You know, there’s something about Ann-Margret that just won’t let her be brought down. Even after losing her beloved husband of 50 years, Roger Smith, in 2017, she’s still going strong at 78. She recently wrapped a role in the big-screen comedy Never Too Late, alongside legends like Ellen Burstyn and James Caan. In her own words, “You’re not done when you reach a certain age.” She believes that life doesn’t stop, and neither should we. “You’ve got to keep moving, keep participating, and not just sit at home watching TV alone,” she says with that unmistakable fire.

That relentless work ethic? Well, it comes straight from her Swedish-immigrant parents. She moved to the U.S. at the age of four, not speaking a single word of English. But guess what? She not only mastered the language but also picked up some rock-solid values along the way. “My mom? She was the strongest person I’ve ever known,” Ann-Margret shares. “Growing up, I went to Sunday school, sang in the choir, and learned the importance of faith and hard work.”

From Choir Girl to Hollywood Icon

Ann-Margret’s journey to stardom wasn’t just luck—it was a mix of talent, perseverance, and an unshakable spirit. Her musical talents really started paying off in the early '60s when she burst onto the scene as a vivacious singer-dancer in films like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas. It was during Viva Las Vegas that she met Elvis Presley, and let me tell you, the chemistry was electric. “Music lit a fire inside both of us,” she recalls. “It was this wild, inspiring, and unforgettable feeling.” While their romance eventually cooled, they remained lifelong friends.

Read also:
Exploring The World Of Hdhub4u 18 An Honest Look At What It Offers

Love and Partnership

Not long after her time with Elvis, Ann-Margret found love with actor Roger Smith, known for his role in 77 Sunset Strip. “I knew he was the one after just the third date,” she says with a smile. They quickly became inseparable, and Roger made a bold move—he stepped away from acting to manage her career. “They couldn’t stand to be apart,” a close friend tells Closer Weekly. “Roger becoming her manager allowed them to always be together, no matter what.”

Roger wasn’t just her partner in love but also in business. He took care of her both personally and professionally, helping her evolve beyond the "sex-kitten" label critics often stuck her with. “Critics had an image of me, and it was hard for them to see anything else,” she admits. “I was like a cartoon character.” But then came her voice role as "Ann-Margrock" in The Flintstones, followed by challenging roles in provocative '70s films like Carnal Knowledge and Tommy. These performances earned her the respect and recognition she truly deserved.

A Mother’s Heart

Beyond her acting career, Ann-Margret cherishes her role as stepmother to Roger’s three children from his first marriage. “I met them when they were little—3, 6, and 7 years old,” she says fondly of stepdaughter Tracey, now 62, and stepsons Jordan, 61, and Dallas, 57. “Two of them are doctors now,” she beams with pride. Her bond with her stepchildren remains strong, proving that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about love and connection.

Roger Smith and Ann-Margret Wedding Day — AP/Shutterstock

A Career Full of Highlights

Throughout her career, Ann-Margret kept shining brightly, appearing in hits like the Grumpy Old Men movies alongside Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. She even won an Emmy for her guest role on Law & Order: SVU in 2010. But for years, she put her career on hold to care for Roger as he battled serious illnesses. “I kept turning down everything because I was taking care of him,” she says. “If one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over—that’s what being a spouse is all about.”

When Roger passed away in 2017 at the age of 84, Ann-Margret mourned deeply but chose to cherish the life they shared. “To her, a great love story doesn’t end with death,” her friend explains. “You carry their spirit with you.”

Embracing Aging with Grace

Today, Ann-Margret is embracing every moment of her life with grace and determination. “I think of aging as a natural progression, and I’m ready for it,” she says. “No matter what, I’m going to be the best 85-year-old I can be.” That’s Ann-Margret for you—always moving forward, always shining.