Ann-Margret is a beloved figure known for her elegance, beauty, and talent that made her a standout in Hollywood. A Swedish-American actress and singer, she became an icon in the 1960s with her roles in Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas. Throughout her career, she captured the hearts of audiences with her vibrant performances, undeniable charisma, and fiery beauty. Yet, despite her successful career and public adoration, Ann-Margret has always said her greatest achievement lies outside her professional life.

Her relationship with the late Roger Smith is a testament to the deep love and partnership that defined her personal life. Though Ann-Margret was famously linked to stars like Elvis Presley and Eddie Fisher, it was Roger Smith who ultimately won her heart. Smith, known for his roles in 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts, was a heartthrob in his own right, but Ann-Margret’s quiet charm set her apart from other women he had met. When they first crossed paths in the 1960s, it was clear that Ann-Margret was different. She didn’t easily fall for his charm. As Smith recalled, she only spoke to him when he spoke to her, a rare reaction that intrigued him.

Their bond deepened in 1965 when they began dating seriously. Roger, knowing Ann-Margret’s love for motorcycles, bought one to impress her. This gesture sparked their connection, and by their third date, she knew Roger was the one she had been searching for. “I knew he would protect me. I knew I could depend on him,” she later shared.

In 1967, the couple married, but their wedding day wasn’t without its complications. In a smoky Las Vegas hotel room, Ann-Margret found herself crying throughout the ceremony, a moment she later described as far from what she had envisioned. “I think everyone thought I was pregnant,” she remarked. Despite the rocky start, their union would flourish in the years to come.

Roger became more than a husband to Ann-Margret; he became her manager and most trusted advisor. She credited him for understanding her talent and helping her evolve beyond the “sex kitten” roles she had once been typecast in. He guided her career with such skill that she took on more complex and meaningful roles, like her performance in Carnal Knowledge in 1971. “In Roger, I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one,” Ann-Margret said, citing him as a father, friend, lover, manager, and businessman.

However, their life wasn’t without hardships. In the early 1970s, Ann-Margret struggled with substance abuse and suffered a life-threatening injury in 1972 when she fell from a 22-foot platform during a performance in Lake Tahoe. The fall broke nearly every bone in her face, requiring extensive surgery. Yet, just days later, Ann-Margret returned to the stage, riding her motorcycle and showcasing her strength. Roger played a vital role in her recovery, flying her to the necessary medical treatment in California and staying by her side through the healing process.

In the 1980s, their lives faced another major challenge when Roger was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a debilitating neuromuscular disease. This illness affected his ability to function daily, and Ann-Margret had to adjust to caring for him as his health declined. Despite the strain, their relationship remained strong, with Ann-Margret remaining steadfast in her support. Even as Roger’s symptoms went into remission in 1985, Ann-Margret never let go of her commitment to their love, embracing her role as stepmother to his three children and working to revive her career.

Though they never had children of their own, this fact never overshadowed the depth of their bond. “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage,” Ann-Margret said after Roger’s passing in 2017. Their marriage was a reflection of mutual respect, care, and love, standing as a lasting achievement in Ann-Margret’s life.

The memory of Ann-Margret and Roger Smith lives on through their many cherished moments, such as a photograph taken on January 1, 1985, in New York. It captures the couple at the peak of their careers, radiating grace and love. Despite the challenges Roger faced with his health, this image stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of their relationship and the beautiful life they shared together.