During the vibrant 1960s, a stunning red-haired actress captured Hollywood’s attention with her talent and charm. Yet, she made a heartfelt decision to pause her thriving career to care for her ailing husband, showing that her story was deeply rooted in love and commitment. What became of this remarkable actress who chose love over fame?
Born in a quaint Swedish village, Ann-Margret grew up in a household resonating with music. “From when I was 4 years old in Sweden, I would get up and harmonize with my mother to Swedish songs,” she recalled fondly. Her home was filled with the vibrant sounds of her uncle’s accordion, which she remembers as her first musical memory, amidst the melodies of World War II.
Ann-Margret’s journey to stardom was not only marked by her capabilities but also her determination. The transition from her native Sweden to the United States at an early age immersed her in a new world. Settling in Illinois, she pursued her passion for dance and music, ultimately finding a spotlight at Northwestern University.
Her dazzling talent and beauty eventually caught the eye of George Burns, a fateful encounter that would launch her into Hollywood’s limelight. The early 1960s heralded Ann-Margret as a sensation, with hits like the chart-climbing single “I Just Don’t Understand” and starring roles in films like “Pocketful of Miracles.” Her career reached new heights with lead roles alongside Elvis Presley in “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Viva Las Vegas.”
Her on-screen chemistry with Presley was electric, and off-screen, their friendship became the talk of Hollywood. Although their relationship was intimate and private, it remained strong until his untimely death. Despite her success, Ann-Margret encountered the challenges of being typecast purely for her looks, with critics often dismissing her real acting potential.
By the late 1960s, seeking to redefine herself, Ann-Margret pursued roles beyond Hollywood, eventually returning to the States with a renewed image and deeper artistic pursuits. It was during this transformative period that she met Roger Smith, a charismatic actor with whom she found a shared vision for the future.
Smith, known for his roles in “77 Sunset Strip” and his acumen as an aspiring manager, quickly became more than her partner; he was her steadfast support. “I knew I was going to marry him on the third date,” Ann-Margret shared. Their marriage in 1967 marked the union of not only individuals but also of their respective families. Ann-Margret embraced her new role as a stepmother to Smith’s three children, whom she adored.
Facing misconceptions in her career, Ann-Margret benefited from her husband’s managerial skills. Together, they curated roles that highlighted her depth and talent. Despite her efforts to add to their family, Ann-Margret was never able to have children of her own. However, she chose to embrace the unexpected paths her life had taken.
Smith stepped back from acting to manage her career full-time, ensuring they could remain inseparable. Yet life threw a curveball at their fairy tale; Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and later Parkinson’s disease. Ann-Margret’s commitment was clear — her husband’s care became her priority. “I kept saying, ‘No, no, no,’ to everything because I was taking care of him,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, Ann-Margret remained a picture of resilience and grace. Her passion for acting never waned, leading her to embrace roles in high-profile television dramas like “The Two Mrs. Grenvilles.” In the quiet moments at home and the bustling sets of her profession, Ann-Margret always carried Roger’s spirit with her.
Roger Smith’s passing in 2017 at the age of 84 marked a significant chapter of loss in Ann-Margret’s life. In the years since, she has cherished the memories they built and continues to keep his memory alive within their home in Los Angeles. “To her, a great love story doesn’t end with death. You carry their spirit with you,” a close friend noted.
With the support of loved ones, Ann-Margret embraced acting opportunities once more. Her return to the screen with “The Kominsky Method” was spurred by a friend’s encouragement, reminding her of the joy in her craft. Reconnecting with old friends has added joy to her days, and she stays physically active by exploring various Los Angeles neighborhood trails with a loyal group of pals.
Continuing to embrace each day, Ann-Margret completed a music project featuring songs from the 1960s — a delightful nod to her early career. “I haven’t done an album for like 100 years! I had a ball doing it!” she exclaimed, celebrating her music’s release.
Today, as she resides in the house she and Roger intended as a forever home, Ann-Margret heartily reflects on her life’s chapters. “I’m in my home that we bought back in 1968. The sun is shining, and I’m looking out over the pool. I’m actually very happy,” she shares, cherishing the vibrant and loving life she and Roger embraced.
Her story continues as a testament to the power of love and resilience. Ann-Margret, through every step forward, keeps her greatest love close and shines brightly as a beacon of perseverance.
