Thanks to her most well-known part, the actress’s trailblazing career in Hollywood encouraged a whole generation of women to join the police force.
It’s time to find out about her present life because she is 91 years old.
In addition to being an actress, Dickinson was also a wife and mother who concluded her day at 6 o’clock so she could prepare dinner for her family.
American actress Angeline Dickinson, better known by her stage name Angie, had a lengthy broadcast career. She began appearing in various series in the early 1950s and eventually scored a part in “Gun the Man Down.” She appeared in “Rio Bravo,” a Golden Globe-winning film, so you may also know her from that.
As Dickinson was busy throughout the 1960s and 1970s, some of her finest movies include “Jessica,” “The Chase,” “The Outside Man,” “The Art of Love,” “The Killers,” “Ocean’s 11” (the original from 1964, where Frank Sinatra played Danny Ocean), “Pretty Maids All in a Row,” and many others.
American actress Angie Dickinson, circa 1964. | Source: Getty Images
But Sgt. Pepper Anderson from “Police Woman” was her most important part of all time. She was the first female actor to portray the main character in a television show. It was a tremendous success, and her character inspired a whole generation of girls to pursue careers as police officers.
The actress claimed a lady wearing a uniform in the early 1970s was “unique.” You must keep in mind that in the past, television programs like “Law & Order” and “CSI” did not feature the amazing female figures we have today.
But Dickinson demonstrated that a woman could be powerful enough for the role, inspiring real-life women to aspire to be just like her.
The actress spoke about her participation and the adoration viewers have for crime programs in the PBS series “Pioneers of Television.”
Angie Dickinson, as Sgt. Suzanne ‘Pepper’ Anderson in Season 1 of “Police Woman.” | Source: Getty Images
Angie, however, never thought of herself as a “feminist.” She never competed against males and thought the movement was born out of a desire to be competitive. The performer discussed maintaining her strength while balancing her femininity, though these points may be debatable. “When I was up for a role, I didn’t compete with men; it was a role for a woman,” Dickinson continued.
Dickinson only commented that she was “content” with the salary she was given for some of the projects when questioned about the pay gap that has always existed between men and women in entertainment and many other industries. But then again, that was another era.
Angie Dickinson attends the screening of ‘The Killers at the 2019 TCM 10th Annual Classic Film Festival on April 14, 2019, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Dickinson added that “Police Woman” was unable to offer viewers more. According to the performer, the show was “too clean.” She dislikes how each episode concluded flawlessly and how little violence there was in retrospect.
Dickinson was not scared of gore, blood, or pushing the boundaries because she wanted to demonstrate more negative outcomes for bad people. She thinks modern television programs with those plots perform better, like “Southland” and “Detroit 1-8-7.”
When the show was at its peak, Dickinson got a lot of letters from fans telling her that she inspired their desire to work as police officers. Angie was not just a role model for prospective female police officers. She served as a role model for Hollywood actors.
Angie Dickinson, as Sgt. Suzanne ‘Pepper’ Anderson in Season 1 of “Police Woman.” | Source: Getty Images
Dickinson put in more effort than the youthful actors of the time despite being over 40 at the time of “Police Woman.” Furthermore, she continued to be attractive as she matured.
She was the Rat Pack’s gal friend because she was always attracting attention. After co-starring with Frank Sinatra in “Ocean’s 11,” it has been reported that she had a 10-year relationship with him. Additionally, there have been rumors that she was romantically involved with Dean Martin and previous president John F. Kennedy.
She made a famous cameo in the 2001 film “Ocean’s 11,” starring George Clooney. Because of this, she continues to be regarded as a legend among Hollywood actors.
US actress Angie Dickinson is wearing a backless gold lame evening dress with batwing sleeves. | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, Dickinson has a few regrets about her most prominent part. She appeared on “CBS Sunday Morning Show” in 2020, where she was questioned about her experience on “Police Woman.” When Angie first heard about the role, she felt like “throwing up.”
It was a “horrendous undertaking,” the actress said. They used to shoot 20 or 21 episodes per season back then, which was exhausting. The actress informed the show’s creators that she would give them four years but no more.
The actress admitted she worked for four years but wasn’t compensated well and now regrets it. She claimed it “sapped” years of Angie’s existence and “wasn’t worth it.”
Angie Dickison on CBS’s Sunday Morning Show in 2020. | Source: Youtube.com/CBS Sunday Morning
Dickinson responded that David Gerber had told her that accepting the part might help her become well-known. The actress desired it then, but things changed as time passed and people gained perspective.
The married 91-year-old actress had a daughter.
Twice, Angie Dickinson was married. Her first marriage to Gene Dickinson lasted ten years, from 1952 to 1960. Later, the performer switched to Burt Bacharach. Between 1965 and 1981, she was married to a renowned musician. It was Bacharach’s second engagement as well.
They received Nikki, their daughter, who was both of their first children. She, unfortunately, arrived in 1966, roughly three months early. Nikki was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism frequently referred to as “high-functioning autism,” by Bacharach several years after Nikki was.
Angie Dickinson attends The Paley Center for Media & WE tv’s presentation of “On the Beat: The Evolution of the Crime Drama Heroine” at The Paley Center for Media on June 19, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Nikki majored in geology at Cal Lutheran University but could not pursue a job because of her poor eyesight. Sadly, her parents eventually had to admit her to a care facility, where she spent the next ten years.
Sadly, she committed suicide in her Thousand Oaks apartment and died in 2007. 40 years old was Nikki. According to the public statement, she did it to “escape the ravages” of her psyche.
On February 8, 2023, Burt Bacharach sadly passed away at 94. Nikki was Angie’s only child; the songwriter was the father of four children. Due to the composer’s adultery, among other factors, they were no longer together.
Composer Burt Bacharach and his wife, actress Angie Dickinson, review some of Burt’s new songs on the patio of their home. Los Angeles, California, in 1960. | Source: Getty Images
Burt acknowledged cheating on the starlet in an autobiography. Angie once confessed that he never felt the same kind of affection for her that other people do. Although it wasn’t the greatest, he had a special way of loving people. He had no regard for me, therefore. She answered affirmatively when asked if she adored him.
Dickinson is rarely seen outside of her house these days. She’s enjoying her golden years in tranquility, away from the spotlight. The paparazzi have seen a healthy, composed woman in the rare instances she is spotted. For her age, that’s impressive.
Before she reached 90 a few years ago, some photographers saw her receiving her mail in front of her home. Angie’s final film part was in “Elvis Has Left The Building” in 2004, but her final television appearance was in “Mending Fences” in 2009.
Angie Dickinson is wearing a black beaded formal; circa 1970, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Since then, she has appeared in news reports and films, such as the PBS special “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” about Sammy Davis, Jr. The actress, who was then 79, declared herself “lucky,” adding, “I came along at the right moment for so many wonderful things. I got to know a lot of outstanding celebrities and remained friends and lovers with many of them. It was a wonderful existence. It is still today.
Angie responded that she didn’t want any “grandmother parts” when asked about retirement since her last role was in 2009. Being at home is preferable, she claimed. Dickinson had several ideas, including acting in a play or performing solo.
Angie Dickison on CBS’s Sunday Morning Show in 2020. | Source: Youtube.com/CBS Sunday Morning
But since it costs a lot to “look good,” traveling can be difficult for women. Additionally, creating movies is too complex to put forth the effort. As she stated to the Daily News of Los Angeles:
“Even at my age, I am still into the glamour-girl syndrome: You know, she has great legs but can’t act.”
Director-producer Clint Eastwood attends the 20th Annual AFI Awards at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 03, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
She sat next to Clint Eastwood at a Beverly Hills gathering in 2008, and he chuckled about how older actors no longer required special attention from makeup artists. Dickinson once informed him that after wearing makeup and having stylists around, going without either makes you feel naked. Additionally, she said:
“You end up obsessed with your looks. I’m finished if an elevator doesn’t have a mirror in it. I don’t care who you are; when you get to be past 50, it all changes.”
Composer Burt Bacharach and his wife, actress Angie Dickinson, arrive at the 48th Academy Awards at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The actress was known for being a little cheeky and stating the truth. She was enigmatic but also. She claimed that because she avoided sharing too many intimate details, memoirs are presumably not appealing to publishers. But, you know, I won’t do the whole nine yards. That’s not who I am. Maybe I’ll perform a one-woman performance if I can muster the motivation one day.
Her life now appears to be peaceful in a stunning Beverly Hills house. Because she grew up in an area populated by celebrities, Alexandra Becket, an author for LA Magazine, disclosed that she was Dickinson’s cat sitter. According to her, the sweetest neighbor I could wish for was Angie.
Angie Dickinson attends the 1st annual Made In Hollywood Television Awards held at the Heart of Hollywood Terrace on August 15, 2013, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Oh my God, that’s one lucky b***h, the actress said in response to whether she would criticize her work and life. The performer adores her home and praises the stunning view of Beverly Hills from its rooftop.
Angie admitted that despite being 79, she didn’t feel her age. She enjoys cycling and strolling around the area. She clarified, though, that she no longer felt seductive. She now considers so many different things to be attractive.
She was never envious of Betty White’s consistent parts and always detested being compared to the late actress, who worked until she died in 2021. Dickinson had no desire. Additionally, she said:
“I am not looking for work; I don’t care. I’ve had my day in the sun and am very content.”
Her Happy Years With Burt and Their Separation
Angie had many great years with them despite the tragic death of her daughter and her separation from Burt Bacharach. Later, when questioned about her daughter, she disclosed:
“She was very smart and funny and wonderful. Yeah, so all my memories of her are my best memories.”
Interestingly, Angie was well-known in the business when she and Burt first started dating in 1965, whereas Bacharach was relatively unknown. The couple’s situation altered after he eventually wrote songs for Dionne Warwick and Butch Cassidy.
American singer and composer Burt Bacharach posed with his wife, actress Angie Dickinson in London in 1966. | Source: Getty Images
Angie had to take a second as his workload increased. She didn’t feel resentful, though, as she wished to be a good wife and mother. Before “Police Woman,” she turned down a few TV offers and frequently declined to take on roles if they were too far from home.
She worked out a regular schedule for that contract that had to finish at 6 p.m. so she could return home to her family. It didn’t, however, always turn out so well. To be a “supermom,” Angie had to exert herself.
So that they could dine on time, the actress had to stop at an Italian takeout joint on her way home. Bacharach reportedly warned her that she was then getting angry way too easily. Years later, Dickinson finally realized what he was getting at.
Composer Burt Bacharach Jr. (L) and his actress wife Angie Dickinson watched their daughter play the piano in 1974. | Source: Getty Images
She held herself responsible and believed that even the smallest error was a serious issue. Regrettably, that also harmed their union. Angie finally transformed years later, but it was too late for their family. Dickinson still questions whether it was worthwhile to be a working Hollywood mother and whether her husband would have appreciated her more if she had remained a housewife.
Men don’t have to think about that, so that’s a double standard, which is unfortunate. They may put in long hours and spend much time away from home. Dickinson battled with being a wife, a mother, and an actress.
That eventually resulted in a significant separation during which they were still legally married, but both saw other persons for five years. Finally, get a divorce and move on. But Dickinson always had images of him around the house. Because he was the parent of her daughter, he could never truly leave her life.
Angie Dickinson and Burt Bacharach during the 43rd Annual Academy Awards’ Governer’s Ball at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images
Her Happy Times With Nikki
Nikki adored music and played the drums, just like Burt. Angie respected her fortitude and self-reliance. Even though Nikki temporarily joined a religious cult when she was 14 years old, they were able to resolve their differences.
Nikki was likewise the polar antithesis of her mother. She didn’t put on makeup and told the actress that she would “never be as feminine” as her. Even so, their relationship was lovely, and Angie always wanted to be near her.
Because of “Pearl,” she moved Nikkie to Hawaii. However, they did run into a coral reef while swimming near Diamond Head after getting trapped in a riptide. The actress believed they would pass away at the moment.
Miscellaneous color shot of composer Burt Bacharach, wife Angie Dickinson, and daughter Lea Nikki, 2, on the grounds and around the swimming pool of their Hollywood home June 3, 1969. | Source: Getty Images
Fortunately, she managed to keep her daughter above water and eventually bring her to safety. She has had a scar on her leg ever since and continues to exist with it. Dickinson described the encounter as horrifying and said she would “never forget it.”
Sadly, Nikki struggled with many issues as a premature baby, including autism and vision difficulties. She and her mother occasionally engaged in bodily contact. But Angie recognized her irritation. Her daughter decided to commit suicide because of this. The performer remarked:
“She was a wonderful, wonderful gift.”
Actress Angie Dickenson (R) and her daughter Nikki Bacharach of Los Angeles sit in the parking lot of the Parkfield Inn, hoping to feel aftershocks on September 30, 2004, in Parkfield, California. | Source: Getty Images
Nikki once remarked that her father’s songs were like “going to heaven on a velvet slide” because Asperger’s syndrome sufferers are frequently extremely well-spoken. However, Angie had to leave the demanding schedules as Nikki’s requirements became more pressing. As she stated:
“It wasn’t a sacrifice. Would I have been out working? Yes, I would have been doing plays in Chicago if I hadn’t had a daughter who needed me. But I did. I didn’t have the gift of free time.”
When Nikki passed away, Angie was comforted by her friends, including Veronique Peck, Gregory Peck’s wife, who was acquainted with Tony Kushner. One of the playwright’s works about losing a member of his family provided comfort to the actress.
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