I have such a fondness for Ann-Margret – she embodies warmth, sweetness, and elegance.
With her stunning looks and remarkable talent, she won over audiences both in films and in real life, famously having a romance with Elvis Presley and being one of the rare Hollywood figures who genuinely backed our Vietnam troops.
However, even with her legendary career and the love of many fans, she feels that her most significant accomplishment is found in a different area…
Ann-Margret holds a special place in my heart, perhaps due to my strong ties to Sweden. She is truly remarkable, and her body of work speaks volumes. With her charming wit and authentic appeal, she continues to enchant and motivate those around her.
Her beauty is timeless, refreshingly natural and genuine, setting her apart from many in the Hollywood scene.
Just last year, the talented Swedish-American actress and singer made waves with her debut rock album, Born to Be Wild, as highlighted by The New York Times.
To say that Ann-Margret has had a rich and varied life would be an understatement. This iconic two-time Oscar nominee, hailing from Sweden, left a lasting impression with her unforgettable performances in classic films like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas during the 1960s.
You can explore her passionate relationship with Elvis Presley, but the reality is that he was not the love of her life.
Meeting Roger Smith
Despite her romances with stars like Eddie Fisher and Elvis Presley, it was Roger Smith who truly captured Ann-Margret’s heart.
The dashing, dark-haired actor gained fame through his memorable roles in popular shows like 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts. As a classic Hollywood heartthrob, he was accustomed to charming women with ease.
However, Ann-Margret was not one to be easily impressed.
“Every other woman I met was falling all over me,” he recalled. “But this innocent, fresh-faced beauty only engaged with me when I spoke to her, and otherwise, she seemed to ignore me.”
The couple’s journey began in the 1960s when their paths crossed through their work in Hollywood. However, it wasn’t until 1965 that they took their relationship to a more serious level.
According to some sources, Roger first invited the Swedish actress to one of his shows at a club in San Francisco. But he had another clever idea in mind.
Aware of Ann-Margret’s love for motorcycles, he knew she was an avid rider with a collection of bikes and a full set of riding gear at home.
“When I started dating her, there were plenty of guys around, but none of them rode motorcycles. I thought if I got one, it might make a difference. So, I bought a bike, and we went riding together. It worked,” he shared with NEA.
By the time they reached their third date, Ann-Margret felt confident that Roger Smith was the man she had always dreamed of finding.
“I knew he would look out for me. I felt I could rely on him completely. I just sensed it,” she revealed to People in 2017.
Tears of sadness
The couple exchanged vows in 1967, and their marriage was everything Ann-Margret had ever hoped for. However, few are aware that their journey began on a rocky note. During their wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, held in a “cigarette-smoke-filled room at the Riviera Hotel,” the star of Bye Bye Birdie found herself in tears.
“This isn’t how I pictured my wedding,” Ann-Margret shared with People, adding, “I think everyone assumed I was pregnant because I was crying throughout the entire event. But we made it happen.”
Fortunately, that difficult wedding experience didn’t define their relationship in the long run.
Before long, Roger Smith stepped into the role of his wife’s manager. He believed in her talent, admired her deeply, and even set aside his own acting aspirations to support her. Roger truly felt that commitment.
In 1972, the actress shared with Rex Reed, “With Roger, I’ve discovered everything I need in one person — a father figure, a companion, a lover, a manager, and a businessman.”
“It’s just right for me. I can’t imagine my life without a strong man by my side.”
Roger Smith played a crucial role in helping Ann-Margret reshape her career, steering her away from the “sex kitten” image. He recognized that for her to have a lasting impact in Hollywood, she needed to evolve. His thoughtful guidance enabled Ann-Margret to take on more nuanced roles, culminating in her standout performance in Carnal Knowledge in 1971.
By encouraging her ambitions, Roger found a deeper appreciation for himself. Being with Ann-Margret became more important to him than his childhood aspirations of fame as an actor.
“When I met Ann-Margret, it was the first time I truly felt happy,” Smith revealed to New York. “Once she entered my life, I couldn’t bear the thought of being apart from her, and surprisingly, she felt the same way about me.”
Substance abuse & injury
Throughout their enduring marriage, Ann-Margret and Roger Smith shared a profound bond, both personally and professionally. They celebrated many successes together but also encountered significant hurdles. Ann-Margret faced struggles with substance abuse and endured a life-changing injury during this time.
The star of Viva Las Vegas battled an addiction to pills and alcohol during parts of the 1970s, finding it challenging to distinguish between fantasy and reality.
In 1972, Ann-Margret experienced a life-altering accident when she fell from a 22-foot platform during a performance in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, resulting in severe facial injuries. In front of a stunned audience at the Sahara Hotel, she plunged into an orchestra pit, narrowly avoiding a fatal outcome.
Following the accident, she underwent extensive facial reconstructive surgery, which involved wiring her mouth shut and adhering to a strict liquid diet for her recovery. Miraculously, just ten days later, and after receiving 59 stitches, Ann-Margret made an inspiring comeback to the stage, riding her shiny Harley-Davidson motorcycle and dazzling the audience with her signature style.
Her husband, Roger Smith, played an essential role in her recovery. When the accident occurred, he piloted a borrowed plane from Burbank, California, to ensure she reached the surgeons at UCLA Medical Center without delay.
However, in 1980, their lives took a challenging turn when Roger was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular condition. This illness often left him unable to rise from bed, making travel impossible and impacting both their personal and professional lives. As the key figure in managing Ann-Margret’s career, he had to step back due to his health struggles.
By 1985, Roger’s condition improved, entering remission, which allowed Ann-Margret to revive her nightclub career. With his support, she returned to the limelight, bringing back her beloved Las Vegas shows. For a time, their future appeared much brighter.
When Roger Smith’s health improved, the couple decided to make one last effort to have children together. Prior to this, Ann-Margret had embraced her role as a loving stepmother to his three kids from a previous marriage.
Unfortunately, time was not on Ann-Margret’s side, and despite seeking help from various fertility specialists, they were unable to conceive. They tried everything possible, but they never had children of their own, which Ann-Margret has described as one of her life’s biggest disappointments.
Regarding his passing, Ann-Margret and Roger Smith were together until he passed away in 2017.
The cherished actor and manager died at the age of 84 at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Los Angeles due to complications from myasthenia gravis.
In addition to this condition, he had battled Parkinson’s disease for many years.
This situation required Ann-Margret to pause her career to care for him, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to her partner throughout his prolonged illness.
I kept refusing everything because my focus was on caring for him. When you’re married, if one partner is struggling, the other steps up, she explained.
Ann-Margret was undeniably heartbroken after losing her husband. However, she found a way to see the silver lining and continued to move forward in her life.
“When I reflect on my life, my marriage is what I cherish the most,” Ann-Margret shared with Closer Weekly. “We both committed to making it work, and we succeeded. We were inseparable, sharing every moment together. Our love was strong, and we always supported one another.”
To truly understand the love story of Ann-Margret and Roger Smith, one only needs to look at a photograph taken on January 1, 1985, in New York.
This image captures the Hollywood couple exuding grace and charm at a prestigious event, showcasing them at the peak of their careers. Yet, this photo represents more than just a glamorous moment. Roger’s unwavering gaze and Ann-Margret’s calm demeanor reveal the profound connection they shared, both in their personal lives and professional endeavors.
The lush green curtains in the background lend a regal touch to the photo, capturing the essence of Hollywood royalty. What adds depth to this image is the visible evidence of Roger’s struggle with illness. While he hasn’t been completely consumed by his condition, there’s a subtle recognition of the challenges ahead. Nevertheless, this picture beautifully reflects their lasting love.
It transcends mere memory; it’s a snapshot that honors their resilience, sophistication, and the legacy they created together.
Share this story with someone who values enduring love, and let’s celebrate how this extraordinary couple navigated life’s hurdles with poise.
