Ann-Margret, a name synonymous with fiery beauty, undeniable talent, and timeless elegance, has been one of Hollywood’s brightest stars for decades. Known for her iconic roles in films like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, and her electrifying romance with Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret’s life has been the subject of public fascination for years. Yet, beyond the glamorous career and the tabloid headlines, her greatest achievement, in her own words, is something far more personal—her lasting marriage to actor and manager Roger Smith.

Despite the trials they faced, from career challenges to serious health issues, their bond remained unshakable. Let’s delve into the story of how Ann-Margret and Roger Smith built a life together that transcended the pressures of Hollywood.

Born in Sweden and raised in the United States, Ann-Margret quickly became a Hollywood sensation in the 1960s. With her natural beauty, remarkable voice, and signature red hair, she stood out as a unique talent in an industry dominated by blondes. She captivated audiences with her role in Bye Bye Birdie, and her chemistry with Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas made her a household name.

But despite her fame, Ann-Margret has always maintained a strong connection to her Swedish roots. She attributes much of her strength and resilience to her upbringing, and it’s this unpretentious quality that sets her apart in an industry known for superficiality.

While Ann-Margret’s romance with Elvis is legendary, it was actor Roger Smith who truly captured her heart. Roger, known for his roles in 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts, was the quintessential Hollywood heartthrob. But when he met Ann-Margret in the 1960s, he found that winning her over wouldn’t be as easy as with other women.

“Every other woman I met was falling all over me,” Roger recalled. “But this innocent, fresh-faced beauty only spoke to me when I spoke to her and the rest of the time ignored me.”

It wasn’t until 1965 that they began dating seriously. Roger knew Ann-Margret was passionate about motorcycles, so he bought one and joined her on rides—a move that helped solidify their connection. By their third date, Ann-Margret was certain Roger was the man she had been searching for.

In 1967, Ann-Margret and Roger Smith tied the knot in Las Vegas. But the wedding didn’t go as Ann-Margret had envisioned. Held in a smoke-filled room at the Riviera Hotel, the ceremony was far from the dream wedding she had hoped for. In fact, she cried throughout the entire event.

“This is not the way I envisioned my wedding,” she later told People. But despite the less-than-ideal ceremony, the marriage was everything Ann-Margret had hoped for. Roger took on the role of her manager, believing in her talent and supporting her career in a way few others could.

Roger Smith wasn’t just Ann-Margret’s husband—he was her biggest supporter. He recognized her raw talent and helped her transition away from the “sex kitten” persona that Hollywood had boxed her into. With Roger’s guidance, Ann-Margret took on more serious and complex roles, including her critically acclaimed performance in Carnal Knowledge in 1971. This role proved to Hollywood that she was more than just a pretty face—she was a serious actress with incredible depth.

Roger’s decision to step back from his own acting career to manage Ann-Margret’s wasn’t made lightly. He saw in her the potential to reach even greater heights and wanted to be by her side, both personally and professionally.

Like many Hollywood couples, Ann-Margret and Roger Smith faced their share of challenges. Ann-Margret struggled with substance abuse during the 1970s, battling an addiction to pills and alcohol. Her struggle to separate fantasy from reality only added to the pressure.

In 1972, Ann-Margret suffered a devastating fall from a 22-foot platform while performing in Lake Tahoe. She broke nearly every bone in her face, requiring extensive reconstructive surgery. But just 10 days after the accident, she made a miraculous recovery and returned to the stage. Roger was by her side the entire time, even piloting a plane to ensure she received immediate medical care.

In 1980, Roger Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease that left him bedridden for long periods. His illness drastically altered their lives, both personally and professionally. Roger could no longer manage Ann-Margret’s career, and she had to take a break from work to care for him.

Despite the challenges, Ann-Margret never wavered in her devotion. She stood by Roger through his battle with the disease and later with Parkinson’s, showing the world what true love and commitment look like. She sacrificed much of her career to ensure he was well cared for, and their bond only grew stronger through the years.

When Roger Smith passed away in 2017 after a long battle with illness, Ann-Margret was devastated. But despite the heartache, she found peace in knowing that their marriage was her greatest achievement. “We were together night and day,” she told Closer Weekly. “We loved each other and we were always in each other’s corner.”

Ann-Margret’s dedication to her husband, both in his career and through his illness, stands as a testament to the strength of their relationship. In a world where Hollywood marriages often crumble, their union was a rare example of lasting love.

Ann-Margret and Roger Smith’s love story is one that transcends Hollywood glamour. It’s a story of devotion, resilience, and unwavering support. From career highs to personal lows, they faced life’s challenges together, always standing by each other’s side. Their bond wasn’t built on fame or fortune, but on genuine love and partnership.

For anyone looking for a true Hollywood love story, Ann-Margret and Roger Smith’s relationship offers a refreshing reminder that real love isn’t about perfection—it’s about being there for one another through thick and thin. Their legacy of love continues to inspire, showing us all that the greatest achievement in life isn’t fame or fortune—it’s the relationships we build and the love we share.