I’ve always adored Ann-Margret — she’s warm, sweet, classy, and full of natural charm.
A true Hollywood icon, she captivated audiences with her fiery beauty and talent, famously dating Elvis and passionately supporting Vietnam troops. Yet, despite her fame, she considers her greatest achievement something far more personal.
Maybe it’s my Swedish roots, but she’s a favorite of mine. She’s genuine, funny, and timeless — and even released her first rock album Born to Be Wild just last year.
Her most meaningful relationship wasn’t with Elvis, but with actor Roger Smith. After a whirlwind of Hollywood romances, it was Roger who stole her heart in the ’60s. He won her over not with fame, but with sincerity — and a shared love for motorcycles. By their third date, Ann-Margret knew he was “the one.”
They married in 1967, though she wept through the ceremony — not from regret, but the overwhelming emotion of it all. Roger became her manager, sacrificing his own career to support hers, helping her break free from the “sex symbol” mold and evolve as an actress.
Their love endured decades of highs and lows. In 1972, she suffered a brutal stage accident, shattering her face — but Roger rushed her to safety and helped her recover. She was back on stage just 10 days later.
In 1980, Roger was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. As his health declined, Ann-Margret became his devoted caretaker. Though they never had children together — something she calls her greatest sorrow — they shared a deep, unshakable bond.
Roger passed in 2017, and Ann-Margret stayed by his side until the very end. Looking back, she says her proudest accomplishment isn’t her career — it’s her marriage.
One photo from 1985 perfectly captures their story: elegant, united, and quietly brave. It’s more than a portrait — it’s a tribute to their love and resilience.