Great Love Story: Ann-Margret's Amazing 50-Year Marriage To Husband Roger Smith Began With A Disappointing Wedding Day

August 14, 2019

Not all marriages stand the test of time. And it's pertinent that we celebrate the ones who do to remind people that true love exists.

A talented star

Ann-Margaret is not only considered a gifted singer but a famous actress as well.

Getty Images / Ideal Image

In 1964’s Viva Las Vegas, she captured the hearts and respect of many due to her performance as Elvis Presley's love interest. Other than that, According to Biography, she was also featured in other films including 'The Pleasure Seekers' and 'Kitten with a Whip'.

Falling in love

Ann-Margret opened up about her love story in an interview with People. She revealed that by the time she was on a third date with Roger Smith, she knew she had found the one.

I knew he would protect me. I knew that I could depend on him. I sensed it completely.

Getty Images / Ideal Image

It turned out that the feeling was mutual because it didn't take long for Roger and Ann-Margret to tie the knot. The pair celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May 2017.

Even though they went on to have a happy marriage, things didn't start off that way. On their wedding day in 1967, the bride was more devastated than joyful.

Embed from Getty Images

The couple had eloped to Las Vegas and the room in which they exchanged vows was seedy, smelled of smoke, and was far from glamorous.

This is not the way I envisioned my wedding. I think everyone thought I was pregnant because I was crying through the whole thing. But we did it!

Getty Images / Ideal Image

They didn't dwell too much on that setback, though. As she revealed, the secret to their long-lasting marriage was laughter. Even though they found themselves in weird situations, they learned to laugh through it all.

If you can’t laugh at yourself you are in trouble. We laugh before everyone else does.

Their marriage was not without its ups and downs though. There was Ann-Margret's near-fatal fall from a 22ft platform in 1972, and Roger's myasthenia gravis diagnosis.

Getty Images / Ideal Image

The actress also shared another important factor that led to the success of their union;

It’s very simple actually. We both want it to work.

A heartbreaking ending

About a month after the couple celebrated their 50th anniversary, Roger Smith passed away. He was 84 years old.

Getty Images / Ideal Image

According to Variety, the actor retired from acting after being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a nerve and muscle disorder.

His passing was a heartbreaking ending to his love story with Ann-Margret. However, this couple did make the best of the five decades they had together, making them a successful couple.