Substance abuse and trauma
Throughout their long marriage, Ann-Margret and Roger Smith were incredibly close both personally and professionally. They experienced high peaks together, but they also faced serious challenges. For example, Ann-Margret struggled with drug addiction and a trauma that caused her death.
Viva Las Vegas In the 1970s, the star of the film Viva Las Vegas struggled with addiction to pills and alcohol, having difficulty separating fantasy from reality.
In 1972, during a performance in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, she fell from a 22-foot platform, breaking nearly every bone in her face. In front of a shocked audience at the Sahara Hotel, Ann-Margret fell into the orchestra pit, narrowly escaping death.
She underwent facial reconstruction surgery that required her to sew her mouth shut with wire and follow a strict liquid diet to help her recover. But, as if by some miracle, Ann-Margret made a stunning recovery. But just 10 days and 59 stitches after the horrific accident, she made a triumphant return to the stage, riding a gleaming Harley-Davidson motorbike and returning to the spotlight with characteristic zeal.
Her husband, Roger Smith, also played a crucial role in her recovery. When the accident occurred, he flew from Burbank, California in a hijacked plane and rushed her to surgeons at UCLA Medical Centre, ensuring she received immediate care.
Roger Smith’s disease
Ann-Margret and Roger Smith’s marriage took a sharp turn for the worse in 1980 when he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an incurable neuromuscular disease. Because of the disease, Smith was often unable to even get out of bed in the morning. Travelling across the country was out of the question, and the disease affected the couple both personally and professionally. Smith, who had been the organiser of Ann-Margret’s career, was forced to step aside due to his health.
By 1985, Smith’s illness had gone into remission, allowing Ann-Margret to resume her nightclub career. Smith supported her as she returned to the spotlight and helped her revive her popular Las Vegas shows. Things looked rosier for a while.
When Roger Smith’s symptoms subsided, the couple made one last attempt to have children of their own. Before that, Ann-Margret had lovingly accepted the role of stepmother to his three children from a previous marriage.
Unfortunately, Ann-Margret’s biological clock was ticking ever faster, and despite numerous counselling sessions with fertility specialists, they were unable to conceive. They did everything possible, but never had children together – this fact, according to the actress, was one of the biggest disappointments in 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 the age of 84 at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, from complications related to myasthenia gravis.
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: Ann-Margret and Roger Smith attend the world premiere of ‘Going in Style’ at SVA Theatre on March 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
He also struggled with Parkinson’s disease for many years before his death. Because of his illness, Ann-Margret had to take time off work to care for him. She showed complete devotion to her partner during his prolonged illness.
I was constantly saying no and no to everything because I was taking care of him. ‘If you’re spouses, if one of you has a broken wing, the other one takes over everything,’ she said.’
Ann-Margret was certainly heartbroken after her husband’s death. However, she managed to find something positive and move on with her life.
‘When I look back on my life, I’m most proud of my marriage,’ Ann-Margret told Closer Weekly. ‘We both wanted it to work out. And it did work out. We were together day and night. We loved each other and always had each other’s backs.’
Photo from New York
To truly appreciate the love story of Ann-Margret and Roger Smith, it is enough to look at a photo taken on 1 January 1985 in New York.
It shows the Hollywood couple, radiating elegance and glamour, captured at a high-profile event where they were both at the height of their careers. But this isn’t just a glamour shot. Roger’s confident gaze and Ann-Margret’s serene presence reflect their deep connection, both personal and professional.
The rich green curtains in the background give the photo a royal look, making it a true portrait of Hollywood royalty. What makes this photo even more powerful is that it shows signs of Roger’s struggle with his illness. Although he has not yet fully mastered his condition, there is a sense of calm awareness of what is to come. Despite this, the shot serves as a beautiful testament to their enduring love.
It’s not just a memory – it’s a moment frozen in time, celebrating their strength, elegance and the legacy they created together.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK STATE – circa 1985: Ann-Margret and Roger Smith circa 1985 in New York City. (Photo: Robin Platzer/Images/Getty Images)
Share this story with someone who appreciates timeless love, and let’s remember how this remarkable couple overcame life’s challenges with grace.