Ann-Margret, the Swedish-American icon known for her fiery talent and timeless beauty, shared a deep, lasting love with her husband, Roger Smith. Though she famously dated stars like Elvis Presley and Eddie Fisher, it was Roger who captured her heart and became her lifelong partner. They married in 1967, and despite a rocky start with a chaotic wedding, their bond grew stronger with each passing year.
Roger became Ann-Margret’s manager, guiding her career away from the “sex kitten” persona toward more complex roles, including her breakout performance in Carnal Knowledge. He believed in her talent so much that he sacrificed his own acting career to support her. Together, they faced challenges, from Ann-Margret’s substance struggles and a life-altering fall during a performance, to Roger’s diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, a debilitating neuromuscular disease.
Ann-Margret cared for him devotedly, putting her own work on hold to support his health. Despite health struggles and the couple’s inability to have children together, their marriage thrived on mutual respect, love, and shared dedication. They remained inseparable until Roger’s passing, leaving Ann-Margret heartbroken yet grateful for a life spent with a devoted partner by her side.
Reflecting on her marriage, Ann-Margret shared, “I am most proud of my marriage. We both wanted it to work. And it did work. We were together night and day. We loved each other and were always in each other’s corner.” Their story remains a testament to enduring love, commitment, and unwavering devotion in both life and career.