Roger Smith (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roger Smith
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Smith as Mister Roberts (1967)
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Roger LaVerne Smith
December 18, 1932 South Gate, California, U.S.
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| Died | June 4, 2017 (aged 84) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of Arizona |
| Occupation | Actor, producer, screenwriter |
| Years active | 1956–1977 |
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| Children | 3 |
Roger LaVerne Smith (December 18, 1932 – June 4, 2017) was an American actor, producer, and writer. He was famous for his roles in TV shows like 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts. Later in his life, Roger Smith also managed the career of his wife, the well-known entertainer Ann-Margret. They were married for 50 years.
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Early Life and Talents
Roger Smith was born in South Gate, California. When he was six, his parents sent him to a stage school. There, he learned how to sing, dance, and speak clearly. His family moved to Nogales, Arizona, when he was 12 years old.
Roger went to the University of Arizona in Tucson. He even got a scholarship to play football there. Besides sports, he was also a talented singer and guitarist. He won many awards for his musical skills.
Roger Smith's Acting Career
Roger Smith served in the Naval Reserve in Hawaii. While he was there, he met the famous actor James Cagney. Cagney encouraged Roger to try acting in Hollywood. Roger even played Cagney's character's son in the movie Man of a Thousand Faces.
In 1957, Roger signed with Columbia Pictures and made several movies. Then, in 1958, he moved to Warner Bros.. He appeared in a TV show called Wagon Train. One of his biggest movie roles was playing the older Patrick Dennis in Auntie Mame.
Becoming a TV Star
Roger Smith became very well-known for his role as Jeff Spencer. He played a private detective in the TV series 77 Sunset Strip. He was in 74 episodes of this popular show. Because he was so popular, he even released a music album called Beach Romance in 1959.
In 1962, Roger had to leave the show because of a blood clot in his brain. He had surgery and recovered. After getting better, he worked hard to get back into acting. He then starred as Lt. Douglas Roberts in the TV comedy-drama series Mister Roberts from 1965 to 1966.
Roger also worked as a producer and writer. He produced two movies, The First Time (1969) and C.C. and Company (1970). He wrote the script for C.C. and Company too.
Later Life and Health
Roger Smith's health started to decline. In 1980, he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. This is a disease that affects the muscles. His condition improved in 1985. After he stopped acting, he focused on managing his wife Ann-Margret's career. He produced her popular stage shows in Las Vegas.
Later, Roger was also diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He did not appear on TV much after his health got worse. However, he did appear on an episode of This Is Your Life that was dedicated to Ann-Margret.
Roger Smith's Family Life
Roger Smith was married two times. His first wife was the actress Victoria Shaw. They were married from 1956 to 1965. They had three children together: a daughter named Tracey (born 1957) and two sons, Jordan (born 1958) and Dallas (born 1961). They divorced in 1965.
On May 8, 1967, Roger married the famous entertainer Ann-Margret. He became her manager. He mostly retired from acting himself because of his health condition, myasthenia gravis.
Death
Roger Smith passed away on June 4, 2017, at the age of 84. He died in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, due to complications from myasthenia gravis. He is buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills).
Filmography
Film Roles
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Television Roles
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