‘77 Sunset Strip’ Actor Roger Smith Dies At 84

Veteran actor Roger Smith recently passed away at the age of 84.

Smith, who gained fame after starring in the popular ABC private eye series “77 Sunset Strip,” was only in the business until he was in his 30s. The suave actor suffered from a neuromuscular disease at that time that ended his blossoming career. He later on managed the acting career of his wife, Ann-Margret, who he was with for 50 years.

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A rep for Smith announced his demise to The Hollywood Reporter. However, no cause of death was revealed. In “77 Sunset Strip,” Smith played the role of Jeff Spencer, a detective known for solving crimes and chasing good looking women. After five seasons in the series, Smith’s career was cut short after a blood clot was discovered in his brain. The actor underwent a successful surgery that made it possible for him to return to television.

But in 1965, Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes extreme weakness. Around the same time, he was finalizing his divorce from his first wife, Victoria Shaw, and was already dating Ann-Margret. Smith proposed to the latter in 1966 on a horse-drawn carriage that was transported around Central Park. The couple tied the knot in 1967 in Las Vegas.

Smith also starred in a slew of movies during the span of his career. He appeared in the 1957 film “Man of a Thousand Faces” and 1968’s “Rogue’s Gallery,” according to Deadline. He was also part of “Auntie Mame,” “Operation Mad Ball,” “C.C. and Company,” “No Time to be Young” and “The First Time.”

Most recently, he appeared in NBC’s “Mister Roberts,” a spinoff from Henry Fonda’s film by the same title. “Mister Robets” aired on the network from September 1965 to April 1966. It chronicled the adventures of the crew of the USS Reluctant AK-601 cargo ship at the time of the World War II. Smith played the role of Lieutenant Douglas Roberts, a well-loved leader of the Reluctant. He also helped keep everyone in the team grounded especially when the ship’s captain would strike.

Smith is survived by his wife, his daughter and his two sons from his first marriage.