Angie Dickinson, celebrated as one of the most accomplished actresses of her era, amassed accolades and recognition for her extraordinary performances. Yet, at the age of 92, the luster of her heyday has waned. To uncover the current chapter of her life, read on.
Angeline Dickinson, more widely known as Angie, is an American actress with an illustrious television career. She began her journey by gracing anthology shows in the early 1950s. Her big break came with «Gun the Man Down,» and she further made her mark in «Rio Bravo,» earning a Golden Globe award.
Beyond television, she ventured into film, leaving her imprint in movies 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 ’60s and ’70s, she was a highly sought-after actress.
Arguably, her most influential role was that of Sergeant Pepper Anderson in «Police Woman.» Notably, this was the first time an actress took the lead in a television show, and she became a sensation. Her character even inspired young girls to join the police force.
Despite the groundbreaking nature of her role, Angie Dickinson didn’t consider herself a feminist; she saw herself as competing with men for roles. However, her portrayal empowered many women to make their own choices.
Regarding the gender pay gap in the industry, Angie stated that it didn’t bother her; she was content with her salary at the time.
Reflecting on «Police Woman,» she expressed regret that the show didn’t delve into darker, more realistic aspects. She wished it had portrayed harsher consequences for the villains, unlike the neatly resolved episodes of her time.
During the show’s peak, Angie received letters from fans who were inspired to join the police force because of her character.
Remarkably, she was in her 40s during her time on «Police Woman,» and she worked twice as hard as younger actresses. Her beauty seemed to enhance with age rather than diminish, leaving an indelible impression on her audience.
Rumors swirled that Angie was closely associated with the Rat Pack. It was famously speculated that she had a decade-long affair with Frank Sinatra, with whom she starred in the original «Ocean’s 11.» There were also rumors of her involvement with Dean Martin and former President John F. Kennedy.
In 2001, Angie made a famous cameo in «Ocean’s 11» alongside George Clooney. She remains a Hollywood legend, respected by the entire industry.
In a 2020 interview on «CBS Sunday Morning Show,» Angie revealed that when she was first offered the role of «Police Woman,» she felt nauseated. She found it a daunting commitment, shooting 20 to 21 episodes each season, and told the show’s creators she would commit for four years but not longer.
She worked on the show for four years and disclosed that she wasn’t paid much. In hindsight, she felt it sapped years of her life and wasn’t worth it.
Angie had two marriages in her life. Her first marriage to Gene Dickinson in 1952 ended in 1960. She later met and married Burt Bacharach, a marriage that lasted from 1965 to 1981. The couple had a daughter, Nikki, who was born prematurely and later diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome.
Nikki’s health posed various challenges, and she lived in a specialized facility for ten years. Tragically, she died by suicide in 2007.
Following Nikki’s passing, Angie found support in friends like Gregory Peck’s widow, Veronique, who was acquainted with Tony Kushner. She also took solace in a play by Kushner that explored themes of loss.
Burt Bacharach passed away in 2023 at the age of 94. Although he had other children, Nikki was Angie’s only child. The couple separated and divorced for various reasons, including Bacharach’s infidelity.
Angie now lives a reclusive but peaceful life in her Beverly Hills home, rarely seen in public due to her advanced age. Her last movie was in 2004, titled «Elvis Has Left The Building,» and in 2009, she appeared on television in «Mending Fences.» However, she has since remained largely out of the public eye.
At 92, she finds making films and working on television to be a challenging task. She still thinks about good looks, reflecting, «Even at my age, I am still into the glamour-girl syndrome: You know, she has great legs, but she can’t act.»
In 2008, she shared an anecdote about Clint Eastwood joking that makeup artists stopped fussing over him at his age. Angie, on the other hand, admitted she had grown accustomed to hair and makeup, feeling incomplete without them.At 92 years old, Angie Dickinson is left alone in her Beverly Hills home – more inside her life right now
