Angie Dickinson, once celebrated for her remarkable acting career, now lives a more secluded life at 92. The glamour of her heyday has faded, but her legacy remains. Dickinson, born Angeline Dickinson, started her television career in the early ’50s with roles in anthology shows. Notably, she won a Golden Globe for her performance in “Rio Bravo.”
Her film career included roles in “Jessica,” “The Chase,” “The Outside Man,” “The Art of Love,” “The Killers,” and “Ocean’s 11 (1964).” In the ’60s and ’70s, she was a highly sought-after actress. However, her most impactful role was as Seargent Pepper Anderson in “Police Woman,” making her the first lead actress in a TV crime drama. This pioneering role inspired many young girls to join the police force.
While she didn’t consider herself a feminist, Dickinson acknowledged the uniqueness of her role in a PBS series titled “Pioneers of Television.” She discussed her non-competitive approach with men for roles, emphasizing the importance of portraying women authentically. Despite not labeling herself a feminist, her work empowered women.
Dickinson shared her contentment with the salary she received during a time when the pay gap was prevalent. However, she expressed regret about the missed opportunities on “Police Woman,” wishing for more realistic consequences and less perfection in the show’s endings.
Rumored to have close ties with the Rat Pack, Dickinson allegedly had affairs with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and John F. Kennedy. Despite age, her beauty remained captivating, and she is still revered as a Hollywood legend, making a cameo in 2001’s “Ocean’s 11” with George Clooney.
In a 2020 interview on “CBS Sunday Morning Show,” Dickinson revealed that initially, she wanted to “throw up” when offered the role in “Police Woman.” The show’s demanding schedule took a toll, and despite becoming a household name, she felt it “wasn’t worth it.” Dickinson worked on the show for four years, and the experience, though grueling, remains a part of her enduring legacy.
Angie Dickinson, a celebrated actress, had two marriages in her life. Her first husband was Gene Dickinson, and their marriage lasted from 1952 to 1960. Later, she married Burt Bacharach in 1965, and their marriage endured until 1981. Nikki, their daughter, was born prematurely in 1966, three months earlier than her due date. Angie later revealed that Nikki had Asperger’s syndrome, a form of “high-functioning autism.”
Nikki pursued geology at Cal Lutheran University, but her deteriorating eyesight prevented her from pursuing a career. She lived in a specialized facility for ten years until her tragic death by suicide in 2007 at the age of 40. Angie expressed fond memories of Nikki, describing her as smart, funny, and wonderful.
When Angie and Bacharach got together, he was relatively unknown, while she was a major name in the industry. As Bacharach gained popularity for writing songs for Dionne Warwick and “Butch Cassidy,” Angie willingly took a backseat to focus on being a mother and wife. She even turned down projects to stay close to home. However, her career took a new turn with “Police Woman.”
Despite Angie’s efforts to balance work and family, her marriage with Bacharach faced challenges. A clause in her contract to be home by 6 p.m. often didn’t work out. Angie, realizing she blamed herself for small things, later wondered if being a Hollywood mom was worth it and whether being a housewife would have made her husband love her more.
Angie Dickinson, once a celebrated actress, now leads a more reclusive life at 92 years old. Her glamorous heyday has faded, and she rarely ventures outside her Beverly Hills home.
Throughout her illustrious career, Angie earned accolades for her performances in numerous films and her groundbreaking role as Sergeant Pepper Anderson in “Police Woman,” which made her the first woman to lead a TV series. Despite her achievements, her personal life has been marked by challenges and tragedies.
Angie was married twice, first to Gene Dickinson from 1952 to 1960 and later to Burt Bacharach from 1965 to 1981. Her daughter Nikki, born prematurely in 1966, faced health issues, including Asperger’s syndrome. The strained relationship between mother and daughter intensified when Nikki joined a religious cult at 14.
Nikki’s health demanded Angie’s attention, leading her to step away from her career. Tragically, Nikki died by suicide in 2007, adding immense grief to Angie’s life. Her marriage to Bacharach faced difficulties, marked by his infidelity and lack of respect, as revealed in his autobiography.
In 2023, Burt Bacharach passed away at the age of 94, leaving Angie as the sole surviving parent of Nikki. The actress chose a reclusive but peaceful life in her Beverly Hills home, rarely seen in public. She expressed reluctance to take on “grandmother parts” in acting and considered one-woman shows or theater instead.
At 92, Angie Dickinson remains conscious of her looks, expressing concerns about the changes that come with age. Despite her advanced years, she retains a sense of glamour and acknowledges her obsession with appearance.
Known for her private nature, Angie has refrained from revealing personal details, making her uninterested in a tell-all memoir. Her current life is solitary, living alone in Beverly Hills. As a cat-sitter for Angie, Alexandra Becket describes her as “the sweetest neighbor” in a neighborhood filled with Hollywood names.
Angie Dickinson’s legacy endures, and she reflects on her fortunate life, emphasizing the fantastic experiences and friendships she garnered over the years. While she no longer actively pursues a career in film or television, her impact on the entertainment industry remains significant.
