The golden age of Hollywood in the 1960s introduced audiences to countless stars, but few were as unforgettable as a certain Swedish-born actress whose talent, charisma, and beauty left an indelible mark. Yet, behind the glamour of her meteoric rise, this star made an extraordinary sacrifice: stepping away from her thriving career to care for her husband of 50 years.
A Star Is Born: From Sweden to Hollywood Stardom
Ann-Margret Olsson’s journey began far from the glitz of Hollywood in a small village in Sweden. Born into a musical family, her earliest memories were steeped in melody. “From when I was four years old in Sweden, I would get up and harmonize with my mother to Swedish songs,” she recalled fondly. Her mother, grandmother, and uncle filled their home with the sound of accordion music, a comfort during the tumultuous World War II era.
When she was six, her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Illinois. Here, Ann-Margret’s love of performance blossomed. As a teenager, she dazzled with her singing and dancing, eventually earning a scholarship to Northwestern University to study theater. But academia couldn’t contain her ambition.
The Breakthrough Moment
Her big break came when comedian George Burns discovered her talent and brought her to Hollywood. By the early 1960s, Ann-Margret was a sensation. Her sultry voice and magnetic screen presence made her a household name. Hits like her single “I Just Don’t Understand” and her film debut in Pocketful of Miracles solidified her star status.
She soared to greater heights with iconic roles in Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, where her sizzling chemistry with Elvis Presley was unforgettable. Though rumors swirled about their off-screen romance, Ann-Margret remained tight-lipped, saying, “Everyone knows how I felt about him and the friendship we had all these years. It was very, very private.”
Breaking Free From Typecasting
Despite her skyrocketing fame, Ann-Margret faced a challenge that many women in Hollywood did: typecasting. Critics labeled her as merely a “s*x symbol,” often dismissing her acting skills. Determined to prove them wrong, she sought out roles that showcased her depth as an actress. By the late 1960s, she shifted her focus to European projects, hoping for creative reinvention.
Her triumphant return to Hollywood in the 1970s was marked by roles that highlighted her range, from gritty dramas to musical performances. Yet, it wasn’t just her career that was transforming—her personal life was about to take center stage.
A Love Story for the Ages
In 1967, Ann-Margret married actor Roger Smith, a charismatic star known for his role in 77 Sunset Strip. Their connection was instant. “I knew I was going to marry him on the third date,” she once said. Smith’s protective and dependable nature won her over, and she quickly became stepmother to his three children from a previous marriage.
Their partnership extended beyond their marriage. Smith stepped away from acting to manage Ann-Margret’s career, helping her shed her risqué image and secure more serious roles. Together, they navigated the challenges of Hollywood, proving that love and teamwork could triumph over the pressures of fame.
The Trials of Illness and Sacrifice
Their love story was tested when Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a debilitating neuromuscular disease, and later Parkinson’s disease. Ann-Margret made the selfless decision to prioritize her husband’s care over her career. “If one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over,” she explained.
For decades, she remained his caregiver, demonstrating unwavering devotion. Though her film appearances became sporadic, she continued to take on roles in television dramas such as The Two Mrs. Grenvilles and Who Will Love My Children? Her dedication to Smith became a defining chapter of her life, earning admiration for her quiet strength and loyalty.
Life After Loss
In 2017, after 50 years of marriage, Roger Smith passed away at the age of 84. Ann-Margret mourned deeply but honored his memory by cherishing the life they had built together. “To her, a great love story doesn’t end with death. You carry their spirit with you,” a close friend shared.
Today, Ann-Margret continues to live in their Los Angeles home, surrounded by memories of their life together. She remains close to her stepchildren and their families, delighting in her role as a grandmother.
A Triumphant Return to the Spotlight
Despite her loss, Ann-Margret has found ways to embrace life and return to the passions that once defined her. She took on a role in The Kominsky Method after a personal invite from actor Alan Arkin. Her return to acting was met with acclaim, reminding audiences of the talent that first captivated them decades ago.
She also released a nostalgic album, Born to Be Wild, featuring her favorite songs from the 1960s. “I had a ball doing it!” she said of the project, her infectious enthusiasm a testament to her enduring spirit.
Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
Ann-Margret has embraced a slower, more reflective pace of life. She often joins friends for weekend walks and stays active with a close-knit group of industry pals. “On Monday, there might be three of us. Another day, there might be 15. We go to a different place every weekend to walk,” she shared.
Her ability to find joy in simple moments, like walking with friends or looking out over her pool, speaks to the resilience that has defined her life.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Ann-Margret’s story is one of triumphs and sacrifices, of dazzling highs and deeply personal challenges. From her early days as a Swedish immigrant to her reign as a Hollywood icon, she has lived a life filled with passion, love, and determination.
Her marriage to Roger Smith remains her proudest achievement, a testament to the power of love and partnership. Though she has faced loss, Ann-Margret continues to shine, carrying her husband’s spirit with her as she forges ahead.
In a world that often measures success by accolades and box office numbers, Ann-Margret’s legacy stands as a reminder that the greatest triumphs often happen behind the scenes—in the quiet, selfless acts of love and devotion that define a life well-lived.
