Ann-Margret is a beloved figure in Hollywood, admired not just for her iconic roles but for the genuine warmth and grace she brings to everything she does. From her passionate support of Vietnam War troops to her electric romance with Elvis Presley, she’s captured the hearts of fans across generations. Yet, behind the glamour and public admiration lies a love story that defined her life—the bond she shared with her husband, Roger Smith, until his tragic death. Let’s explore their love story, the challenges they faced, and the heartbreak Ann-Margret endured when she lost him.
Ann-Margret may have dated stars like Elvis Presley and Eddie Fisher, but it was Roger Smith who ultimately captured her heart. Known for his striking good looks and standout roles in 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts, Roger was accustomed to charming women effortlessly. But when he met Ann-Margret, she was different. She wasn’t easily swayed, and that’s what intrigued him.
The two met in the 1960s through their Hollywood careers, but it wasn’t until 1965 that they began to date seriously. Roger knew Ann-Margret loved motorcycles, so he bought one just to ride with her, and by their third date, Ann-Margret knew he was the one. “I knew he would protect me. I could depend on him completely,” she shared.
In 1967, Ann-Margret and Roger Smith tied the knot in Las Vegas, but their wedding wasn’t the fairy-tale event she envisioned. In a room filled with cigarette smoke at the Riviera Hotel, the actress found herself crying through the entire ceremony. People even speculated she might be pregnant because of her tears.
However, the emotional wedding didn’t stop them from building a loving marriage. Roger soon took on the role of Ann-Margret’s manager, giving up his own acting career to support her. He believed she had more raw talent than he did and wanted to help her shine. His sacrifice wasn’t in vain, as he guided her toward more complex roles, including her breakthrough performance in Carnal Knowledge in 1971.
Every great love story faces its challenges, and Ann-Margret and Roger were no exception. In the 1970s, Ann-Margret struggled with substance abuse, using pills and alcohol to cope with the pressures of fame. She also faced a life-changing accident in 1972, when she fell 22 feet from a platform during a performance in Lake Tahoe. The fall nearly killed her, breaking nearly every bone in her face.
Roger’s love and devotion shone through during her recovery. He commandeered a plane to rush her to surgeons in Los Angeles, where she underwent facial reconstructive surgery. Remarkably, just 10 days after the accident, Ann-Margret returned to the stage, riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in a triumphant comeback. Roger’s unwavering support during this dark time played a key role in her recovery.
In 1980, Roger Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a rare and incurable neuromuscular disease that left him weak and bedridden for long periods. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one defined by struggle and sacrifice. Ann-Margret paused her career to care for Roger, taking on the role of a caregiver with complete dedication.
The disease also had a profound impact on their personal lives. Roger’s declining health made it impossible for them to travel, and the couple’s hopes of having children of their own slipped away. Despite consulting fertility experts, they were unable to conceive, which Ann-Margret later described as one of her greatest disappointments.
Ann-Margret stood by Roger’s side for nearly 50 years, until his death in 2017 at the age of 84. He passed away from complications related to myasthenia gravis, a condition that had plagued him for decades. His death was a devastating loss for Ann-Margret, who had devoted so much of her life to caring for him.
Despite her heartbreak, Ann-Margret found solace in the love they shared. “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage,” she said in an interview. “We both wanted it to work, and it did. We were always in each other’s corner, loving each other every step of the way.”
Ann-Margret and Roger Smith’s love story is one of devotion, sacrifice, and enduring partnership. Their relationship transcended the glamour of Hollywood and evolved into a profound connection rooted in loyalty and care. Roger was not just her husband; he was her manager, protector, and best friend. Together, they faced substance abuse, career changes, devastating accidents, and incurable illness, emerging stronger from each challenge.
Their love was immortalized in a photograph taken in New York on January 1, 1985. The image captures the couple’s elegance and strength, a snapshot of Hollywood royalty. The green curtains behind them evoke a sense of regality, but it’s their connection that truly stands out. Even as Roger’s illness loomed, their love radiated through, a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared.
Ann-Margret’s life has been filled with dazzling moments of fame and beauty, but nothing compares to the deep love she shared with Roger Smith. Their relationship was more than just a Hollywood romance; it was a story of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Roger’s death broke her heart, but the legacy of their love continues to inspire. Ann-Margret’s greatest achievement wasn’t on the silver screen—it was the lasting, beautiful partnership she shared with the man who stole her heart.
