Ann-Margret Says Her Greatest Achievement Was the Marriage She Shared With Roger Smith

A Love Story That Became More Important to Her Than Fame

Ann-Margret, the Swedish-American actress whose dazzling talent and charisma made her one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, has long been celebrated for her prolific career. Spanning six decades, her legacy includes iconic films, top-charting music, and awards. Despite this success, Ann-Margret has consistently identified her marriage to Roger Smith as her greatest accomplishment. The depth of their partnership transcended fame, industry recognition, and even the dramatic history of Hollywood itself.

From Sweden to Hollywood Stardom

Born Ann-Margret Olsson in Valsjöbyn, Sweden, in 1941, she moved to the United States with her family at a young age. Ann-Margret’s early aspirations in entertainment led her to master singing, dancing, and acting, quickly capturing attention with her unique blend of vivacity and talent. By the 1960s, Hollywood embraced her, with signature roles in Bye Bye Birdie (1963) and Viva Las Vegas (1964) solidifying her status as a rising star. Known for her beauty, humor, and energetic performances, she became a cultural icon, captivating audiences internationally.

Her remarkable versatility earned her two Academy Award nominations, for Carnal Knowledge (1971) and Tommy (1975), and she remained active in music and live performances. Her musical career, which began with early hits, continued into recent years, most notably with the release of her rock album Born to Be Wild in 2023. While her professional achievements attracted headlines, her personal life became equally prominent, especially her famous friendship and romance with Elvis Presley. Yet, as Ann-Margret frequently emphasized, it was her relationship with Roger Smith that shaped her most profound sense of accomplishment.

Meeting Roger Smith: A Turning Point in Her Personal Life

Throughout the 1960s, Ann-Margret’s fame brought her into contact with many celebrities, including Eddie Fisher and Elvis Presley. However, Roger Smith, best known for \his role in television’s 77 Sunset Strip and in Mister Roberts, soon became the central figure in her life. The two initially met through their Hollywood circles, but their real connection was forged in 1965, rooted not only in mutual respect but in shared interests—most notably, a love of motorcycles.

Smith, accustomed to being pursued by admirers, noticed Ann-Margret’s distinct response. She was reserved, grounded, and genuine, setting herself apart from her contemporaries. Smith recalled, “Every other woman I met was falling all over me. But this innocent, fresh-faced beauty only spoke to me when I spoke to her and the rest of the time ignored me.” Their third date confirmed to Ann-Margret that Roger was someone she could trust, describing him as someone she knew would “protect” her and someone she could truly “depend on.” Their shared adventures, including motorcycle rides, deepened their bond, helping Smith stand apart from other suitors.

A Challenging Yet Memorable Wedding in Las Vegas

Ann-Margret and Roger Smith married in 1967 at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. However, the wedding was not the romantic event Ann-Margret had long imagined. She found the ceremony emotionally overwhelming and later reflected, “This is not the way I envisioned my wedding.” Tears flowed throughout the event, prompting concern from those in attendance. She remarked, “I think everyone thought I was pregnant because I was crying through the whole thing. But we did it.” Despite these initial disappointments, the union marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership that would be tested and strengthened by both triumphs and trials.

A Partnership: Husband, Manager, and Trusted Confidant

Roger Smith’s involvement in Ann-Margret’s life extended far beyond the role of husband. Eventually setting aside his own acting career, he became her manager and critical advisor, believing in her extraordinary talent. Ann-Margret described their relationship: “Now in Roger I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one—a father, a friend, a lover, a manager, a businessman.” Smith was instrumental in helping her transition away from the early “sex kitten” image cultivated by Hollywood, instead encouraging her to pursue roles with greater depth, ultimately leading to her acclaimed performance in Carnal Knowledge. Their professional collaboration was marked by mutual respect and trust, as they navigated the pressures of celebrity as a united front.

Smith’s Fulfillment in Supporting Ann-Margret

For Roger Smith, playing a supportive role in Ann-Margret’s life and career brought him unexpected happiness. He frequently acknowledged that, “When I met Ann-Margret, I felt happy for the first time in my life.” Their relationship defied Hollywood stereotypes—focused not on glamorous appearances but on genuine companionship and teamwork. Together, they weathered the demands of public life, leaning on each other as they advanced Ann-Margret’s professional aspirations and personal well-being.

Challenging Times: Addiction and a Life-Altering Accident

The marriage endured difficult stages, including Ann-Margret’s battles with substance abuse during the 1970s. Pill and alcohol dependencies tested their partnership, but support from Smith helped her recover. In 1972, tragedy struck when Ann-Margret fell from a platform during a performance in Lake Tahoe, dropping 22 feet into an orchestra pit. The accident resulted in severe facial injuries requiring intensive reconstructive surgery, including wiring her jaw shut and relying on a liquid diet.

Remarkably, Ann-Margret returned to the stage only ten days after the accident, demonstrating extraordinary resilience. With 59 stitches in her face, she performed for her audience, arriving on her Harley-Davidson motorcycle—a testament to her determination and the unwavering support from Smith.

Roger Smith’s Role in Recovery

Smith’s dedication was evident following Ann-Margret’s accident. Demonstrating remarkable effort, he facilitated her emergency treatment by flying a plane from Burbank, California, to ensure she received care from specialists at UCLA Medical Center. This episode underscored the protective and loving nature of their relationship, with Smith prioritizing Ann-Margret’s survival and recovery over all else.

Smith’s Health Challenges and Shifting Roles

In 1980, Roger Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular disease. This diagnosis profoundly affected both Smith’s career and their personal life, as his physical capabilities declined. By 1985, his condition entered remission, providing the couple with some relief and allowing Ann-Margret to return to her robust performance schedule. Nevertheless, Smith’s health remained a persistent concern throughout the following decades, including later struggles with Parkinson’s disease.

Hopes for Parenthood and Family Life

Although Ann-Margret became a stepmother to Smith’s three children from a previous marriage, the couple hoped to have a child together. They sought medical assistance from fertility experts, but their attempts proved unsuccessful. Ann-Margret later acknowledged the sorrow of not having a biological child, describing it as a significant disappointment. Despite this, her marriage to Smith remained the central joy and support of her life.

Ann-Margret: Devoted Caregiver

As Smith’s illnesses progressed, Ann-Margret assumed the role of primary caregiver. She reduced her professional workload, devoting herself to Smith’s needs. Ann-Margret explained, “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.” The dedication Smith had shown earlier was reciprocated, further highlighting the profound reciprocity in their relationship.

Roger Smith’s Death and Ann-Margret’s Reflections

After nearly fifty years of marriage, Roger Smith died in 2017 at the age of 84, at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Los Angeles, from complications related to myasthenia gravis. Smith’s passing marked the end of an extraordinary partnership that had weathered career highs, personal lows, and multiple health crises. For Ann-Margret, the loss was heart-wrenching, but her reflections focused on the legacy of their marriage—the partnership, love, and commitment that had sustained her through every challenge and triumph.

Ann-Margret’s Greatest Achievement: The Marriage Above All

Despite opportunities to highlight any of her many professional successes, Ann-Margret chose her marriage as her proudest achievement. “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage,” she stated. “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.” Through her words, it becomes clear that the depth of their relationship eclipsed even the brightest Hollywood gleam.

A Snapshot in Time: The 1985 New York Photograph

One notable photograph taken in New York on January 1, 1985, shows Ann-Margret and Roger Smith elegantly poised at a major event. The image captures more than the glamour of Hollywood—it is a portrait of unity during a period when Smith’s health had grown precarious. Their public appearance signaled strength and resilience, as they balanced Smith’s illness with Ann-Margret’s thriving career. It stands as a vivid reminder of a relationship that, at its core, was built on mutual support through adversity.

International and Societal Reactions to Their Story

The story of Ann-Margret and Roger Smith has resonated beyond Hollywood, inspiring audiences and experts worldwide. Commentators often reference their marriage as a rare example of lasting loyalty within the entertainment industry. Relationship experts cite their mutual respect and teamwork as factors in the longevity of their partnership. Fans and fellow performers have celebrated their ability to transcend public scrutiny and professional pressures, forging a marriage that endured where others faltered.

Their story challenges conventional views of celebrity relationships, illustrating how genuine emotional connection, shared values, and steadfast mutual care can withstand the tests of fame and personal trials. Ann-Margret and Roger Smith’s example continues to be referenced in discussions about resilience, caregiving, and the importance of partnership.

A Hollywood Partnership That Lasted for Decades

Ann-Margret’s legacy is built on acclaimed films, performances, music, awards, and a storied career. She has enjoyed global recognition, worked alongside legends, overcome a serious accident, and evolved with changing times. Yet, it is her marriage to Roger Smith—marked by partnership, sacrifice, caregiving, and love—that she esteems most highly. Their journey began in Hollywood but was defined by mutual devotion, unwavering support, and the extraordinary capacity to endure together.

This partnership, which survived the glare of public attention, shifting roles, career transitions, accidents, and illness, stands as an exceptional testament to the possibilities of enduring human connection. For Ann-Margret, it remains, above all, the achievement she values most.

Disclaimer: This content is intended for entertainment purposes only and is not based on real events.