Roger Smith: 5 Shocking Health Battles That Ended The '77 Sunset Strip' Star's Career And His 50-Year Love Story With Ann-Margret

Roger Smith, the quintessential suave private detective of the late 1950s and early 1960s, remains a figure of enduring fascination in Hollywood history, not just for his charismatic turn on the hit series 77 Sunset Strip, but for the dramatic, unexpected trajectory his life took. As of December 10, 2025, fans and historians continue to revisit his legacy, which is defined by a promising acting career cut short by devastating health challenges and a half-century-long, rock-solid marriage to one of the world's most dynamic entertainers, Ann-Margret.

The story of Roger Smith is one of profound transformation: from a rising Hollywood heartthrob to a devoted husband and shrewd talent manager. His decision to step away from the spotlight was not a choice of leisure but a necessity driven by debilitating illness, leading him to engineer one of the most successful and stable celebrity marriages and business partnerships in entertainment history.

Roger Smith: A Complete Biography and Profile

Roger LaVerne Smith was an American actor, producer, and screenwriter whose career spanned a brief but impactful period in film and television before he transitioned into a highly successful role as his wife's manager.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Full Name: Roger LaVerne Smith
• Date of Birth: December 18, 1932
• Place of Birth: South Gate, California, U.S.
• Died: June 4, 2017 (Age 84)
• Place of Death: Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California
• Cause of Death: Complications from Parkinson's disease
• Spouse(s): Victoria Shaw (m. 1956; div. 1965), Ann-Margret (m. 1967; died 2017)
• Children: Tracey, Jordan, and Dallas (from first marriage)
• Key Roles: Jeff Spencer on 77 Sunset Strip, Lt. Chuck Siever on Mister Roberts
• Later Career: Talent Manager and Producer for Ann-Margret (1967–2017)
• Notable Illnesses: Myasthenia Gravis (diagnosed 1960s), Parkinson’s Disease

The Rise and Sudden Fall of the '77 Sunset Strip' Heartthrob

Roger Smith first captured the attention of Hollywood in the late 1950s after signing a contract with Columbia Pictures. His early film career included roles in major studio pictures like Operation Mad Ball (1957) and Auntie Mame (1958). However, it was television that cemented his star status.

The Golden Age of Television: Jeff Spencer

From 1958 to 1963, Smith starred as the sophisticated private detective Jeff Spencer on the Warner Bros. hit series 77 Sunset Strip. The show was a cultural phenomenon, defining the cool, post-war detective genre. Spencer, a former government agent and lawyer, was the intellectual counterpart to Efrem Zimbalist Jr.'s Stu Bailey, and the show’s success made Smith a household name and a teen idol.

Following his time on 77 Sunset Strip, Smith took on the lead role of Lt. Chuck Siever in the short-lived TV adaptation of Mister Roberts. He was a constant presence on television, embodying the era's ideal of masculine charm and wit. His career trajectory was set for major stardom, but fate—in the form of a rare, debilitating illness—had other plans.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The First Health Battle: Myasthenia Gravis

In the mid-1960s, at the height of his career, Roger Smith was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG). This chronic neuromuscular disease causes fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue, often affecting the eyes, face, and throat. The symptoms made the demands of an acting career, which required long hours and consistent physical performance, virtually impossible.

This diagnosis forced Smith to make a life-altering decision: he had to leave acting. The illness effectively ended his on-screen career, but it also paved the way for his second, equally successful chapter as a power player behind the scenes in Hollywood.

The Unconventional Partnership: Manager to a Legend

The year 1967 marked a turning point for Smith. He married the Swedish-American actress, singer, and dancer Ann-Margret. This union was the beginning of one of Hollywood's most enduring relationships, lasting 50 years until his death in 2017.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Stepping Out of the Spotlight to Manage

After their marriage, Roger Smith fully embraced his new role as Ann-Margret’s manager and producer. He intentionally stepped away from his own acting ambitions to focus entirely on her skyrocketing career. This was a bold and unconventional move for a former leading man, a true testament to his devotion and his shrewd business sense. He became her primary manager, carefully guiding her through her most iconic performances, including her Oscar-nominated role in Tommy and her enduring success as a Las Vegas headliner.

The partnership was a seamless blend of personal and professional respect. Smith's background as an actor gave him a unique understanding of the industry, allowing him to protect and promote Ann-Margret's brand with rare insight. He was her constant companion and business strategist, ensuring her career longevity and financial success. Their professional collaboration is considered a masterclass in celebrity management.

A Private Life of Devotion and Resilience

Despite the high-profile nature of Ann-Margret's career, the couple maintained a relatively private life. Smith was instrumental in supporting his wife through various health crises, including a near-fatal 1972 stage accident in Lake Tahoe. Their enduring love story, built on mutual support and fierce loyalty, stands in stark contrast to the often-fleeting relationships of Hollywood.

Health Battles, Final Years, and Enduring Financial Legacy

Roger Smith's life was a testament to resilience, as he navigated not one, but two major degenerative diseases. His second, and final, health battle began years after his acting career had ended.

The Second Diagnosis: Parkinson's Disease

In his later years, Smith was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. He battled the illness for many years, leading up to his death on June 4, 2017, at the age of 84. His passing was attributed to complications arising from Parkinson's disease, bringing an end to a life marked by significant professional achievement and personal devotion.

His former agent, Jack Gilardi, confirmed the news, noting that Smith died at a Los Angeles hospital after battling a terminal illness. Ann-Margret was by his side, as she had been for five decades, a poignant end to their half-century love story.

Net Worth and Legacy

While Roger Smith's individual net worth at the time of his death is not typically reported separately, his financial legacy is inextricably linked to the success of his wife, Ann-Margret. As her manager and partner for 50 years, he played a crucial role in building their combined wealth. Ann-Margret's estimated net worth is reported to be between $20 million and $25 million, a figure that reflects their long and successful collaboration in the entertainment world.

Roger Smith's legacy is not just the memory of the handsome, witty private eye Jeff Spencer. It is the story of a man who faced a career-ending illness (Myasthenia Gravis) and reinvented himself as a steadfast, successful manager, dedicating his life to his wife and their joint career. He is remembered as one of Hollywood's most respected figures, a true gentleman whose devotion to Ann-Margret became the stuff of legend.