The Enduring Love Story of a ’60s Icon Who Put Her Career on Hold for Her Husband of 50 Years
In the golden age of the 1960s, one particular red-haired actress captured the hearts of audiences around the world. With her undeniable charm, captivating talent, and dazzling smile, she was one of the most beloved stars of her era. But behind the glamour of Hollywood and the flashing cameras was a story of sacrifice, love, and devotion.
At the height of her fame, this stunning star made a life-altering decision to step away from the spotlight to care for her husband, actor Roger Smith, who faced significant health challenges. Their love story, which spanned 50 years, remains one of the most iconic tales of romance in Hollywood history.
From Sweden to Stardom: The Rise of a 60s Icon
Born on April 28, 1941, in the small Swedish village of Valsjöbyn, she spent her early years surrounded by music. Her love for melody was influenced by her family. "From when I was 4 years old in Sweden, I would get up and harmonize with my mother to Swedish songs," she once recalled. Music became a vital part of her upbringing, thanks to the lively household she grew up in, where her grandmother and uncle — who played the accordion — also lived.
Her early exposure to music would later play a significant role in her career, shaping her into the versatile performer she became. When she was six years old, her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Wilmette, Illinois. It was there that her passion for singing and dancing grew.
Her love for the arts eventually led her to enroll at Northwestern University. However, the academic environment couldn't contain her creative spirit for long. Her destiny was calling her to the stage and screen, and she knew she had to follow it.
The Big Break: From "I Just Don't Understand" to Hollywood Fame
Her first major break came when she caught the attention of comedy legend George Burns. Recognizing her raw talent and star quality, Burns gave her an opportunity to enter the entertainment industry, and she seized it with both hands.
In 1961, she released the single "I Just Don’t Understand," which became a commercial success, climbing the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Her sultry, blues-inspired vocals caught the attention of Hollywood, and it wasn't long before she transitioned from music to film.
Her film debut came in Pocketful of Miracles (1961), but it was her role in Bye Bye Birdie (1963) that made her a household name. The film was a hit, and her portrayal of Kim MacAfee, a small-town girl swept up in a media frenzy, became iconic. It showcased her skills as an actress, singer, and dancer, solidifying her place as one of Hollywood's most versatile performers.
But her true breakout moment came when she starred opposite Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas (1964). Their on-screen chemistry was electric, sparking rumors of a real-life romance. While the exact nature of their relationship remains a topic of speculation, it is known that the two maintained a deep friendship until Elvis’s death in 1977.
Breaking Stereotypes: Redefining Her Image
While her beauty and star power made her one of the most sought-after actresses of the 1960s, she faced an ongoing challenge that many female stars of the era did — typecasting. Producers and casting directors viewed her as "the bombshell," often casting her in roles that highlighted her appearance rather than her acting prowess.
Critics, too, were quick to label her as a one-dimensional sex symbol. But she was determined to break free from this mold. She sought out complex roles that would showcase her acting range. By the late 1960s, she began accepting more dramatic roles, even exploring film opportunities in Europe.
Her persistence paid off. By 1971, she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Carnal Knowledge. The performance proved to the world that she was not just a pretty face — she was a serious, talented actress who could tackle emotionally charged roles.
A Love Story for the Ages: Meeting Roger Smith
While her professional life soared, her personal life took an unexpected yet beautiful turn. She met Roger Smith, an actor known for his role on the hit TV series 77 Sunset Strip. The two shared an instant connection. "I knew I was going to marry him on the third date," she later revealed. "I knew he would protect me. I knew that I could depend on him."
Roger had previously been married to Australian actress Victoria Shaw, with whom he had three children — Tracey, Jordan, and Dallas. But after meeting his future wife, it was clear that the two were destined for something extraordinary.
On May 8, 1967, the couple tied the knot at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. With this union, she became a stepmother to Roger’s three children, fully embracing the role of a mother figure. She later shared that she had hoped to have children of her own but, after 13 years of trying, she accepted that it might not be in her destiny. Instead, she focused on being the best wife and stepmother she could be.
Love, Sacrifice, and Career Changes
After their marriage, Roger stepped away from acting and became his wife's manager, determined to help her reframe her image and secure roles that highlighted her depth as a performer. He believed in her potential and became one of her biggest advocates, steering her career toward meaningful roles that would redefine her legacy.
This partnership brought tremendous success, but their love story was about to face one of its greatest challenges. In 1980, Roger was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular disease. Later, he was also diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Faced with this life-changing event, she decided to step back from her career to care for her husband. She turned down roles, canceled public appearances, and shifted her priorities. "I kept saying 'no, no, no' to everything because I was taking care of him," she shared. "If you're a spouse, and one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over." For the next three decades, she devoted herself to his care, embodying the true meaning of love and partnership.
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Her career may have slowed down, but her love for Roger never wavered. The two remained inseparable until his passing in 2017. His death left a profound void in her life, but she found solace in the beautiful memories they shared and the family they had built together.
She continues to live in the Los Angeles home they purchased in 1968. Surrounded by photographs, memories, and the spirit of her late husband, she reflects on her life with gratitude. "When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage," she said. "We both wanted it to work. And it did work. We loved each other and were always in each other's corner."
Today, she stays connected with her stepchildren and grandchildren, often spending time with them and participating in family gatherings. Her friends describe her as an active, vibrant woman who still embraces life with the same passion she had during her Hollywood days.
A Lasting Influence
Now in her 80s, she remains a symbol of strength, love, and resilience. She continues to stay active in the entertainment world, appearing in TV shows like The Kominsky Method and even releasing an album, Born to Be Wild, filled with songs she loved from her youth.
Her story resonates with audiences around the world. It’s a tale of triumph over adversity, the power of love, and the enduring nature of legacy. While Hollywood may have once defined her by her looks, she redefined herself through talent, grit, and compassion.
Her devotion to her husband and family serves as a powerful reminder that love requires sacrifice, and sometimes, stepping away from the spotlight is the most noble act of all. As she once said, "To me, a great love story doesn't end with death. You carry their spirit with you."
Even as she continues to age gracefully, she remains one of the most beloved icons from the 1960s. Her story is not just about fame and fortune — it’s about the enduring strength of love. And in that regard, she will always be a shining star.
