Angie Dickinson was one of the most renowned actresses of her time, celebrated for her remarkable roles and acting talent. She earned numerous accolades and was widely praised for her performances.
Now, at 92 years old, the once-glamorous actress has stepped away from the spotlight. To see what her life looks like today, continue reading…
Angeline Dickinson, better known as Angie, is an American actress who enjoyed a remarkable television career. She began her acting journey in the early 1950s, appearing on anthology shows before landing a significant role in Gun the Man Down. However, many remember her for her standout performance in Rio Bravo, which earned her a Golden Globe award.
In addition to her television success, Angie appeared in numerous films, including Jessica, The Chase, The Outside Man, The Art of Love, The Killers, Ocean’s 11 (1964), and Pretty Maids All in a Row, to name a few. She was a highly sought-after actress throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
One of her most significant roles, however, was as Sergeant Pepper Anderson in Police Woman. This groundbreaking role marked the first time an actress led a television crime show, and Angie’s portrayal was a huge hit. Her character inspired many young women to consider joining law enforcement.
In a PBS series titled Pioneers of Television, Angie shared her thoughts on her role, explaining how unusual it was to see a woman in uniform at the time. While it’s common today to see female detectives in shows like CSI and Law and Order, it was groundbreaking then.
Though she didn’t identify as a feminist, Angie noted how the role empowered women. She explained that when offered roles, she didn’t compete with men, but simply sought roles meant for women. As for the pay gap still present in Hollywood, Angie revealed that it didn’t bother her at the time, as she was content with the salary she was offered.
Angie did express some dissatisfaction with Police Woman later on. She felt the show was too “clean,” with each episode ending too perfectly and lacking sufficient consequences for criminals. She appreciated modern crime shows like Southland and Detroit 1-8-7 for depicting a more realistic view of crime.
During the show’s height, Angie received letters from fans who were inspired by her character to pursue careers in law enforcement.
Despite being in her 40s during her role on Police Woman, Angie worked tirelessly to deliver an outstanding performance, often putting in extra effort compared to younger actresses. Her beauty only seemed to improve with age, which led to rumors of a close relationship with the Rat Pack. Angie was rumored to have had a ten-year affair with Frank Sinatra after starring with him in the original Ocean’s 11. There were also rumors about her relationships with Dean Martin and even former president John F. Kennedy.
In 2001, she made a memorable cameo in Ocean’s 11 with George Clooney, and she continues to be regarded as a Hollywood legend.
In 2020, during an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Angie revealed that when she was first offered the role of Sergeant Pepper, she felt overwhelmed and nearly turned it down. She described the show’s demanding schedule—shooting 20 to 21 episodes a season—as a grueling task that “sapped” years of her life. Although she initially hesitated, she was convinced to take the role by David Gerber, who promised it would make her a household name.
Angie has been married twice in her life. She married Gene Dickinson in 1952, but their marriage ended in 1960. Later, she married Burt Bacharach in 1965, and they were together until their divorce in 1981. They had a daughter together, Nikki, who was born prematurely in 1966. Nikki was later diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a condition on the autism spectrum.
Nikki, who studied geology at Cal Lutheran University, faced severe vision problems that eventually prevented her from pursuing a career. She spent ten years in a specialized facility. Tragically, Nikki died by suicide in 2007 at the age of 40. Angie fondly remembered her daughter, saying, “She was very smart and funny and wonderful,” cherishing her best memories of her.
Angie was a supportive wife to Bacharach during his rise to fame. As Bacharach’s career blossomed, Angie stepped back to focus on their family. She even turned down projects to stay close to home. However, her work on Police Woman eventually disrupted her family time, despite her efforts to be home by 6 p.m. each day. She later reflected on how her career choices may have impacted her marriage.
Angie’s relationship with her daughter was complicated, especially when Nikki joined a religious cult at age 14. Despite their challenges, Angie always hoped for a closer bond with her daughter. Angie also shared a story from a trip to Hawaii, where she and Nikki were caught in a dangerous tide while swimming. Despite the harrowing experience, Angie kept her daughter safe.
As Nikki’s health required more care, Angie stepped away from her career to prioritize her daughter. Angie never considered it a sacrifice, simply acknowledging that her career was put on hold for her family’s needs.
After Nikki’s death, Angie sought comfort from friends, including Gregory Peck’s widow, Veronique. Angie found solace in a play written by Tony Kushner, which dealt with themes of loss.
Sadly, Burt Bacharach passed away on February 8, 2023, at 94 years old. Angie and Burt had separated years before his death, primarily due to issues like his infidelity, which he admitted in his autobiography. Angie later spoke about how Bacharach never respected her in the way she had hoped.
Today, Angie lives a quiet, reclusive life in Beverly Hills, rarely seen in public due to her age. Her last film was Elvis Has Left The Building in 2004, and her last television appearance was in Mending Fences in 2009. However, she appeared in a PBS documentary about Sammy Davis Jr., I’ve Gotta Be Me, and reflected on her life with gratitude.
At 79, Angie said she was lucky to have lived such an extraordinary life, filled with great stars and experiences. While she doesn’t want to return to acting in typical “grandmother parts,” she has expressed interest in one-woman shows or theater.
Now at 93, Angie admits that working in films and television has become increasingly difficult. Despite this, she still pays attention to her appearance, noting her obsession with glamour. She also admitted that she felt “naked” without hair and makeup, revealing the pressures of Hollywood beauty standards.
Angie has always kept her personal life private and expressed that she wouldn’t write a tell-all book. She prefers to remain discreet, though she is known to be a warm and kind neighbor, as described by writer Alexandra Becket, who used to cat-sit for her.
Today, Angie lives alone in Beverly Hills, and while she may be less visible, it’s clear she continues to be a beloved figure in Hollywood history.