, 1985, in New York encapsulates the deep bond between Ann-Margret and Roger. The image shows them looking radiant at a high-profile event, their love evident in the way they stand together, so united. Roger’s steady gaze and Ann-Margret’s serene expression reflect a connection that had withstood the test of time, even as illness began to take its toll on Roger. This image, set against the backdrop of lush green curtains, is more than a snapshot of a glamorous moment. It serves as a testament to their enduring love, a bond that remained unbroken despite the challenges they faced.
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Ann-Margret’s story with Roger Smith is a beautiful reminder of the power of love and commitment. Their relationship endured for decades, even in the face of health challenges and personal sacrifices. Together, they built a life filled with mutual respect, admiration, and an unbreakable bond. Ann-Margret’s love for Roger Smith was evident in every part of their journey, and though her heart broke when he passed, she continues to cherish the life they built together.
In her own words, Ann-Margret sums up the love they shared: “We were always in each other’s corner.” Their love story remains an inspiration to all who believe in enduring love, resilience, and the power of partnership through life’s greatest trials.
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.
