Ann-Margret: A Life Of Passion, Resilience, And Unwavering Strength

Let me tell you about Ann-Margret. This woman has lived a life that’s nothing short of extraordinary. She lost her beloved husband of 50 years, Roger Smith, in 2017, and yet here she is, still going strong at 78. She recently wrapped up a role in the big-screen comedy Never Too Late alongside legends like Ellen Burstyn and James Caan. Ann-Margret isn’t one to sit around and feel sorry for herself. "You're not done when you reach a certain age," she says with a fiery spirit. "Life doesn’t stop because you’ve lived a certain number of years. You’ve got to keep moving, keep participating, and not just sit at home watching TV alone."

That work ethic? It’s something Ann-Margret picked up from her Swedish-immigrant parents. She came to the U.S. at the tender age of four, not speaking a word of English. But guess what? Not only did she learn the language, but she also absorbed some serious values. "My mother was the strongest person I’ve ever known," she shares. "She instilled in me the importance of faith and community. I went to Sunday school every week and sang in the choir. Those were formative years that shaped who I am today."

From Musical Beginnings to Hollywood Stardom

Music was Ann-Margret's ticket to fame. She burst onto the scene in the early '60s with her electrifying performances in movie musicals like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas. It was during the filming of Viva Las Vegas that she met Elvis Presley. There was an instant connection. "Music was like a spark that ignited a fiery, pent-up passion inside both of us," she recalls. "It was such an inspiring and unforgettable experience." Although their romance eventually cooled, they remained lifelong friends, a testament to the bond they shared.

Read also:

Dolly Partons Iconic Style A Journey Through Her Glamorous Outfits

A Love Story for the Ages

Not long after her time with Elvis, Ann-Margret met actor Roger Smith, best known for his role in 77 Sunset Strip. "I knew from the third date that I was going to marry him," she says with a warm smile. They quickly became inseparable. Roger even gave up acting to manage her career, ensuring they could always be together. "They couldn’t bear to be apart," a close friend reveals to Closer Weekly. "Roger stepping in as her manager was a way for them to always be side by side."

Roger was more than just a partner; he was Ann-Margret’s rock. He took care of her both personally and professionally, helping her transition from being seen as a sex symbol to a respected actress. "Critics had an image of me, and they weren’t ready to see anything else," she explains. "I was like a cartoon character to them." But roles in groundbreaking '70s films like Carnal Knowledge and Tommy changed all that, earning her critical acclaim and recognition from award shows.

Family Always Came First

Ann-Margret’s favorite role, though, wasn’t on the screen—it was being a stepmother to Roger’s three children from his first marriage. "I met them when they were 3, 6, and 7," she says fondly. "They’ve grown into amazing adults, and I’m still incredibly close to all of them. Two of them are doctors, which makes me so proud." Family has always been at the heart of her life, and her bond with Roger's kids is a testament to that.