Behind the glitz and glamor of Hollywood’s golden age lie love stories that stand the test of time and capture the hearts of audiences on and off screen.
One such story is that of actress Ann-Margret and her late husband, actor Roger Smith. Their relationship, filled with passion, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion, unfolded like a real-life fairy tale. But despite their celebrity status, their love was anything but typical.
As they navigated the challenges of fame, health issues, and personal sacrifices, their bond only grew stronger. This is the story of how a Hollywood heartthrob and an iconic actress built a life together, defied the odds, and proved that love really can last a lifetime.
Actress Ann-Margret and her late husband, actor Roger Smith, shared a love story that was truly one for the ages. Before meeting Smith, the Swedish-born actress and singer was romantically linked to Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” but it was Smith who captured her heart. The couple first met in the 1960s and began dating in 1965, leading to a lifelong bond. Ann-Margret often said that marrying Smith was the greatest achievement of her life. Speaking to Closer Weekly, the Bye Bye Birdie star fondly recalled their first date and how she instantly knew he was her soul mate.
Roger Smith, a Hollywood heartthrob adored by many women, admitted that winning Ann-Margret’s affection was not as easy as it had been with his previous relationships. He recalled, “Every other woman I met fell for me, but this innocent, fresh-faced beauty only spoke to me when I spoke to her and ignored me the rest of the time.”
To impress her, he invited Ann-Margret to one of his performances at a club in San Francisco. Knowing that she was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, he decided to buy a motorcycle to catch her attention. “When I first started dating her, there were a lot of guys hanging around, but none of them rode motorcycles. So I figured if I had one it would help. I bought one and we went for a ride together. It worked,” he said.
Ann-Margret, smitten by Smith, said: “I knew he would protect me. I knew I could count on him. I totally felt it.” She later remarked, “Now in Roger, I have found all the men I need rolled into one—father, boyfriend, lover, manager, businessman. He’s perfect for me. I couldn’t exist without a strong man.”
Soon after their marriage, Smith became not only Ann-Margret’s husband but also her manager, helping to reshape her acting career by securing more challenging roles for her. He supported her every step of the way, even putting his own acting ambitions on hold.
As Smith once said, “When I met Ann-Margret, I felt happy for the first time in my life. Once I found her, I couldn’t stand to be without her – and surprisingly, she couldn’t stand to be without me either.
In 1980, Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an incurable neuromuscular disease that severely affected his ability to walk. Although he went into remission and was able to support Ann-Margret during her performances in Las Vegas, he eventually died in 2017 at the age of 84. Ann-Margret lovingly cared for him until his last day.
She was left devastated by his death. “When I look back on my life, I’m most proud of my marriage,” Ann-Margret told Closer Weekly. “We both wanted it to work, and it did. We were together day and night. We loved each other and were always in the corner.”
Although the couple never had children together, Ann-Margret embraced her role as stepmother to Smith’s three children from a previous marriage. The deep connection between the two stars was evident in many photos of them together, including one taken on January 1, 1985, in New York, which remains a symbol of their Hollywood glamour. Their bond is a testament to the enduring nature of love even in the spotlight.
A close source revealed that while Ann-Margret is allowing herself to mourn the loss of her beloved husband, she cherishes the time they spent together and believes he continues to watch over her.
Ultimately, the love story between Ann-Margret and Roger Smith is a powerful testament to the enduring power of true community and commitment. Through all the ups and downs of their life together, their bond remained unbreakable. Ann-Margret’s unwavering care for her husband during his battle with myasthenia gravis and the deep affection they shared for each other exemplifies the beauty of love that lasts a lifetime. Although they may not have had children together, their connection transcended anything material, and Ann-Margret continues to honor the memory of her late husband.
The couple’s remarkable relationship reminds us that love is not bound by time and that even in the most challenging moments it has the power to carry us through. Ann-Margret’s belief that Roger is still watching over her is an honest reflection of the lasting impact of their love.