Ann-Margret’s Heartfelt Journey: The Love and Loss of Roger Smith

• 2025-04-08
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Ann-Margret's Heartfelt Journey: The Love and Loss of Roger Smith

Ann-Margret is one of Hollywood’s most beloved and enduring stars. Known for her fiery beauty, incredible talent, and her iconic roles in the 1960s classics like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, Ann-Margret has captured hearts across generations. But while her career is remarkable, it’s her personal life—especially her devotion to her late husband, Roger Smith—that truly defines her.

The Swedish Beauty Who Stole Hearts

Born in Sweden, Ann-Margret made a name for herself as a powerhouse singer, dancer, and actress. Her timeless beauty, natural elegance, and unpretentious charm set her apart from other Hollywood stars. While many remember her relationships with Elvis Presley and Eddie Fisher, it was Roger Smith who became the true love of her life.

In fact, despite her high-profile romance with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Ann-Margret's heart ultimately belonged to Smith, a dashing actor and former star of 77 Sunset Strip.

A Love That Defied Hollywood

Their love story began in the 1960s, when Ann-Margret and Roger first crossed paths in Hollywood. But it wasn't until 1965 that they began to seriously date. Roger, ever the charmer, soon realized that winning Ann-Margret's heart wouldn’t be like his past relationships. She wasn’t easily swayed by his Hollywood fame.

“She didn’t fawn over me like other women,” Roger once recalled. “She only spoke to me when I spoke to her, and the rest of the time, she ignored me.”

What truly brought them together was their shared passion for motorcycles. Ann-Margret, an avid rider, was drawn to Roger’s own motorcycle adventures, and the couple soon bonded over shared rides.

By their third date, Ann-Margret was certain: Roger Smith was the man she had been waiting for. “I knew he would protect me,” she later said. “I could depend on him. I sensed it completely.”

A Dream Marriage Amid Challenges

Ann-Margret and Roger’s wedding in 1967 wasn’t the smooth Hollywood affair they had envisioned. The ceremony, held in a smoke-filled room at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, brought unexpected tears to Ann-Margret’s eyes. "I think everyone thought I was pregnant because I was crying through the whole thing,” she confessed. But despite the rocky start, their marriage was everything she had ever dreamed of.

Roger Smith didn’t just become Ann-Margret's husband—he became her manager, her rock, and her greatest support. He saw in her a raw talent that he believed in more than his own acting career. “In Roger, I found everything I needed: a father, a friend, a lover, a manager,” Ann-Margret once said.

Together, they navigated the highs and lows of Ann-Margret's career, with Roger encouraging her to step beyond the “sex kitten” image that had defined her early roles. It was under his guidance that she earned her breakout performance in Carnal Knowledge (1971), a role that solidified her standing as a serious actress.

Triumphs and Tragedies: A Life Tested

Throughout their marriage, Ann-Margret and Roger faced their fair share of personal battles. In the 1970s, Ann-Margret struggled with substance abuse, a challenge exacerbated by her demanding Hollywood lifestyle. Yet, she rose above her struggles and emerged stronger.

One of the most harrowing moments in her life came in 1972 when she suffered a near-fatal fall during a performance in Lake Tahoe, breaking nearly every bone in her face. Yet, Ann-Margret defied all odds, returning to the stage just days later, her spirit unbroken. The fall, however, was a reminder of the fragility of life—and the importance of having someone like Roger by her side.

Roger, who had been instrumental in Ann-Margret’s recovery, continued to be her unwavering support, especially when he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in the 1980s. The disease severely impacted his health, leaving him unable to work or travel. During this time, Ann-Margret put her career on hold, dedicating herself to caring for her husband.

The Heartbreaking Loss

Roger Smith's health continued to decline, and after a long battle with both myasthenia gravis and Parkinson's disease, he passed away in 2017 at the age of 84. Ann-Margret, ever the devoted wife, had been by his side through his entire struggle, showing a level of commitment that spoke volumes about their deep bond.

Ann-Margret has since shared that the greatest pride of her life was her marriage to Roger. "We were together night and day," she told Closer Weekly. "We loved each other, and we were always in each other’s corner."

A Legacy of Love

To truly appreciate the love between Ann-Margret and Roger, look no further than the iconic photograph taken on January 1, 1985, in New York. The image captures them at the peak of their careers, radiating elegance and mutual admiration. Despite the visible signs of Roger's ongoing health battle, the photo reflects their unwavering love and the strength of their partnership.

Ann-Margret's story is one of resilience, devotion, and timeless love. Through the triumphs, the challenges, and the heartache, she has remained an enduring symbol of grace, strength, and elegance. Her love story with Roger Smith continues to inspire and remind us of the power of commitment, loyalty, and love.