Ann-Margret: A Life of Talent, Love, and Strength
Ann-Margret, known for her fiery beauty and talent, captured hearts in films like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, and famously dated Elvis Presley. Yet, she believes her greatest achievement isn’t fame—it’s her marriage to Roger Smith.
Though pursued by many, it was actor Roger Smith who won her heart. They married in 1967, and despite a rocky wedding day, they built a deep, loving relationship. Roger gave up his own acting career to manage and support Ann-Margret, helping her evolve beyond her “sex symbol” image and guiding her to more serious roles, like in Carnal Knowledge.
The couple faced challenges—Ann-Margret battled substance abuse and survived a near-fatal fall in 1972. Roger famously flew a stolen plane to get her emergency surgery. In 1980, Roger was diagnosed with the neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis, later complicated b
y Parkinson’s. Ann-Margret put her career on hold to care for him until his death in 2017.
They had no children together, something she has said was a deep regret. Yet, she proudly embraced her role as stepmother to Roger’s three children.
Even after his passing, Ann-Margret says, “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage. We loved each other and were always in each other’s corner.” Their lasting bond remains a powerful example of love, sacrifice, and commitment in Hollywood.