Hollywood Beauty Vanished for 50 Years—Now She’s BACK After Husband’s Death!

Ann-Margret, the celebrated actress and singer renowned for her roles in 1960s classics like “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Viva Las Vegas,” shared an enduring partnership with actor Roger Smith. The couple married in 1967 and remained together for over five decades until Smith’s passing in 2017.

Roger Smith with sun glasses and Ann-Margret in the back of a limo; circa 1970; New York. (Photo by Art Zelin/Getty Images)

A Partnership in Life and Career

After their marriage, Smith transitioned from acting to managing Ann-Margret’s career. He played an instrumental role in guiding her towards more complex and challenging roles, significantly contributing to her professional growth. This collaboration allowed them to remain closely connected, both personally and professionally.

Facing Health Challenges Together

In 1980, Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease that affected his daily life. Ann-Margret prioritized her husband’s care, often declining work opportunities to support him. She expressed her commitment by stating, “I kept saying no, no, no to everything because I was taking care of him. If you’re a spouse, if one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over.”

NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: Ann-Margret (L) and husband Roger Smith attend the “Going in Style” New York premiere at SVA Theatre on March 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by D Dipasupil/FilmMagic)

Return to the Spotlight

Following Smith’s death in 2017 at the age of 84, Ann-Margret took time to grieve and adjust to life without her longtime partner. After a period of reflection, she gradually returned to her professional endeavors. In 2021, she appeared in the film “Queen Bees,” sharing the screen with actors such as James Caan and Ellen Burstyn. Discussing her return to work, she emphasized the importance of staying active and engaged, stating, “You’re not dead when you reach a certain age. You have to keep living and not sit at home and watch TV alone. You have to participate.”

LOS ANGELES – 1980: Actress Ann-Margret and husband Roger Smith pose for a portrait in 1980 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)

Legacy of Love and Dedication

Reflecting on her marriage, Ann-Margret has expressed immense pride in the relationship she shared with Smith. She remarked, “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage… We both wanted it to work. And it did work. We were together night and day. We loved each other and were always in each other’s corner.”

Ann-Margret’s journey underscores her unwavering dedication to her husband and her resilience in returning to her passions, illustrating a life marked by love, commitment, and perseverance.

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