Ann-Margret, an iconic actress, and singer known for her fiery beauty and undeniable talent, has faced much more than the glamorous spotlight of Hollywood. While her career soared with memorable roles in films like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, it was her deeply personal journey as a wife and caregiver that truly defined her later years. The love she shared with her husband, actor Roger Smith, was strong, yet their relationship was tested by illness, sacrifice, and ultimate heartbreak.
A Hollywood Romance Like No Other
Though Ann-Margret’s relationship with Elvis Presley was highly publicized, it was Roger Smith who ultimately captured her heart. Known for his role in 77 Sunset Strip, Smith was a quintessential Hollywood heartthrob. Their love story began in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until 1965 that they began dating seriously. Their bond quickly deepened, especially after Smith discovered Ann-Margret’s love for motorcycles. He even bought one to connect with her passion, and by their third date, she knew that he was the man she had always been searching for.
“I knew he would protect me. I knew that I could depend on him. I sensed it completely,” Ann-Margret later shared, recalling their early days together.
The couple married in 1967 in a small, intimate ceremony in Las Vegas. Though Ann-Margret cried during the ceremony, an emotional reaction that some mistook for pregnancy, the day marked the beginning of a deep and enduring partnership. Despite the untraditional start to their wedding, their love grew stronger over the years.
Ann-Magret and Roger Smith. Credit / Getty Images
A Devoted Marriage: Challenges and Triumphs
From the very beginning, Roger Smith played an instrumental role in Ann-Margret’s life and career. Not only did he serve as her loving husband, but he also became her manager, guiding her away from the “sex kitten” image to more complex, sophisticated roles. His support allowed her to redefine herself in Hollywood, most notably in her breakthrough role in Carnal Knowledge (1971).
Ann-Margret was deeply appreciative of her husband’s sacrifices, 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.” Their marriage was a partnership in every sense of the word, with each complementing the other’s strengths.
However, their journey together wasn’t without hardship. Ann-Margret struggled with substance abuse and faced a traumatic injury in 1972, when she fell 22 feet during a performance in Lake Tahoe. Despite breaking nearly every bone in her face, she made a miraculous recovery and returned to the stage just 10 days later, with the help of her supportive husband. Roger’s role in her recovery was crucial; when the accident occurred, he rushed her to the hospital in a stolen plane, ensuring she received immediate care.
Roger Smith’s Health Struggles: The Turning Point
In 1980, Ann-Margret’s life took a dramatic turn when Roger Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease that left him bedridden at times. The illness was a heavy blow to the couple, both personally and professionally. Smith, who had once managed Ann-Margret’s career, was now unable to continue his role as her manager.
Despite this, their bond remained unshaken. Ann-Margret took a step back from her career to care for Roger, showing her deep commitment to him. “I kept saying no, no to everything because I was taking care of him. If you’re a spouse, if one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over,” she said.
Swedish Actress, Ann-margret Singer and Dancer, 01.05.1967. (Photo by Avalon/Getty Images)
A Love Tested by Time: The Heartbreaking Loss
Though Roger’s condition briefly went into remission in 1985, allowing Ann-Margret to return to the stage, their journey was far from easy. They attempted to have children of their own, but despite consulting fertility experts, they were unable to conceive. Ann-Margret has expressed that this was one of the greatest disappointments of her life, though she embraced her role as a loving stepmother to Roger’s children from a previous marriage.
Roger Smith passed away in 2017, at the age of 84, from complications related to myasthenia gravis and Parkinson’s disease. His death left Ann-Margret heartbroken, but she continues to cherish the memories of their life together. “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage,” Ann-Margret 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.”
Roger Smith with sun glasses and Ann-Margret in the back of a limo; circa 1970; New York. (Photo by Art Zelin/Getty Images)
Remembering Their Love: A Moment Frozen in Time
A powerful photograph taken in New York in 1985 captures the essence of Ann-Margret and Roger Smith’s relationship. In the picture, they are seen radiating elegance and charm at a high-profile event. Roger’s gaze and Ann-Margret’s serene presence speak volumes about their deep, enduring love. Despite the challenges they faced, this moment in time stands as a testament to their strength and commitment to each other.
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: Ann-Margret and Roger Smith attend “Going in Style” World Premiere at SVA Theatre on March 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
As Ann-Margret continues to reflect on her life, it is clear that her greatest achievement lies in the love and devotion she shared with Roger Smith. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and unwavering support, stands as an enduring example of love that transcends both Hollywood glamor and personal hardships.
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