Roger Smith was an American actor who is best known for 77 Sunset Strip, Auntie Mame, and No Time to Be Young. He had a successful career in television and film, becoming a familiar face in the entertainment industry.
Personal and Family Life
Roger Smith was born on December 18, 1932, in South Gate, California. He attended the University of Arizona on a football scholarship, where he also showcased his talent as a singer and guitarist. In 1956, he married actress Victoria Shaw, and they had three children together before divorcing in 1965. He later married singer-actress Ann-Margret in 1967, and they remained together until his death.
Health Challenges and Career
Roger faced significant health challenges throughout his life. In 1965, he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, which affected his ability to perform. Despite this setback, he continued to contribute to the industry by producing and writing for various projects, while also managing his wife’s musical career. His health issues eventually led him to retire from acting, but he remained supportive of Ann-Margret’s success in the entertainment world.
Death and Legacy
Roger Smith passed away on June 4, 2017, due to complications from myasthenia gravis. He was 84 years old at the time of his death and was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. His contributions to television and film, along with his work behind the scenes, left a lasting impact on the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| No Time to Be Young | 1957-08-01 | Bob Miller |
| Auntie Mame | 1958-12-04 | Patrick Dennis – Older |
| Crash Landing | 1958-07-01 | John Smithback |
| Rogue’s Gallery | 1968-01-01 | John Rogue |
| Never Steal Anything Small | 1959-02-11 | Dan Cabot |
| 7 uomini e un cervello | 1968-10-17 | Un giocatore |
| Ann-Margret Smith | 1975-11-20 | Himself |
| Man of a Thousand Faces | 1957-08-15 | Creighton Chaney (at 21) |
| Operation Mad Ball | 1957-08-17 | Cpl. Berryman |
| For Those Who Think Young | 1964-06-01 | Detective Smitty (uncredited) |
| 77 Sunset Strip | 1958-10-10 | Jeff Spencer |
| Hullabaloo | 1965-01-12 | Self |
| Kraft Suspense Theatre | 1963-10-10 | Anthony Griswold Knight |
| Surfside 6 | 1960-10-06 | |
| Hawaiian Eye | 1959-10-07 | |
| Mister Roberts | 1965-09-17 | Lt. Douglas Roberts |
| West Point | 1956-10-05 | |
| Sugarfoot | 1957-09-17 | Gene Blair |
| The Dick Cavett Show | 1968-06-06 | Self – Guest |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| 77 Sunset Strip | 1958-10-10 | Jeff Spencer (voice) (uncredited) |