I just love Ann-Margret – she is such a warm, sweet and classy woman.
Known for her fiery beauty and undeniable talent, she captured hearts on and off the screen, famously dating Elvis Presley and standing out as one of the few Hollywood stars who truly supported our Vietnam troops.
Yet, despite her iconic career and public admiration, she believes her greatest achievement lies elsewhere…
I just love Ann-Margret – she is such a warm, sweet and classy woman.
Known for her fiery beauty and undeniable talent, she captured hearts on and off the screen, famously dating Elvis Presley and standing out as one of the few Hollywood stars who truly supported our Vietnam troops.
Yet, despite her iconic career and public admiration, she believes her greatest achievement lies elsewhere…
You May Like
Think Harvard is Hard to Get Into? This Company Will Amaze YouBlinkist Magazine
Perhaps it’s my deep connection to Sweden, but I must say Ann-Margret is a personal favorite. She’s simply incredible and all her work speaks for itself. With her delightful humor and genuine charm, she continues to captivate and inspire.
And her timeless beauty is natural and unpretentious, unlike so many in Hollywood.
As recently as last year, the Swedish-American actress and singer released her debut rock album, Born to Be Wild, as reported by The New York Times.
To say that Ann-Margret has experienced it all would be an understatement. The iconic, two-time Oscar nominee, born up north in Sweden, made her mark with memorable roles in the 1960s classics Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas.
You can read about her electric romance with Elvis Presley here, but the truth is, he was never the man of her life.
Meeting Roger Smith
Even though she dated stars like Eddie Fisher and Elvis Presley, it was Roger Smith who ultimately won Ann-Margret’s heart.
The strikingly handsome, dark-haired actor had made a name for himself with standout roles in hits like 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts. As a quintessential Hollywood heartthrob, he was used to effortlessly winning over women.
But Ann-Margret was not easily swayed.
“Every other woman I met was falling all over me,” he remembered. “But this innocent, fresh-faced beauty only spoke to me when I spoke to her and the rest of the time ignored me.”
The couple first crossed paths in the 1960s, naturally meeting through their Hollywood careers. However, it wasn’t until 1965 that they began dating seriously.
Some reports suggest that Roger initially invited the Swedish star to one of his performances at a San Francisco club. But he also had another trick up his sleeve.
He knew that Ann-Margret was a passionate motorcycle enthusiast. She loved riding and had several bikes at home, along with an entire wardrobe of motorcycle gear.
”When I first started going out with her, there were a lot of guys hanging around. But they didn’t ride motorcycles. So I figured if I had one, it would help. So I bought one and we went out ridning together. It helped,” he told NEA.
By their third date, Ann-Margret was certain that Roger Smith was the man she had always been searching for.
“I knew he would protect me. I knew that I could depend on him. I sensed it completely,” she told People in 2017.
Tears of sadness
The couple tied the knot in 1967 and their marriage was everything Ann-Margret could dream of. But few knows that their union got off to a bad start. During their wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, in a ”cigarette-smoke-filled room at the Riviera Hotel”, the Bye Bye Birdie star started to cry.
”This is not the way I envisioned my wedding,” Ann-Margret told People and added: ”I think everyone thought I was pregnant because I was crying though the whole thing. But we did it.”
Thankfully, the traumatic wedding experience didn’t matter in the end.
Soon, Roger Smith took on the role of his wife’s manager. He believed in her, admired her, and sacrificed his own acting career to support her. Roger felt that Ann-Margret had more “raw talent” than he did, and he wanted to be close to her.
“Now in Roger I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one — a father, a friend, a lover, a manager, a businessman,” the actress told Rex Reed in 1972.
“It’s perfect for me. I couldn’t exist without a strong man.”
Smith helped Ann-Margret redefine her career played a pivotal role in guiding her away from the ”sex kitten” persona, understanding that she needed to evolve beyond that to maintain a lasting presence in Hollywood. His strategic decisions allowed Ann-Margret to embrace more complex roles, which ultimately led to her breakout performance in Carnal Knowledge in 1971.
By supporting her in what she wanted, Roger Smith found he liked himself much better. Being with Ann-Margret mattered more to him than all his childhood dreams of becoming a famous actor.
”When I met Ann-Margret, I felt happy for the first time in my life,” Smith told New York. ”Once I found Ann-Margret, I couldn’t stand to be without her and, surprisingly, she couldn’t stand to be without me.”
Substance abuse & injury
Throughout their long marriage, Ann-Margret and Roger Smith were incredibly close, both personally and professionally. They experienced high peaks together but also faced significant challenges. For example, Ann-Margret grappled with substance abuse and a life-altering injury.
The Viva Las Vegas star During parts of the 1970s, the Viva Las Vegas star struggled with an addiction to pills and alcohol, finding it difficult to separate fantasy from reality.
In 1972, she suffered a devastating fall from a 22-foot platform while performing in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, breaking nearly every bone in her face. Before a shocked audience at the Sahara Hotel, Ann-Margret fell into an orchestra pit, narrowly escaping death.
She underwent facial reconstructive surgery, requiring her mouth to be wired shut and a strict liquid diet to help her recover. But as if by a miracle, Ann-Margret made a remarkable recovery. But just 10 days and 59 stitches after the terrifying accident, she made a triumphant return to the stage, riding her gleaming Harley-Davidson motorcycle and roaring back to the spotlight with her signature flair.
Her husband, Roger Smith, also played a crucial role in her recovery. When the accident happened, he piloted a stolen plane from Burbank, California, and rushed her to surgeons at the UCLA Medical Center, ensuring she received immediate care.
Roger Smith illness
Ann-Margret’s marriage to Roger Smith took a dramatic turn in 1980 when he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an incurable neuromuscular disease. The illness often left Smith unable to even get out of bed in the mornings. Traveling across the country was out of the question, and the disease affected the couple both personally and professionally. Smith, who was the mastermind behind managing Ann-Margret’s career, had to step back due to his health.
By 1985, Smith’s illness went into remission, allowing Ann-Margret to reignite her nightclub career. Smith supported her as she returned to the spotlight, helping her revive her popular Las Vegas shows. For a while, things looked brighter.
When Roger Smith’s symptoms eased, the couple made one final attempt to have children of their own. Before that, Ann-Margret had lovingly embraced her role as stepmother to his three children from a previous marriage.
Sadly, Ann-Margret’s biological clock was ticking faster, and despite consulting numerous fertility experts, they were unable to conceive. They did everything they could, but never had children together — a fact the actress has said is one of the greatest disappointments of her life.
Cause of death
Ann-Margret and Roger Smith remained together until his death in 2017.
The beloved actor and manager passed away at age 84 at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, from complications related to myasthenia gravis.
Before his death, he had also struggled with Parkinson’s disease for many years.
His condition meant that Ann-Margret had to take a break from work to care for him. She showed total commitment to her partner during his lengthy illness.
”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,” she said.
Ann-Margret was, of course, heartbroken after her husband’s passing. Yet, she managed to find something positive and she managed to move on with her life.
”When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage,” Ann-Margret told Closer Weekly. “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.”
That New York photo
To truly appreciate the love story of Ann-Margret and Roger Smith, just look at a photo taken on January 1, 1985, in New York.
It captured the Hollywood couple radiating elegance and charm at a high-profile event, showing them both at the height of their careers. But this image is more than just a glamorous snapshot. Roger’s steady gaze and Ann-Margret’s serene presence reflect their deep bond, both personally and professionally.
The rich green curtains in the background give the photo a royal feel, making it a true portrait of Hollywood royalty. What makes this picture even more powerful is that you can see the signs of Roger’s battle with illness. Though not yet fully overtaken by his condition, there’s a quiet awareness of what’s to come. Despite this, the image stands as a beautiful testament to their enduring love.
It’s more than just a memory—it’s a moment frozen in time that celebrates their strength, elegance, and the legacy they built together.
Share this story with someone who appreciates timeless love, and let’s remember how this remarkable couple faced life’s challenges with grace.
My Wife’s Daughters Demanded I Fund Their Weddings — I Taught Them a Lesson in Family Values
Jack always believed that love transcended monetary value, yet his daughters seemed fixated solely on finances. When they insisted he cover their wedding expenses, his heart sank. Determined to instill a deeper understanding of family and respect, Jack decided it was time they learned a valuable lesson.
Hey everyone, Jack here, age 55. Let’s cut to the chase: what’s more important, love or money? You’d probably say love, right? Unfortunately, that’s where my story turns bittersweet. My daughters, well, they opted for MONEY…
About fifteen years ago, my wonderful wife Mary ended things with her unfaithful ex. We’ve been blissfully married for a decade, and she brought along three incredible daughters from her previous marriage. I embraced them wholeheartedly from the start.
Lily, the oldest, bonded with me quite quickly. We weren’t exactly two peas in a pod, but she’s always shown kindness and been there for us, particularly during tough times.
As for Sandra and Amelia? It was a different story. I did my utmost, truly. Yet, no matter how hard I tried, they viewed me through the lens of their biological father—judging me by my income, the car I drove, and even my appearance.
Their coldness was evident, but I didn’t let it deter me. I supported them through college, provided for their needs, and fulfilled my role as a father, hoping my efforts would eventually warm their hearts.
Interaction was limited, primarily during holidays. But then, out of the blue, both called me, almost simultaneously. Here’s how it went down:
“Jack,” they began eagerly, “we’ve decided on a double wedding! And, well…”
I could almost hear the dollar signs in their tone.
“And?” I prodded, my stomach knotting in anticipation.
“We want you to pay for them,” they stated matter-of-factly, as if it were the most natural request in the world.
My teeth clenched so tightly, I thought I might crack a molar. Finance their weddings? The audacity!
Understand, the issue wasn’t the money. I’ve always seen them as my daughters, regardless of their feelings towards me. But their entitled demeanor? That cut deep.
“Why should I?” I asked, struggling to keep my composure.
“Well,” Sandra retorted, “you paid for Lily’s, didn’t you?”
Lily’s wedding was a different scenario altogether. She had never demanded anything; she hadn’t approached me with expectations. But when she needed help, I was there, ready to support her with a smile.
These two, however, had consistently compared me unfavorably to their biological father and criticized my efforts. Yes, their indifference hurt, but it never stopped me from loving them as my own. Still, I wasn’t just an ATM.
“What about your father?” I queried, clinging to a sliver of hope for some reasonableness.
“He says it’s too pricey for him,” Amelia replied with a tinge of entitlement. “So, since you’re better off, it falls to you, right?”
I was tempted to lash out, to spell out just how disrespectful and entitled they were behaving. But then, a spark of an idea hit me. Perhaps this was an opportunity to teach them something crucial about love, respect, and the true essence of family.
“Alright,” I said calmly, “let’s discuss this face-to-face. Come over tomorrow night, and we’ll talk it over.”
Their agreement was swift, tinged with excitement. They thought they had me cornered, but little did they know, I was about to turn the tables.
The following night, as the doorbell rang, I opened the door to find Sandra and Amelia laden with shopping bags, takeaway peeking out from the top.
“Hey, Jack!” Sandra greeted with a contrived smile. “Brought dinner—Thai, your favorite.”
Amelia corrected her, “It’s Pad Thai, not just Thai.”
I ushered them in, maintaining a neutral expression. “Welcome. But before we eat, we need to address this wedding situation.”
We settled into the living room, the food momentarily forgotten. I took a deep breath and laid out my thoughts.
“I’ve supported both of you through college, yet I’ve often felt underappreciated. Now, you expect me to finance your weddings. Why do you think that’s fair?”
An uncomfortable silence followed. Sandra and Amelia exchanged looks, having a silent conversation.
“Well,” Sandra finally said, “you helped with Lily’s wedding. It’s only fair you do the same for us, right?”
“Fairness has nothing to do with it,” I replied. “Lily has always been respectful and grateful. She never assumed I would just provide. You two, on the other hand, have done nothing but compare me to your father and others, never once treating me as part of the family or even calling me ‘dad.’”
“But we are family,” Amelia interjected, her voice defiant. “You’re supposed to do things for family, right?”
“Family, is it?” I mused, the word bitter on my tongue. “It seems we have different understandings of what that word means. More like strangers under one roof, isn’t it? But since you’re playing the family card, let’s see what that really entails. How about a challenge?”
A mischievous grin spread across my face as I leaned forward. “Here’s the deal. I’ll help with your weddings, but there’s a condition.”
I paused for effect.
“For the next three months, I want you both to live here, contribute around the house, and show me some genuine respect—no comparisons, no negativity, just real effort. If after three months, I see a real change, then the wedding funds are yours. If not, you’ll need to rethink your plans.”
The shock on their faces was palpable. Three months? Living here? This was not what they expected.
“Three months?” Amelia stammered. “But we have plans, jobs, apartments…”
“Those plans can wait,” I said firmly. “This is my offer. Take it or leave it.”
They exchanged a hesitant look, clearly not thrilled with the idea but tempted by the promise of funded weddings.
“Alright,” Sandra finally conceded, “three months. But we’re not doing dishes.”
I chuckled. “Dishes are part of the deal. But think of it this way—at least you’ll have a roof over your heads and some decent meals.”
What followed were weeks of adjustment. Sandra and Amelia were hardly skilled in household chores, and their complaints about daily tasks became a regular occurrence. They also couldn’t resist making passive-aggressive remarks about my taste in home décor.
However, as time passed, a transformation began. They saw the effort I put into maintaining our home, the care I showed in preparing meals, and the dedication I had towards their mother and them, even when it wasn’t reciprocated. They began to help out with chores, initially reluctantly, but with increasing participation. Family dinners, once awkward, became more natural, and conversation flowed more freely.
They started to understand the sacrifices I made, the extra hours I worked to ensure they could live comfortably. Gradually, the walls they had built began to crumble.
By the end of the three months, their attitudes had changed. They no longer viewed me as just an outsider, but as a true part of their family. I saw how they had grown from entitled young women into thoughtful, kind individuals.
One evening, as we gathered around the dinner table, Sandra spoke up, her voice soft.
“Jack,” she began, “these past months have been eye-opening. We’re really sorry for how we’ve treated you. The truth is, our fiancés are pitching in for the wedding, and we’ll be using some of our savings as well.”
“But that’s not all,” Amelia added. “We… we really want you to walk us down the aisle. Our dad was hardly around after the divorce, but you… you’ve always been there. You paid for our education, for Lily’s wedding, and you’ve always stepped up.”
“We’re sorry for not seeing you for who you truly are. We missed out on having a real dad, and realizing that now is painful,” Sandra added, her eyes moist.
Emotions swirled within me as I listened to their heartfelt apologies. They acknowledged my role in their lives, something I hadn’t dared hope for.
“Thank you,” I managed, my voice thick with emotion. “I’d be honored to walk you down the aisle.”
As the wedding day approached, I fulfilled my promise and contributed to their celebrations. But the true gift wasn’t financial—it was the newfound respect and love that had blossomed among us.
Walking my daughters down the aisle, I felt a profound sense of pride not only in their happiness but in the journey we had all undertaken. It was a celebration of not just their love stories but of a family that had grown stronger and more respectful.
Their weddings marked not just a union of hearts but a testament to the power of family, forgiveness, and the unexpected ways love can flourish.
Leave a Reply