Known for her fiery beauty and immense talent, Ann-Margret has long captured the hearts of audiences both on and off the screen. A true Hollywood legend, she famously dated Elvis Presley and became one of the rare stars who openly supported U.S. troops in Vietnam. Yet, despite her remarkable achievements and lasting popularity, Ann-Margret believes her most significant accomplishment lies not in fame, but in something far more personal—her marriage.
As someone with a deep admiration for Sweden, it’s no surprise that Ann-Margret, a Swedish-American icon, holds a special place in many hearts. Her humor, warmth, and sincerity make her not just unforgettable but incredibly relatable. Her natural, unpretentious beauty is a refreshing contrast in a world where superficiality often dominates the spotlight. In fact, even in recent years, she continues to reinvent herself. Just last year, The New York Times reported that she released her debut rock album, Born to Be Wild, proving that age is no barrier to creativity or passion.
Born in Sweden and nominated for two Academy Awards, Ann-Margret rose to stardom in the 1960s with standout performances in Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas. While her whirlwind romance with Elvis Presley is well-documented, it was another man who truly captured her heart—Roger Smith.
Though she dated several famous men, including Eddie Fisher and Elvis himself, it was the dark-haired, charismatic actor Roger Smith who became the love of her life. Best known for roles in 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts, Smith was a classic Hollywood heartthrob. Yet, despite his looks and charm, he had to work to win over Ann-Margret.
Roger later recalled that most women were instantly enamored with him, but Ann-Margret was different. She remained distant, speaking to him only when necessary, which made her all the more intriguing. The pair met in the 1960s through the entertainment industry but didn’t begin dating seriously until 1965. One account suggests that Roger invited her to one of his performances in San Francisco, using the opportunity to get to know her better. Knowing she was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, Roger bought a motorcycle of his own, hoping it would give him an edge. It worked. Their shared love of riding quickly brought them closer, and by their third date, Ann-Margret knew he was the one.
“I knew he would protect me. I knew I could depend on him. I sensed it completely,” she told People in 2017.
They married in 1967, but the ceremony wasn’t what Ann-Margret had imagined. In a smoke-filled room at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, she cried throughout the vows—not from sadness but from the overwhelming experience. “I think everyone thought I was pregnant because I was crying through the whole thing,” she admitted. Still, despite the rocky start, their bond only deepened.
Roger eventually stepped away from acting to become her manager. He believed in her talent and sacrificed his own dreams to help her succeed. “Now in Roger I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one—a father, a friend, a lover, a manager, a businessman,” she once told journalist Rex Reed. “It’s perfect for me. I couldn’t exist without a strong man.”
Roger helped guide her away from the “sex kitten” stereotype, helping her embrace more mature, complex roles. His influence played a part in her critically acclaimed performance in Carnal Knowledge (1971), marking a turning point in her career. For Roger, being by her side meant more than fame. “Once I found Ann-Margret, I couldn’t stand to be without her,” he told New York. “And surprisingly, she couldn’t stand to be without me.”
Their journey wasn’t without challenges. In the 1970s, Ann-Margret struggled with substance abuse and a near-fatal accident. She fell 22 feet from a stage platform in Lake Tahoe, suffering severe facial injuries. It was a terrifying moment—she landed in an orchestra pit and was rushed into reconstructive surgery, which required her jaw to be wired shut. Remarkably, just ten days later, she returned to the stage on her Harley-Davidson, proving her resilience and dedication. Roger was instrumental in her recovery, even piloting a stolen plane to get her to UCLA Medical Center in time.
In 1980, their lives changed again when Roger was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular disease. At times, he couldn’t even get out of bed. The diagnosis forced him to take a backseat in managing her career, and travel became impossible. By 1985, the disease went into remission, giving the couple a brief window to revive her nightclub career. Together, they poured energy into her Las Vegas performances, showing that love and teamwork could overcome anything.
During this time, the couple also made a final effort to have children. Ann-Margret had lovingly embraced Roger’s three children from a previous marriage, but they hoped to expand their family. Sadly, despite trying everything and consulting fertility specialists, they were never able to conceive. Ann-Margret has described this as one of her life’s greatest heartbreaks.
Even as they faced Roger’s worsening health—he would later be diagnosed with Parkinson’s—Ann-Margret never left his side. She declined professional opportunities so she could be home to care for him. “If you’re a spouse, if one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over,” she said.
Roger passed away in 2017 at 84 due to complications from myasthenia gravis. His death was a devastating loss for Ann-Margret. Yet, in the midst of grief, she found solace in the strength of their union. “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 work. We were together night and day. We loved each other and we were always in each other’s corner.”
A photo taken in New York on January 1, 1985, perfectly captures the essence of their bond. Dressed elegantly, they stood side by side, exuding grace and love. The green curtains behind them gave the image a royal elegance, making it feel like a portrait of Hollywood royalty. Roger’s expression revealed both strength and vulnerability—a quiet nod to the challenges they faced. That single image is more than just a memory; it’s a visual legacy of a love that withstood time, trials, and the spotlight.
Share this story with someone who appreciates enduring love, and remember the grace, resilience, and commitment that defined Ann-Margret and Roger Smith’s extraordinary journey together.
