Posted on 06/05/2017 4:53:42 PM PDT by EveningStar
Roger Smith, the suave leading man of television who starred on the popular 1950s-'60s ABC private eye series 77 Sunset Strip before a neuromuscular disease ended his acting career in his 30s, has died. He was 84.
Smith, who went on to manage the career of Ann-Margret, his wife of 50 years, died Sunday at Sherman Oaks Hospital, a representative for the actress told The Hollywood Reporter. No cause of death was announced...
In 1957, Columbia Pictures put Smith under contract. This led to a string of film appearances, including No Time to Be Young (1957), Operation Mad Ball (1957), Crash Landing (1958) and Auntie Mame (1958), in perhaps his most notable film role as the adult Patrick Dennis...
(Excerpt) Read more at hollywoodreporter.com ...
Awwww, that’s sad. I remember being in grade school when the 77 Sunset Strip hunky men were on TV. Ann-Margret has stood by him during his years long decline. That says a lot for her character. RIP Mr Smith, you set a lot of young hearts aflutter, way back when.
RIP......
Love Ann-Margret. The last of the classy stars. Beautiful, sexy and oh-so-talented!
RIP Roger Smith.
RIP
Aw.
Just been re-watching that great show. Caught the times well.
He sure did. He was one handsome man. Kudos to Ann-Margret she gave up much of her career to care for him I didn’t realize that they had been married that long.
I believe he had suffered for years with Alzheimer’s. If I am recalling the right couple... and Ann has faithfully cared for him at home for many years, with nursing help of course. They were devoted to one another and she must be a tirelessly loyal and beautiful person, as well. Never even a hint of scandal with either of them that I ever heard.
May you Rest in Peace, Mr. Smith.
Condolences to family and friends of Roger Smith. R.I.P., sir.
love
I didn’t know he was married to Anne Margret. Interesting.
I was just a little kid when that show was on, but I thought those guys were the coolest around.
The guy hit the jackpot.
He suffered with MS for many years and was married to Ann-Margaret for 50 years. Sad to see.
rwood
“The guy hit the jackpot.”
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He sure did! I saw a picture of Ann Margret on the Internet some years back when she was 72.
She is still beautiful.
I liked him and Ann M
Ann-Margret was unfortunately very underused in her peak singing and dancing years. Only when most actresses careers are over did she really start showing her acting talent.
On 136 episodes of 77 Sunset Strip, Smith portrayed Jeff Spencer, one-half of a breezy detective pair who solved crimes and chased women while working out of their ultra-hip offices on the Sunset Strip. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. played his partner, Stu Bailey.
Also lending a hand in the adventures was Kookie (Edd Byrnes), who parked cars next door at Dino’s Lodge. (The real-life Hollywood nightclub, owned by Dean Martin, served as the actual backdrop in the show.)
That show was the coolest thing on TV! He has my respect, I probably wouldn’t have lasted 2 weeks being married to Ann Margret ;-) RIP Mr. Smith and thanks.
77 was a great show the first 3 or so seasons , until they gave Kookie and Roscoe larger roles . Got goofy / campy . Rest in peace Mr. Smith .
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