Byrnes worked a variety of jobs, but he yearned for an acting career. [5] In the 1964 summer reruns period, shows from the Bailey and Spencer years were shown, and the Season 6 episodes were abandoned, rarely seen until September 2017 on MeTV. Huggins intended the show to be a hard-edged drama, but beginning with the 23rd episode, The Pasadena Caper, the tone started to become much lighter, with a strong element of self-deprecating humor and the word "caper" frequently used in episode titles. Curious Myths of the Middle Ages by Sabine Baring-Gould - Complete text Both judo experts, they ran a . February 27, 2023 By scottish gaelic translator By scottish gaelic translator A few more movies and TV appearances followed, but his career had passed its peak before he turned 30.In 1962, he married long-time girlfriend Asa Maynor. Ed raps: 'Yo Jam, this is a letter to you. The episode "The Target" was unusual because key roles were played by the show's primary behind-the-scenes crew, who happened to also be experienced actors. Swingin' On the Strip. Edd "Kookie" Byrnes, the 77 Sunset Strip actor whose wavy hair and penchant for combing it made him an early TV teen idol, died Thursday of natural causes at his Santa Monica home, according. The actor's son, San Diego evening news anchorLogan Byrnes, shared the newson Twitter Thursday. For decades Smith guided Ann-Margrets career with great care. (During his absence, Roscoe's and Suzanne's roles were beefed up to handle the work normally assigned to Kookie.). Jack Gilardi, who is the agent of Smith's widow, actress. 77 Sunset Strip (TV Series 1958-1964) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb There seemed to be no spoken mention of his office address in the Season 6 shows, although in the episode "Bonus Baby" when a police officer inspects Bailey's private investigator license, a close-up shows the address "77 Sunset Strip.". Then, he dropped his last name in favor of Byrnes based on the name of his grandfather, Edward Byrne. He is the only main actor on screen for the entire hour. Vintage Los Angeles: What Ever Happened to Dino's Lounge? [7] A 25-minute pilot presentation was shot for upfronts in the spring of 1995, but despite a few attempts to modify and finalize it for broadcast in 19951996, the project never made it past the testing stage. British and Spanish America, as the two units of comparison, did not remain static but changed over time. Byrnes died unexpectedly Wednesday at his Santa Monica home of natural . In the 1978 movie Grease, he played the character of Dick Clark. I couldnt exist without a strong man.. 77 SUNSET STRIP 1958 Cast THEN AND NOW 2022 Thanks For The Memories 77 Sunset Strip is an American television private detective drama series created by Ro Show more Show more How JACK. 77 Sunset Strip is an hour-length American television private detective series created by Roy Huggins and starring Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Roger Smith, and Edd Byrnes. In 1965, Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a disorder that disrupts the transmission of nerve signals to the muscles, causing severe muscle weakness. In 1958, he started playingthe handsome, smooth-talkingKookie onthe private-detective series "77 Sunset Strip." He also was featured in the 1978 film Grease as television teen-dance .more Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. Batman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Challenge of the Super Friends For years, West Hollywood has been known as a hub for the LGBT communities in Los Angeles. LEGAL INNOVATION | Tu Agente Digitalizador; LEGAL3 | Gestin Definitiva de Despachos; LEGAL GOV | Gestin Avanzada Sector Pblico One of these men acted as Edd's mentor, introducing him to fashion and culture and encouraging his hopes for an acting career.After doing some summer-stock work and a few bit parts on TV, Edd drove to California in 1955, arriving in Los Angeles on the day James Dean died in a car crash. Whatever! The song became the centerpiece of an album of the show's music in Warren Barker orchestrations, which was released in 1959, a top-10 hit in the Billboard LP charts. He was 84. Is Ed Kookie Burns from 77 Sunset Strip TV show still alive - Answers Roger Smith, a star of TV's '77 Sunset Strip,' dies at 84 Private detective and former World War II Office of Strategic Services secret agent and foreign languages professor Stuart ("Stu") Bailey (Zimbalist) and former government agent and nonpracticing attorney Jeff Spencer (Smith) form a duo who work from stylish offices at 77 Sunset Boulevard in Suites 101 and 102. He was 84. Publicity Listings I'm glad you gave that car the life it deserves - a friend of mine has a Yaris for a long time, and we all loved that thing. She believes he is still watching out for her., She certainly mourned for Roger but, more than anything, she fondly recalled the life they made together, another friend of Ann-Margets explained. The show ran from 1958 to 1964. Menu Movies Release CalendarTop 250 MoviesMost Popular MoviesBrowse Movies by GenreTop Box OfficeShowtimes & TicketsMovie NewsIndia Movie Spotlight TV Shows The character of detective Stuart Bailey was first used by writer Huggins in his 1946 . I discovered that I had made an impact on the public but not on the 20 or so people who run the movie business, he told a reporter at the time. . Television brought Mr. Smith his greatest visibility. 77 Sunset Strip had been created by producer-writer Roy Huggins, who also created Maverick, and it spawned a host of spinoffs and knockoffs, including Hawaiian Eye, Surfside 6 and Bourbon Street Beat., Smith told the Los Angeles Times that the series aimed to show that private investigators were well-trained, serious men, and not the movie and TV stereotype with dangling cigarettes and large chips on their shoulders. He was chosen for the part because I dont look like a detective., But the show had its glamorous side, too. The catchy theme song, written by Mack David and Jerry Livingston, typified the show's breezy, jazzed atmosphere. Edd shared an impoverished and unhappy childhood with brother Vincent and sister Jo-Ann. The complete guide by MSN. in January 2023, no trace of the sidewalk engraving remained. Edd Byrnes was born Edward Byrne Breitenberger on July 30, 1932 in New York City, the son of Mary (Byrne) and Augustus "Gus" Breitenberger. Eventually, the pair got married in 1962 and welcomed their son named Logan Byrnes. His final roles were Shake, Rattle, and Roll: An American Love Story in 1999. @extratv @enews @AP @CNN @cnbc @MSNBC @foxnewsdesk @FOXLA @KTLA @latimes @KUSINews pic.twitter.com/d7jgJ8ohMq, Logan Byrnes (@LoganByrnes) January 9, 2020, Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. . The cases of Hollywood private eyes, whose offices were located at 77 Sunset Strip. Byrnes also played parts on"Charlie's Angels," "Fantasy Island," "Murder, She Wrote" and "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries." In 1982, he succeeded in going "clean and sober" but never remarried. 77 Sunset Strip cast list, including photos of the actors when available. The series and Bailey's personality took on a darker tone, and the familiar office, parking lot and Dino's Lodge were gone. The character of detective Stuart Bailey was first used by writer Huggins in his 1946 novel The Double Take, later adapted into the 1948 film I Love Trouble. It was a lighthearted and popular series, with Zimbalist as the Ivy League-educated private eye Stuart Bailey and Mr. Smith as onetime federal undercover agent Jeff Spencer. Edd chafed, however, at the restrictions in his Warner Brothers contract, which forced him to turn down roles in Ocean's Eleven (1960), North to Alaska (1960) and Rio Bravo (1959).He walked off the "77 Sunset Strip" set and in the ensuing months began to drink heavily and visit a psychiatrist, who administered drugs to him. He also was featured in the 1978 film Grease as television teen-dance show host Vince Fontaine, and was a charting recording artist with . Is Max Baer Still Alive? Max Baer Age, Bio, Net Worth & More The show's breakout character, who had not been included in the pilot film, was Gerald Lloyd "Kookie" Kookson III (Edd Byrnes), the rock and roll-loving, wisecracking, hair-combing hipster and aspiring PI who initially works as the valet parking attendant at Dino's, the club next to the detectives' office. 77 Sunset Strip | DBSTalk Forum Audience reaction was not good, ratings dropped, and the show was canceled. Kookie was also used to provide product placement for Harley-Davidson, appearing on their Topper motor scooter in the show and in Harley-Davidson advertisements.[3][4]. He was a fireman. In addition to his son, survivors include his longtime partner, Cathrine. Producers, directors, writers and aspiring . Recorded with actress Connie Stevens, the song (on Warner Bros. Records) made it to No. In 1975, Byrnes was hired to host Wheel of Fortune, then a new game show,and filmed two pilots, but the job eventually went to Chuck Woolery. Early mentions of the show were made in the network's fall affiliate presentation promotion, with the 77 Sunset Strip logo visible in the movie backlot motif. Edd Byrnes. Byron Keith. He was known for his hipster lingo, including the catch phrase Baby, youre the ginchiest!. 77 Sunset Strip - Wikipedia Several episodes into the season, Bailey's stern personality became lighter, though still different from that of prior seasons. The actor launched his career in the 1950s when James Cagney spotted him and recommended him for films. For his work on the show, TV Guideranked Byrnes fifth on their list of "TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols. At 17, he began to work as a photographers model and was drawn into male hustling with wealthy older men that introduced him to a strange world of art, wealth, sadism, limousines, sex for money, theater and fine restaurants, Byrnes wrote in his 1996 autobiography, Kookie No More.. He made the calculation that Ann-Margret had greater raw talent than he ever did, and he happily took the back seat. Mr. Smith wed Ann-Margret in 1967 and happily put acting behind him. She is a doting grandmother to all their kids. "Kookie" T-Bucket From "77 Sunset Strip" Gets Custom Makeover - HotCars He was 84. Being a famous actor is not nearly as satisfying as people think. Roger Smith, Star of '77 Sunset Strip,' Dies at Age 84 - NBC News 77 Sunset Strip Season 3 Episode 38 KW : full TV Serie, watch TV Serie ,online, HD, free, TV Serie, download, DVDrip, 1080p, 720p TV Serie all season and Episod . Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb), a novelty record he recorded with Connie Stevens, sold more than 1 million copies and rose to No. Edd Byrnes (born July 30, 1933) is an American actor best known for his starring role in the television series 77 Sunset Strip. She lets herself be sad, but also cherishes the years they had together, said the insider. Roger Smith dies; Ann-Margret spouse and former heartthrob on TV's '77 Eventually, he was featured in an episode of the Crossroads TV program and then in the Wire Service and Navy Log. Still pursuing acting, in 1955 he drove to Los Angeles with a few hundred dollars and a dream of making it big in the entertainment business, his son wrote. Your email address will not be published. In 1963, as the show's popularity waned, the entire cast was dismissed except for Zimbalist. List of 77 Sunset Strip episodes - Wikipedia In addition, Mr. Smith produced several of her high-profile TV specials as well as a feature film he wrote, C.C. I can't even imagine the day I finally send it into the sunset. At one point, Byrnes walked off the show and retreated into a heavy drinking period. Also available in the iTunes Store. Meanwhile, Smith got the title role in the NBC series based on Mister Roberts, based on the 1955 comedy-drama about Navy life. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. (Part 2 of 2) Title: . Edd's rise to fame was a true dream story. However, Byrnes chafed under a contract that cost him the chance of several roles in movies such as Oceans Eleven. He walked off the show in the second season, demanding a bigger part and better pay, and he didnt return until 1960, when Kookie had become a partner in the detective agency. The show ran from 1958 to 1964. Still, Bacharach's score and the songs he did with David were a highlight, especially "The Look of Love" performed by Dusty Springfield. Besides Ann-Margret, survivors include three children from his marriage to Shaw. Sheila O'Brien, Erin's sister, told The Hollywood Reporter. He had also worked for the Fox Connecticut from 2008 to 2016. Both men projected an effortless cool as they solved crimes and squired a never-ending stream of glamorous women. | David went on to work two times on the Eon Productions series, collaborating with John Barry on songs for 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Now it is time to release 77 Sunset Strip. Site of 77 Sunset Strip - Tripadvisor It was to be produced by Clint Eastwood and starred Jim Caviezel, Timothy Olyphant and Maria Bello. On 77 Sunset Strip, Kookie parked cars at Dino's Lodge, a Hollywood nightclub that was owned by Dean Martin and served as a backdrop on the show. In the summer of 1958,. A GEEZER who remembers watching TV in 1951 and was an Echostar customer from 1988 to 2008, now a Dish . He found escape from family problems at the movies and at the gym, where he developed an athletic body. Suzanne Fabry, the beautiful French switchboard operator played by Jacqueline Beer, handles the phones for Sunset Answering Service, in Suite 103. The show occasionally featured sports stars such as Sandy Koufax in guest roles. Impressed, the veteran star urged Mr. Smith to go into the movies. When he wasnt making wisecracks, Gerald Lloyd Kookie Kookson III was lovingly combing his well-greased hairdo. But he had light brown hair color and blue eye color. 77 Sunset Strip is the fictional location of the office shared. Erin O'Brien, the singer and actress best known for starring in the pilot episode of "77 Sunset Strip," has died at the age of 87. According to his 1996 autobiography, "Kookie No More", this led to a few years of "hustling" older, well-to-do men, despite the fact that Edd was heterosexual. But when the time comes, she gets interested in another act or a new film or something that delays it. This list includes all of the 77 Sunset Strip main actors and actresses, so if they. Edd Byrnes, Kookie on '77 Sunset Strip,' Dies at 87 NBC liked it but insisted on another host, and so Chuck Woolery got the gig on Wheel of Fortune. When it comes to talking about Handsome persons in the acting industry, Edd Byrness name often emerged. His son is a television news anchor who works for KYSI-TV news in San Diego, California, since 2018. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. and Roger Smith starred as private eyes but Edd, playing a hip-talking parking-lot attendant named "Kookie", won the most attention. Edd Byrnes, a onetime teen heartthrob who parlayed his popularity as the hair-slicking hipster Kookie on the TV detective series "77 Sunset Strip" into a hit 1959 record, "Kookie, Kookie. ! He was 87. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Roger Smith dead: '77 Sunset Strip' star was 84 | Fox News Shes still great friends with Rita Moreno, Morgan Freeman and other actors shes known for years. The divining rod showed no signs of movement till it approached the blood-stained weapon, when it began to oscillate. He won a shelf full of talent prizes while attending the University of Arizona in Tucson and was working as a singer when he was called up to Navy duty. 271.9M . Roger Smith, a clean-cut and debonair Hollywood actor of the 1950s and 1960s who gained a wide following on the hit detective series 77 Sunset Strip and was the envy of generations of men as the husband of the bewitching actress and singer Ann-Margret, died June 4 at a Los Angeles hospital. The marriage ended in divorce. You are here: Home / is tatum o'neal still alive is tatum o'neal still alive. His contract dispute was eventually settled, though not much to his advantage, and when he returned to "77 Sunset Strip" his role was upgraded from "sidekick" to "partner" and he wore a suit and tie. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. He worked steadily but never again achieved the fame of his Kookie years. They divorced in 1965. Mr. Smith told New York magazine in 1976 that he was aware of backstage whispers that he was little more than a hanger-on in his wifes orbit. Hale is seen throughout Seasons 4 and 5. Jack Gilardi, who is the agent of Smith's widow,. He returned in an upgraded role in May 1960, with Kookie now a partner in the agency and sporting a coat and tie. With his square jaw, sturdy build and easy manner, Mr. Smith seemed in his prime to embody the all-American male at his most appealing. Joan Staley. He moved to Hollywood from New York City in his 20s to forge a path in the entertainment industry. Mr. Smiths marriage to Ann-Margret proved one of Hollywoods most enduring and poignant unions. Edd Byrnes, an actor best known for his roles in 1978's "Grease" and the 1950s series "77 Sunset Strip," died Wednesday at his home in Santa Monica. LOS ANGELES (AP) Actor Roger Smith, who brought glamour to the TV detective genre as a hip private eye on "77 Sunset Strip," has died. 77 Sunset Strip - S01ep13 - Hit And Run.mp4 download. 77 Sunset Strip was canceled after 20 episodes, in an era when a full season would likely have been 36 episodes. According to Logan, his father died due to natural causes at his Santa Monica home. Edd then dropped his surname (Breitenberger) in favor of "Byrnes", based on the name of his maternal grandfather, Edward Byrne, a New York City fireman. Played Alma Bogart in "77 Sunset Strip" in 1958. The character of detective Stuart Bailey, portrayed in the series by Zimbalist, was first used by writer Huggins in his 1946 novel The Double Take, later adapted into . According to Logan, his father died due to natural causes at his Santa Monica home. Edd began his acting career at a non-paid job in a summer stock theatre company in 1956. I knew he would protect me, she told Closer Weekly of Smith, adding that she knew she would marry him after their third date. dinky-4 of Minneapolis, Other Works The character of detective Stuart Bailey was first used by writer Huggins in the 1948 film I Love Trouble. LOS ANGELES - Actor Roger Smith, who brought glamour to the TV detective genre as a hip private eye on 77 Sunset Strip, has died. The show made Byrnes a teen idol who, at the height of his popularity, received 15,000 fan letters a week. Later, he was cast in Murder, She Wrote, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues and Throb. Though the Hollywood legend Ann-Margret famously once dated Elvis Presley, the love of her life was 77 Sunset Strip actor Roger Smith, who she was married to for fifty years before he died in 2017. Roger LaVerne Smith was born in 1932, in South Gate, near Los Angeles. Also seen relatively frequently are the Frank Ortega Trio, playing themselves as the jazzy house band at Dino's Lodge. [1], The street address was colloquially known as the Sunset Strip and was between La Cienega Boulevard and Alta Loma Road on the south side of the strip, next door to Dean Martin's real-life lounge, Dino's Lodge. Edd Byrnes, star of the 1950s and '60s TV hit "77 Sunset Strip" who went on to co-star in the 1978 smash "Grease," has died, the actor's son, Logan Byrnes, confirmed Thursday via Facebook. Typically the two detectives would alternate as leads, with a Stuart Bailey case being featured one week and a Jeff Spencer case the nextalthough depending on the nature of the case, sometimes the two would team up.[2]. [6] In a twist of fate, the opposition to the redevelopment of the area was known as "Save Our Strip" or "SOS" and was spearheaded by former 77 Sunset Strip semiregular Gigi Verone. NOTE: The most frequent time slot for the series is in bold text. He was 87. He began acting professionally in 1960 at Warner Bros., where he made appearances on television programs such as Maverick, Surfside 6, Hawaiian Eye, Cheyenne, The Roaring 20's, and 77 Sunset Strip. (Harold Filan/AP), Ann-Margret and Roger Smith cutting the cake on their wedding day in Las Vegas in 1967. Roger Smith, a clean-cut and debonair Hollywood actor of the 1950s and 1960s who gained a wide following on the hit detective series "77 Sunset Strip" and was the envy of generations of men. His alcoholic father died when he was 13. In a March 1960 story on the incident, Look magazine blamed medical mistakes for the delay in diagnosis and quoted a doctor as saying, This boy came too close to being buried needlessly.. Mr. Smith, a dynamic figure off-screen who enjoyed motorcycles and piloting aircraft and who also sang in fluent Spanish, never found a movie part that captured his personality. When Byrnes' demands for more money and an expanded role were not met, he left the show for a period in Season 2. 77 Sunset Strip (Music from the TV Show) - Apple Music Who was the female in 77 Sunset Strip? - Camomienoteca.com In 1975, Merv Griffin signed Byrnes to host a new game show, and two half-hour pilots were filmed. Talking about his family, he was raised with two siblings J-Ann and Vincent. He was 87. Still yearning for larger parts, he bought out his Warner Bros. contract in 1963. Mr. Smith, who had given up performing to manage his wifes career, had been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes extreme weakness. He rejoined 77 Sunset Strip after recovering and continued in his role as Jeff Spencer until 1963 when the entire cast except Zimbalist was dropped in anattempt to revitalize it. Watch 77 Sunset Strip Season 3 Episode: 38 Stream Online HD His character of Rex Randolph from Bourbon Street Beat was said to have left New Orleans and relocated to North Hollywood, joining Bailey and Spencer's firm and taking Office 104. In addition to his son, he is survived by his partner, Catherine Gross; a sister, Jo-Ann Breitenberger; and a brother, Vincent Breitenberger. Top Deals This Week: Save on Paramount+, Showtime, HBO Max, Fire TV, and Roku, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Is Now Available to Stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Slashed Prices on all Sorts of Fire TV Stick Models, Amazon Fire Tablets on Sale: Save up to 45%, The Ultimate Guide to What to Watch on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and More in March 2023, Amazon Prime Video's New Shows and Movies in March, 8 Shows Like The Last of Us to Watch While You Wait for the Next Episode, 9 Shows Like Ginny & Georgia to Watch After You Finish Season 2, 12 Intense Thriller Shows and Movies to Watch If You Like Squid Game, 9 Shows Like Fringe to Watch If You Like Fringe, Here's When Yellowstone Will Return for Season 5 Part 2, Pedro Pascal Has an Update for Last of Us Season 2 Filming, Everything to Know About The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2, Amazon Exec Teases a Release Date for Reacher Season 2, Everything You Need to Know About Euphoria Season 3. Still unsatisfied, the four bills were exhumed and concealed anew. Edd Byrnes, who played 'Kookie' in '77 Sunset Strip,' dies Edit Details You carry their spirit with you.. Edd was one of the most handsome actors in the Hollywood industry who was widely known for his curly hair. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: 77 Sunset Strip 13 Songs, 32 Minutes. 77 SUNSET STRIP 1958 Cast THEN AND NOW 2022 Thanks For The - YouTube After a year, Edd steps into Hollywood by appearing in Tea and Sympathy. For seventeen years straight, Chris Brown has come and dropped hit singles. The interior of Bailey's new office building is shown behind the show's opening and closing credits, forcing viewers to ponder how the same address could look so very different (it was actually the historic Bradbury building in downtown Los Angeles). The show made Byrnes a teen idol who at the height of his popularity received 15,000 fan letters a week. When he wasnt making wisecracks, Gerald Lloyd Kookie Kookson III was lovingly combing his well-greased hair. I always think that age is a natural progression, and Im ready for it, she recently said. Only a few hundred dollars in his pocket and an . I thought, This is a cinch business. But it isnt. Cagney, who was there making a film, suggested that Smith might try for a film career. Roger Smith Dead: '77 Sunset Strip' Star Dies at 84 - Us Weekly ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It made stars of both men and a teen heartthrob out of Edd Byrnes, who played a colorful parking lot attendant named Kookie. . He was 86. Edd Byrnes - Wikipedia Jack Gilardi, who is the agent of Smiths widow, actress Ann-Margret, said the actor died Sunday morning at a Los Angeles hospital after battling a terminal illness. At age 17 he was approached by a man who offered to take free "physique" photos of him. Comic relief is provided by Roscoe the racetrack tout (played by Louis Quinn), who frequently hangs around the offices giving horse-racing tips. Neighborhood: West Hollywood. 1959 Warner Records Inc., manufactured and marketed by Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group Company. He developed an interest in performing and after high school landed summer-stock work. In July 2002 he was a guest at the Western Film Fair in Charlotte, NC, along with. Smith later quit to manage her career. John H Elliott - Empires Of The Atlantic World.pdf Byrnes was best known as Kookie on the private detective series 77 Sunset Strip, which ran from ran from 1958 to 1964. Gerald `Kookie' Lloyd Kookson III 44 Episodes 2022. In Auntie Mame (1958), a madcap comedy about a bohemian socialite (Rosalind Russell) caring for her orphaned nephew, he played the nephew as a young adult. His first marriage, to Australian-born actress Victoria Shaw, ended in divorce. He survived two serious illnesses to have a second career after 77 Sunset Strip as manager of his second wife, entertainer Ann-Margret. His fan mail soon reached an astonishing 15,000 letters a week and his single with Connie Stevens, "Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb", became a top-5 hit. Another offbeat entry was 1961's "Reserved for Mr. Bailey," which finds Zimbalist alone in a ghost town. As the title suggests, the episode presented its story completely without dialogue. 2023 TV GUIDE, A FANDOM COMPANY. Edd Byrnes, a veteran actor best known for his role as television host Vince. At the very end I said to him, You were right.. Ive often said that I got bored with acting, and I guess I did, but the other thing was that I was very lonely, Mr. Smith said. Jack Gilardi, Ann-Margrets agent, confirmed the death. Connie recently recorded a beautiful Christmas Album, "Tradition". Smith had battled the nerve disease myasthenia gravis for many years. Designed & Developed by Precision Creations, Ann-Margret Opens Up About The Death Of Husband Of 50 Years - 'You Have To Keep Living'. colonel frank o'sullivan interview; beverly hills high school football