Angie Dickinson, a celebrated actress of her era, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With numerous awards and accolades for her exceptional performances, she was a true luminary in her prime.
Angeline Dickinson, better known as Angie, is an iconic American actress who enjoyed a prolific television career. Her journey began with appearances on anthology shows in the early 1950s. Eventually, she secured a role in “Gun the Man Down.” She is also fondly remembered for her part in “Rio Bravo,” which earned her a Golden Globe award.
In addition to television, Angie ventured into the world of film, gracing productions like “Jessica,” “The Chase,” “The Outside Man,” “The Art of Love,” “The Killers,” “Ocean’s 11 (1964),” “Pretty Maids All in a Row,” and many more. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she remained in high demand as an actress.
Perhaps her most influential role was that of Sergeant Pepper Anderson in “Police Woman.” This groundbreaking series marked the first time an actress led a television show in such a prominent role, and it was a resounding success. Angie’s portrayal even inspired young girls to aspire to join the police force.
Although Angie acknowledged the uniqueness of seeing a woman in uniform on television, she didn’t consider herself a feminist. Her perspective was that she had to compete with men for roles. Nevertheless, her character empowered countless women to make important life choices.
Regarding the gender pay gap, Angie revealed that it didn’t bother her; she was content with her salary at the time. She did, however, express some disappointment with “Police Woman,” feeling that the show was too clean and lacked the gritty consequences she would have preferred for the bad guys.
During the peak of the show’s popularity, Angie received numerous letters from fans, expressing how she had inspired them to pursue careers in law enforcement. She was in her 40s during her tenure on “Police Woman” and worked twice as hard as younger actresses. Remarkably, her beauty seemed to enhance with age rather than diminish, captivating many.
Rumors of Angie’s close association with the Rat Pack persisted. It was famously rumored that she had a 10-year affair with Frank Sinatra after their collaboration in the original “Ocean’s 11.” There were also whispers of her involvement with Dean Martin and former President John F. Kennedy.
In 2020, Angie made a surprising revelation in an interview on the “CBS Sunday Morning Show.” She candidly admitted that when initially offered the role in “Police Woman,” she wanted to “throw up” because it seemed like a daunting commitment. She agreed to four years but no more, a promise she kept.
Angie has been married twice in her life. Her first marriage to Gene Dickinson in 1952 ended in 1960. Later, she met and married Burt Bacharach, with whom she had a daughter named Nikki. Tragically, Nikki was born prematurely and had Asperger’s syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism. Nikki’s health deteriorated over time, and she ultimately took her own life in 2007.
Following her daughter’s passing, Angie found solace in friends, including Gregory Peck’s widow, Veronique. She lived a reclusive life in her Beverly Hills home, away from the public eye. Her last film appearance was in 2004’s “Elvis Has Left The Building,” and she made a brief television appearance in 2009 on “Mending Fences.”
At 92, Angie Dickinson acknowledges that making films and working in television can be demanding. She still thinks about her appearance, jokingly referring to it as the “glamour-girl syndrome.” Despite her age, she remains focused on her looks.
Angie is known for her private nature and reluctance to reveal personal details, which is why publishers have shown little interest in a tell-all book from her. However, she has considered the possibility of doing one-woman shows or theater in the future.
Living alone in her Beverly Hills home, Angie Dickinson remains a beloved Hollywood legend, celebrated by the industry and those who cherish her work. Her legacy as a trailblazer and a remarkable actress continues to endure, reminding us of a time when strong women in entertainment were pioneers in their own right.
