Ann-Margret is truly a remarkable woman—graceful, warm, and undeniably classy.

Renowned for her striking beauty and immense talent, she charmed audiences both on and off the screen. Her iconic presence shone in Hollywood’s golden age, with legendary roles and a fascinating personal life that included a famous romance with Elvis Presley. Beyond her stardom, she stood out as one of the rare Hollywood figures who genuinely supported Vietnam troops, earning her admiration far beyond the world of entertainment.

But for Ann-Margret, her crowning achievement isn’t found in her illustrious career or public acclaim. It lies somewhere deeper—grounded in love, resilience, and the enduring connections she forged throughout her extraordinary life.

Perhaps it’s my deep connection to Sweden, but Ann-Margret holds a special place in my heart. She’s simply phenomenal, and her legacy speaks volumes. With her radiant humor and authentic charm, she continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Her beauty remains timeless—natural and refreshingly unpretentious in an industry often preoccupied with appearances. Even as recently as last year, this Swedish-American icon released her debut rock album, Born to Be Wild, proving that her talent knows no bounds, as noted by The New York Times.

To say Ann-Margret has lived a remarkable life would be an understatement. Born in Sweden and raised with a strong work ethic, she emerged as an entertainment powerhouse. A two-time Oscar nominee, she became a household name with unforgettable roles in 1960s classics like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas.

While her sizzling romance with Elvis Presley is legendary, he was not the love of her life. That honor belonged to Roger Smith.

Meeting Roger Smith marked a turning point for Ann-Margret. Despite dating high-profile stars like Eddie Fisher and Elvis, it was the dashing Roger, a celebrated actor with roles in 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts, who ultimately won her heart. Used to women fawning over him, Roger found Ann-Margret refreshingly different.

“Every other woman I met was falling all over me,” he recalled. “But this innocent, fresh-faced beauty only spoke to me when I spoke to her and ignored me the rest of the time.”

It was this quiet confidence and authenticity that captivated Roger—and their love story remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring romances.

The couple first crossed paths in the bustling Hollywood scene of the 1960s. Although their initial meeting was professional, their connection didn’t deepen until 1965, when they began dating seriously.

Roger, aware of Ann-Margret’s adventurous spirit and her passion for motorcycles, came up with a clever way to win her over. Aware that other suitors didn’t share her enthusiasm for riding, he decided to step up his game.

“When I first started going out with her, there were a lot of guys hanging around. But they didn’t ride motorcycles. So I figured if I had one, it would help,” Roger shared with NEA. “So I bought one, and we went out riding together. It helped.”

The plan worked. By their third date, Ann-Margret knew Roger was the man she’d been searching for. “I knew he would protect me. I knew that I could depend on him. I sensed it completely,” she revealed to People in 2017.

Their love culminated in a wedding in 1967, but their union began with an unexpected hiccup. The ceremony, held in a smoke-filled room at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, left Ann-Margret in tears—not from joy, but disappointment.

“This is not the way I envisioned my wedding,” she admitted, recalling how emotional she became during the event. “I think everyone thought I was pregnant because I was crying through the whole thing. But we did it.”

Despite the less-than-ideal wedding day, their marriage became everything Ann-Margret had hoped for. Roger soon stepped into the role of her manager, prioritizing her career over his own. Convinced of her extraordinary talent, he chose to leave acting to support her fully.

“Roger believed in me more than I believed in myself,” Ann-Margret later reflected. His unwavering faith in her and their strong partnership became the foundation of a love story that endured for decades.

“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 with Rex Reed in 1972. “It’s perfect for me. I couldn’t exist without a strong man.”

Roger Smith’s unwavering support helped Ann-Margret redefine her career. He played a crucial role in guiding her away from the “sex kitten” image that Hollywood initially embraced, recognizing that for her to have a lasting career, she needed to transition into more serious, complex roles. His foresight and strategic decisions led to her critically acclaimed performance in Carnal Knowledge (1971), a career-defining moment that showcased her depth as an actress.

For Roger, prioritizing Ann-Margret’s career over his own brought unexpected fulfillment. “When I met Ann-Margret, I felt happy for the first time in my life,” he told New York. “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
Despite their enduring love and professional successes, their marriage was not without challenges. The couple faced significant struggles during the 1970s, including Ann-Margret’s battle with substance abuse. The Viva Las Vegas star grappled with an addiction to pills and alcohol, finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the blurred lines between the glamorous fantasy of Hollywood and the reality of her life.

Their bond was tested further when Ann-Margret suffered a devastating accident. In 1972, during a performance in Lake Tahoe, she fell 22 feet from a stage platform, sustaining severe facial injuries. It was a defining moment that could have ended her career, but with Roger’s support, she made an extraordinary recovery, both personally and professionally. Together, they faced life’s challenges head-on, emerging stronger and more united than ever.

In 1972, Ann-Margret experienced a life-altering accident while performing in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. During a show at the Sahara Hotel, she fell 22 feet from a platform into the orchestra pit, breaking nearly every bone in her face and narrowly avoiding death. The shocking incident left the audience stunned and her future uncertain.

Ann-Margret underwent intensive facial reconstructive surgery, which required her mouth to be wired shut and a strict liquid diet during recovery. Yet, in true Ann-Margret fashion, she defied the odds. Just 10 days and 59 stitches after the terrifying accident, she made a spectacular comeback, riding onto the stage on her gleaming Harley-Davidson motorcycle and reclaiming her place in the spotlight with her signature style and resilience.

Her husband, Roger Smith, was her rock during this difficult time. In a remarkable display of devotion, Roger piloted a stolen plane from Burbank, California, to rush her to UCLA Medical Center for immediate surgery. His quick thinking and unwavering support played a crucial role in her recovery.

Roger Smith’s Health Struggles
In 1980, their marriage faced another test when Roger was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a debilitating and incurable neuromuscular disease. The condition often left him bedridden and unable to travel, profoundly impacting their lives both personally and professionally. Roger, who had been the driving force behind managing Ann-Margret’s career, was forced to step back due to his declining health.

By 1985, Roger’s illness entered a period of remission, allowing the couple to regain some normalcy. Ann-Margret reignited her nightclub career with Roger cheering her on. Together, they brought her Las Vegas shows back to life, rekindling the vibrancy of her performances. For a while, brighter days returned, a testament to their enduring partnership and ability to navigate life’s challenges side by side.

When Roger Smith’s symptoms improved, Ann-Margret and her husband made one final attempt to have children of their own. Until that point, she had lovingly embraced her role as stepmother to his three children from a previous marriage, forging close and meaningful relationships with them.

However, time was not on their side. Despite consulting fertility experts and doing everything they could, they were unable to conceive. This became one of Ann-Margret’s deepest regrets. Reflecting on their journey, she has said that not having children of her own was one of the greatest disappointments of her life.

Roger Smith’s Passing
Ann-Margret and Roger Smith’s love endured for over five decades, a testament to their unshakable bond. They remained inseparable until Roger’s death in 2017 at the age of 84. He passed away at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Los Angeles from complications related to myasthenia gravis, the illness that had long challenged their lives together.

In his later years, Roger also struggled with Parkinson’s disease, further complicating his health. His condition required Ann-Margret to step away from her career to devote herself fully to his care. Throughout his lengthy illness, she demonstrated unwavering commitment and love, fulfilling the vows they made to one another decades earlier.

Despite the heartbreak of losing her husband, Ann-Margret has often spoken of their life together with pride and gratitude, cherishing the enduring partnership they shared. Their story remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring and inspirational love stories.

“I kept saying no, no to everything because I was taking care of him. If you’re a spouse, if one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over,” Ann-Margret said, reflecting on the sacrifices she made during her husband Roger Smith’s lengthy illness.

His passing in 2017 left her heartbroken, but Ann-Margret has shown remarkable strength in moving forward. She has chosen to celebrate the love and life they shared rather than dwell on the loss.

“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 Picture of Love
A photograph taken on January 1, 1985, in New York perfectly captures the essence of their enduring bond. The image shows the couple at a high-profile event, radiating elegance and poise. Roger’s steady gaze speaks of admiration and devotion, while Ann-Margret’s serene presence reflects their mutual trust and partnership.

This snapshot is more than a glamorous moment in time—it’s a testament to their profound love and unity, both as a couple and as individuals navigating life’s ups and downs together. It symbolizes a relationship built on respect, support, and a shared commitment to each other’s happiness. For fans and admirers, it remains a beautiful reminder of a love story that transcended the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

The rich green curtains in the background add a regal touch, turning the photo into a true portrait of Hollywood royalty. Yet, what makes the image so profoundly moving is the subtle evidence of Roger Smith’s health struggles. Though not yet fully consumed by his illness, there’s a quiet awareness in his gaze—a poignant hint of the challenges that lay ahead.

Despite this, the photograph radiates love, strength, and resilience. It stands as a testament to the bond Ann-Margret and Roger shared, a partnership rooted in mutual devotion and unwavering support. Their unity shines through, a reminder of the grace with which they faced life’s trials together.

This image is more than a keepsake; it’s a tribute to a love story that transcended fame and adversity, capturing the essence of a couple who built a legacy of enduring affection. Share their journey with someone who values timeless love and draw inspiration from the way they embraced every chapter with courage and elegance.