In the radiant glow of the 1960s, a vibrant and charismatic redhead took Hollywood by storm with her talent and undeniable charm. This was not just the story of a gifted actress but also of unwavering love and selfless sacrifice.
Born in a quaint Swedish village, she was surrounded by melodies early on. “From when I was 4 years old in Sweden, I would get up and harmonize with my mother to Swedish songs,” she recounted, fondly remembering the joyful times shared with her family, her grandmother, lovingly called Mormor, and her uncle who played the accordion.
Embracing music, her passion grew ever stronger. Her family’s move to America at the tender age of 6 planted her in Illinois, where performance continued to be her guiding light. Pursuing her dreams, she studied at Northwestern University before being discovered by Hollywood legend George Burns.
Her big break catapulted her to stardom in the early 60s. Her song “I Just Don’t Understand” became a chart-topper, and she dazzled in films like “Pocketful of Miracles.” Notably, her role in “Viva Las Vegas” with Elvis Presley marked her as a sensational talent.
Despite her on-screen chemistry and off-screen friendship with Presley, she was often typecast in Hollywood, leading her to seek more meaningful roles. By the late ’60s, she took a step back, exploring roles in Europe before a triumphant return to American cinema by the 1970s.
During this period, her life took a profound turn when she met Roger Smith, a promising actor known for his role in “77 Sunset Strip.” It was love at first sight. “I knew I was going to marry him on the third date,” she revealed with a smile.
Marrying Roger in 1967, she became a loving stepmother to his three children. Yet, her deep longing for a child never faded. After trying for over a decade, she accepted with grace that it might not be part of her journey.
While enjoying a successful marriage, Roger, who had transitioned to managing her career, encountered health complications. Diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and later Parkinson’s, his condition prompted a significant shift in their lives.
She devoted herself to caring for Roger, putting her flourishing career on hold. Her unwavering commitment to his health became the cornerstone of their enduring marriage. “If you’re a spouse, if one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over,” she explained with tenderness.
Even as her film appearances dwindled, her talents shone in television dramas like “The Two Mrs. Grenvilles.” Despite personal setbacks, her enduring love for Roger and her resilient spirit remained unshaken.
Their remarkable love story was celebrated over decades until Roger’s passing in 2017 at 84. Her heartache from losing him was profound, yet she cherished the beautiful life they crafted together.
“To her, a great love story doesn’t end with death. You carry their spirit with you,” a friend noted. Now in her 80s, she continues to live in the Los Angeles home they shared, holding dearly to those nostalgic memories.
Her bond with Roger’s children stays strong, maintaining close relationships with them. She is not just their beloved stepmother but a doting grandmother, treasuring family connections.
Returning to acting, she accepted a role in “The Kominsky Method,” encouraged by her friend Alan Arkin, reigniting her passion for the craft. Socially active, she remains vibrant, even joining friends on revitalizing walks across different locales.
Amidst these pursuits, she launched an album brimming with nostalgia titled “Born to Be Wild,” celebrating music from her influential era. “I had a ball doing it!” she exclaimed.
At 83, Ann-Margret embraces each day with optimism, celebrating a lifetime brimming with achievements, love, and gratitude. Sunny days in her cherished home evoke peaceful reflections, each memory of Roger lightening her heart.
The legacy of Ann-Margret remains one of strength, love, and elegance — a testament to a star whose light never dims.
