Ann-Margret has long been admired not just for her stunning beauty and immense talent, but for the warmth and authenticity she brings to everything she does. From her breakthrough performances in the 1960s to her unforgettable presence alongside Elvis Presley, she’s been a symbol of Hollywood glamour. But beyond the red carpets and flashing lights, Ann-Margret’s proudest and most cherished role was not in film or music—it was as the devoted wife of actor Roger Smith.
Though she dated famous men like Eddie Fisher and Elvis, it was Roger Smith who captured her heart completely. A dashing actor known for his roles in shows like 77 Sunset Strip, Roger was surrounded by admirers. But unlike many others, Ann-Margret wasn’t taken in by his charm right away. That difference caught his attention. They first met through the entertainment world, and by 1965, their romance had begun in earnest. Roger cleverly used their shared love for motorcycles to spend more time with her, and it worked—by their third date, Ann-Margret felt sure he was the one.
In 1967, the couple married in a Las Vegas ceremony that didn’t go exactly as planned. Ann-Margret cried throughout the event, overwhelmed and disappointed by the smoky setting. People even assumed she was pregnant because of her tears. But despite the imperfect wedding, their marriage was something beautiful. Roger soon became her manager, stepping back from his own acting career to focus on supporting Ann-Margret’s. He believed in her deeply and saw in her a raw talent he wanted to help nurture. His influence helped guide her away from being typecast and into more serious, lasting roles—including her powerful performance in Carnal Knowledge.
Ann-Margret often said that Roger was everything she ever needed—a husband, a friend, a business partner. His love gave her strength and stability, and being with her made him feel more complete than any acting dream ever could. They truly completed each other, building both a personal and professional partnership that endured every challenge.
And there were many challenges. Ann-Margret battled addiction during the 1970s, struggling with pills and alcohol. Her reality blurred as fame and personal pain collided. Then came a terrifying accident in 1972 when she fell 22 feet during a performance in Lake Tahoe, breaking bones in her face. Her injuries were severe, and recovery seemed daunting. But in just 10 days—after facial surgery and with her jaw wired shut—she returned to the stage, riding a motorcycle, as fierce and radiant as ever. Roger had rushed her to the hospital in a stolen plane, doing whatever it took to protect the woman he loved.
Later, Roger faced his own health crisis. In 1980, he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a disease that weakened his muscles and drained his energy. It dramatically changed their lives. Roger could no longer work as he once did, and Ann-Margret stepped in to care for him just as he had done for her. For a while, his symptoms improved, and she returned to performing, even reviving her Las Vegas act. They tried to have a child together but were unsuccessful, which Ann-Margret has said remains one of her deepest regrets. Still, she embraced her role as stepmother to Roger’s three children from a previous marriage.
The couple stayed by each other’s sides through thick and thin until Roger’s death in 2017. He passed away at age 84 from complications related to his long battle with myasthenia gravis, and had also struggled with Parkinson’s disease in his final years. Ann-Margret, who had put her career on hold to care for him, was left devastated. But in her grief, she found pride in the love they had shared. She later said that her marriage to Roger was the thing she was most proud of in her life. They truly wanted their relationship to succeed—and it did. Their bond was unbreakable.
A photo taken in New York on New Year’s Day 1985 captures that bond perfectly. It shows Ann-Margret and Roger at a glamorous event, exuding elegance and strength. Roger’s steady presence and Ann-Margret’s quiet glow say everything about their love without a single word. Even in that image, you can sense the challenges they had already faced and those still ahead. But what shines through most is their connection—a reminder of how they faced everything, together.
Their love story is more than Hollywood glitz. It’s a testament to real partnership, unwavering devotion, and two people who found everything they needed in each other. Ann-Margret’s story is inspiring not just because of her fame, but because of the way she loved. And the way she was loved in return.
