Many of us remember the 1960s, even if we haven’t lived through that decade. We remember it because of the awesome movies and the beautiful movie stars who were part of that era.
Although there were many memorable movie stars in the 1960s, there was one particular redhead who captivated audiences worldwide. She had an undeniable charm and charisma about her that would make her one of the top names in Hollywood.
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She spoke about her youth and being brought up in a small Swedish village. She said: “From when I was 4 years old in Sweden, I would get up and harmonize with my mother to Swedish songs.
“We lived in the same house with Mormor, my mother’s mother, and my uncle, who played the accordion. It was quite a group! My first musical memory was of the accordion. It was during World War II, and there were a lot of beautiful songs.”
At the age of six, her family moved to America, settling in Illinois. She developed a passion for performing, and it was not long before she began her studies at Northwestern University.
While Ann Margret was pursuing her education, she caught the attention of George Burns, which led to her rising fame in Hollywood. By the 1960s, she had become a true sensation.
In addition to her acting, she was also a talented singer, achieving success with her hit single, ‘I Just Don’t Understand.’ This talent, combined with her acting skills, enabled her to take on various roles, including “Viva Las Vegas” alongside Elvis Presley and ‘Bye-Bye Birdie.’
There was no denying the chemistry she shared with Elvis Presley on screen, and the two dated for a period. Although their relationship did not develop significantly, they remained friends until his death.
She once remarked: “Everyone knows how I felt about him and the friendship that we had all these years. It was very, very private.”
As her fame grew, she found herself often typecast as a provocative figure. Many did not acknowledge her true talents on screen. In the late 1960s, she began to explore opportunities in European projects as her career in the United States began to wane.
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When she encountered Roger Smith, it appeared that everything was in order. He was also an actor known for his roles in several highly popular films and television shows.
Previously, he was married to an Australian actress, Victoria Shaw, with whom he had three children. After their marriage ended in divorce, he quickly met Ann Margaret.
They experienced an immediate bond. She once remarked: “I knew I was going to marry him on the third date. I knew he would protect me. I knew that I could depend on him.”
They wed in 1967, and she adapted well to her role as a stepmother. She reflected on the children, stating, “I met them when they were 3, 6, and 7.” They formed a lovely family.
For 13 years, she endeavored to conceive a child of her own but was unsuccessful. Ultimately, they ceased their attempts. She expressed: “The point is, if I am meant to have a child, I will have one. Whatever my higher power feels is right for me, I will accept.”
Ultimately, Smith resigned from his position to become her manager, assisting her in shedding the image she had cultivated over the years. He provided substantial support, and in due course, she appeared in several other successful films.
In 1972, Margaret expressed her feelings about her husband, stating: “Now in Roger, I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one — a father, a friend, a lover, a manager, a businessman. It’s perfect for me. I couldn’t exist without a strong man.”
Regrettably, Smith was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, leading to a deterioration in his health. Consequently, Ann began to decline offers to care for her ailing husband.
She remarked: “If you’re a spouse, if one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over.”
Despite her career slowing down, she continued to take on various roles, including “The Two Mrs. Grenvilles” and “Who Will Love My Children?”
Sadly, her husband passed away in 2017 at the age of 84. She continues to honor his memory by treasuring what they built together.
It remains uncertain whether she will pursue further work, but we are grateful for all that she has contributed to our entertainment.
