I have a deep admiration for Ann-Margret – she embodies warmth, sweetness, and class.
With her fiery beauty and undeniable talent, Ann-Margret captured the hearts of many, both on and off screen. She was famously linked to Elvis Presley and stood out as one of the few Hollywood stars who actively supported U.S. troops during the Vietnam War.
Despite her iconic career and widespread admiration, she believes her greatest achievement lies beyond her professional success…
Perhaps it’s my own connection to Sweden, but I’ve always felt a personal affinity for Ann-Margret. She’s simply extraordinary, and her work speaks for itself. With her delightful humor and genuine charm, she continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
Ann-Margret’s timeless beauty remains natural and unpretentious, a refreshing contrast to the often contrived appearances in Hollywood.
Just last year, the Swedish-American actress and singer released her debut rock album, Born to Be Wild, as reported by The New York Times.
A Legendary Career Ann-Margret’s career could hardly be described as anything less than legendary. Born in Sweden, the two-time Oscar nominee made a lasting impression with her iconic roles in the 1960s classics Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas.
While her electric romance with Elvis Presley is widely known, the truth is, he was never the love of her life.
Meeting Roger Smith Though she had relationships with notable stars like Eddie Fisher and Elvis Presley, it was Roger Smith who ultimately captured Ann-Margret’s heart.
Roger, the dark-haired, strikingly handsome actor, had already made a name for himself in Hollywood with roles in hits like 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts. As a quintessential heartthrob, he was accustomed to the attention of women.
But Ann-Margret was different.
“Every other woman I met was falling all over me,” Roger recalled. “But this innocent, fresh-faced beauty only spoke to me when I spoke to her and ignored me the rest of the time.”
Their paths first crossed in the 1960s, and their relationship began to deepen in 1965. Some reports suggest that Roger invited Ann-Margret to a performance at a San Francisco club, but he also had another trick up his sleeve.
Roger knew Ann-Margret was an avid motorcycle enthusiast. She loved riding and had several bikes at home. To impress her, Roger bought a motorcycle, and the two began riding together. “It helped,” he later confessed.
By their third date, Ann-Margret was certain Roger was the man she had always been searching for. “I knew he would protect me. I knew I could depend on him,” she revealed in a 2017 interview with People.
A Rocky Start to Marriage Ann-Margret and Roger Smith married in 1967, but their wedding day didn’t go as planned. During their ceremony in a smoke-filled room at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, Ann-Margret found herself crying.
“This is not the way I envisioned my wedding,” she said. “I think everyone thought I was pregnant because I was crying through the whole thing. But we did it.”
Despite this rough start, their marriage proved to be everything Ann-Margret had dreamed of. Roger soon became her manager, believing in her raw talent and sacrificing his own acting career to support hers.
“Now in Roger, I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one—a father, a friend, a lover, a manager, a businessman,” Ann-Margret shared in 1972.
Roger’s strategic support helped Ann-Margret evolve beyond the “sex kitten” persona, allowing her to embrace more complex roles, such as her breakout performance in Carnal Knowledge (1971).
Roger, in turn, found fulfillment in supporting her. “When I met Ann-Margret, I felt happy for the first time in my life,” he said. “Once I found Ann-Margret, I couldn’t stand to be without her, and surprisingly, she couldn’t stand to be without me.”
Facing Challenges Together Their long marriage was filled with both triumphs and challenges. Ann-Margret struggled with substance abuse during the 1970s, finding it hard to separate fantasy from reality. In 1972, she suffered a life-threatening fall during a performance in Lake Tahoe, breaking nearly every bone in her face.
After undergoing extensive reconstructive surgery, Ann-Margret made a miraculous recovery. Just 10 days and 59 stitches later, she made a triumphant return to the stage, riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle and dazzling the audience with her signature flair.
Roger was a crucial part of her recovery, even piloting a stolen plane to ensure she received immediate medical care.
Roger’s Illness In 1980, however, their life took another dramatic turn when Roger was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an incurable neuromuscular disease. The illness often left Roger bedridden, affecting their personal and professional lives. Roger, once her manager, had to step back.
By 1985, Roger’s condition went into remission, allowing Ann-Margret to reignite her nightclub career. She returned to the spotlight with his unwavering support.
Though they had hoped to have children together, their attempts were unsuccessful. Ann-Margret, who had embraced her role as stepmother to Roger’s children from a previous marriage, was deeply disappointed that they could not have biological children of their own.
Roger’s Passing Ann-Margret and Roger remained married until his death in 2017, when he passed away at age 84 due to complications from myasthenia gravis. He had also been battling Parkinson’s disease for many years, and Ann-Margret devoted herself to caring for him during his illness.
“I kept saying no to everything because I was taking care of him,” she said. “If one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over.”
Following Roger’s passing, Ann-Margret reflected on her life with him, saying, “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage. 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 Portrait of Their Love One of the most iconic images of their relationship was taken on January 1, 1985, at a high-profile event in New York. The photo captures the elegance and charm of the couple at the height of their careers. Roger’s steady gaze and Ann-Margret’s serene presence are a testament to their deep bond, both personally and professionally.
Though Roger’s illness was already beginning to show, the photo reflects the strength and grace they shared. It’s more than just a memory—it’s a moment frozen in time that celebrates their enduring love.
A Lasting Legacy Ann-Margret and Roger Smith’s love story is a beautiful example of how two people can face life’s challenges with grace, commitment, and deep affection. Share this story with someone who appreciates timeless love, and let’s celebrate the legacy of this remarkable couple.