Because of her most well-known role, the actress’s pioneering career in Hollywood encouraged a generation of women to join the police force.
She’s 91 years old, so we should probably find out what she’s up to now.
As a wife and mother, Dickinson’s day ended at 6 p.m. so she could prepare dinner for her family.
Angeline Dickinson, better known by her stage name Angie, is an American actress whose career on television spanned several decades. Her stage name best knows as Angie. In the 1950s, she began her career by participating in some anthology programs before earning a part in the film “Gun the Man Down.” Her role in the film “Rio Bravo,” for which she won a Golden Globe, may also be familiar to you.
The films “Jessica,” “The Chase,” “The Outside Man,” “The Art of Love,” “The Killers,” “Ocean’s 11” (the original from 1964, in which Frank Sinatra played Danny Ocean), “Pretty Maids All in a Row,” and many others are considered to be some of Dickinson’s crowning achievements. Dickinson was active in the film industry throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
American actress Angie Dickinson, circa 1964. | Source: Getty Images
Moreover, her portrayal of Sgt. Pepper Anderson, in the film “Police Woman,” is often considered the pinnacle of her career. She broke new ground by becoming the first woman to star in the lead role of a drama series. It was an overwhelming success, and her participation in the show is believed to have inspired a generation of women to seek a job in law enforcement.
According to the actress, seeing a woman dressed in a uniform in the early 1970s was considered “unique.” Remember that classic crime dramas like “Law & Order” and “CSI” did not include nearly as many strong female characters as they do now.
Yet, Dickinson showed that a woman could be capable of acting the part; after seeing her portrayal, real-life women wanted to have the same level of confidence as her character. The actress was featured in the PBS series “Pioneers of Television,” in which she discussed her role in the show and the audience’s love for crime shows.
Angie Dickinson, as Sgt. Suzanne ‘Pepper’ Anderson in Season 1 of “Police Woman.” | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, Angie never believed herself to be a “feminist.” Even though she never competed against men, she thought the competitive drive initially started the movement. The actress outlined her methods to balance her inherent femininity and the independent woman she has always been. Dickinson added
“When I was up for a role, I didn’t compete with men; it was a role for a woman.”
Dickinson only responded by stating that she was “content” with the salary that she was offered for some of the projects when she was asked about the pay gap that has always existed between men and women in the entertainment industry as well as in many other industries. On the other side, that happened at a different period.
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 also stated that the show “Police Woman” could not display more because of time constraints. The actress voiced her disappointment because the program was “too clean.” As she thinks about it now, she doesn’t like how each episode ended well or how there was little violence.
Because she wanted to show more consequences for the bad guys, it is apparent that Dickinson was not afraid of gore, blood, or pushing the limits in any way. She believes modern television programs, such as “Southland” and “Detroit 1-8-7,” tackle those kinds of stories better.
During the height of the movie’s success, Dickinson got a lot of emails from fans who told the actress that she inspired them to pursue a career in law enforcement. Angie was more than simply a role model for women who would become police officers. She was a pillar of excellence for actresses in Hollywood.
Angie Dickinson, as Sgt. Suzanne ‘Pepper’ Anderson in Season 1 of “Police Woman.” | Source: Getty Images
While filming “Police Woman,” Dickinson was already over 40 years old, yet she put in more effort than younger actresses. In addition to this, she retained her attractive look well into her later years.
She was always intriguing to all around her, which is why the Rat Pack regarded her as one of its own. After starring beside him in “Ocean’s 11,” it is claimed that she embarked on an affair with Frank Sinatra that lasted for ten years. It has also been claimed that she was romantically linked with Dean Martin and John F. Kennedy before he was elected president.
You may recall her memorable cameo appearance in the movie “Ocean’s 11” from 2001, which starred George Clooney. Because of this, she is still considered a legend in the world of 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 things she could alter about her most famous job. During her trip on the “CBS Sunday Morning Show” in 2020, she was asked about her time spent on the show “Police Woman.” When Angie was first told she had been cast in the role, her initial reaction was to “throw up.”
In one of her talks, the actress referred to it as a “horrendous undertaking.” in one of her talks. Back then, they were filming 20 or 21 episodes for each season, which was draining for everybody involved. The actress promised the show’s producers that she would remain committed to the part for four years but for no more.
The actress stated that she did the work for four years but was not paid very well, and now she hates having already done it. Angie said that she lost years of her life due to it and that the event “wasn’t worth it.”
Angie Dickison on CBS’s Sunday Morning Show in 2020. | Source: youtube.com/CBS Sunday Morning
When asked why she chose the position, Dickinson replied that David Gerber had told her it could make her a household name. At the time, the actress had the urge for it, but things change as people mature and gain new perspectives.
The Actress, Now 91, Got Married and Had a Daughter
Angie Dickinson was married twice. Her first marriage was to Gene Dickinson, lasting from 1952 until 1960. Gene Dickinson was her first husband. The actress maintained her career by working with Burt Bacharach. Between 1965 and 1981, she was in a relationship with the legendary composer. Also, this was Bacharach’s second marriage.
They were delighted to become parents for the first time to their beautiful daughter, Nikki. Unfortunately, she was born prematurely in 1966, almost three months ahead of schedule. When some years passed, Bacharach revealed that Nikki had Asperger’s syndrome, a kind of autism that is sometimes referred to as “high-functioning autism.”
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 was a geology major at Cal Lutheran University but could not pursue a job because of her poor eyesight. Sadly, at some point, her parents were forced to take her to a treatment center, where she stayed a patient for ten years.
She died by suicide at her Thousand Oaks condo in 2007, which was a sad reason for her death. Nikki had just turned 40.In the publicly disclosed statement, she said that she did it to “escape the ravages” that would take place in her mind.
Burt Bacharach, who was 94 years old at the time of his death on February 8, 2023, sadly passed away. Nikki was Angie’s sole child; the composer had four other children. They had broken up for various reasons, including the composer’s relationship, and they were no longer together.
Composer Burt Bacharach and 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 revealed in his autobiography that he slept with the actress and another woman. Angie once admitted that he hadn’t loved her in the way that most people do. He unusually loved people, but it was not the best possible way. “So, he had no respect for me.” She answered “yes” when asked whether she loved him.
These days, Dickinson does not travel far from her home very often. She has retired gently and out of the public spotlight and is enjoying every moment. On the other hand, the paparazzi have caught a photo of a calm and fully dressed woman on the few occasions she has been seen. That’s remarkable for her age.
Before she turned 90 a few years ago, some photographers caught her going out to the mail and picking up her mail right in front of her home. Her last role in a film was “Elvis Has Left the Building,” which was broadcast in 2004, although Angie was most recently seen on television in “Mending Fences,” which premiered in 2009.
Angie Dickinson is wearing a black beaded formal; circa 1970, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Since then, she has appeared in some documentaries and newscasts, including the PBS documentary “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” which is about Sammy Davis, Jr. Some years ago, when she was 79 years old, the actress referred to herself as “lucky,” adding:
“I came along at the right time for so many great things. I met some great stars and stayed friends with many and lovers with some. It was a fantastic life. And it still is.”
Angie said she did not want any “grandmother parts” when questioned about retirement, which was reasonable because her most recent role was in 2009. According to what she said, being at home is preferable. Dickinson considered pursuing various things, like acting or putting on a one-woman show.
Angie Dickison on CBS’s Sunday Morning Show in 2020. | Source: youtube.com/CBS Sunday Morning
Yet, because of all that needs to be done “to look good.”” traveling can be difficult for women. Furthermore, it isn’t easy to devote time to something one does not enjoy.In an interview with the Daily News of Los Angeles, the actress said:
“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
In 2008, she attended an event in Beverly Hills, where she sat next to Clint Eastwood. When they were together, he laughed at the fact that makeup artists no longer fussed over him due to his older years. Dickinson had revealed to him at the time that she felt exposed and incomplete without her makeup and stylists since she had become accustomed to wearing them. She went on to say that.
“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, wife, and 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 forthright in her speech and having a saucy side to her personality. She had a mystery about her about her. She did not reveal an excess amount of personal stuff and stated that this was probably why publishers were not interested in a book. Angie said:
“But I won’t do warts-and-all, you know? That’s not my nature. If I get the energy one day, maybe I’ll go out and do a one-woman show.”
Her life appeared to have settled down into a gorgeous home in Beverly Hills at this point. It was disclosed by Alexandra Becket, an author for LA Magazine, that she had been Dickinson’s cat sitter because she had grown up in a neighborhood filled with important personalities. She called Angie “the sweetest neighbor I could ask for,” according to her.
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
When asked to assess the other female’s personal and professional lives, the actress replied, “Oh my God, that’s one lucky b***h.” when asked to assess the other female’s personal and professional lives. The actress spills about how much she adores her home and adds that the view of Beverly Hills, Rocca is beautiful.
Angie, who was 79 then, claimed she did not feel her age. Her favorite things to do in the area are to walk and riding her bike. On the other hand, she stated that she did not feel sexy any more. Her idea of what defines sexy has greatly evolved over the years.
In addition, she hated being compared to the late Betty White, who kept acting up until she died in 2021, and she was never jealous of the regular jobs that she was given. Dickinson showed interest in the matter. She continued by saying,
“I am not looking for work; I don’t care. “I’ve had my day in the sun and am very content.”
Twitter/Ben Mankiewicz
The Wonderful Years She Spent With Burt, and Their Sad Breakup
Angie enjoyed many beautiful years with her daughter and Burt Bacharach until their tragic deaths. Later, when questioned about her daughter, she said:
“She was very smart and funny and wonderful. Yeah, so all my memories of her are my best memories.”
It’s interesting to note that in 1965, when Angie and Burt got involved, she was well-known in the industry while Bacharach was still a non entity. After some time, he wrote songs for Dionne Warwick and Butch Cassidy, significantly changing their relationship.
American singer and composer Burt Bacharach posed with his wife, actress Angie Dickinson in London in 1966. | Source: Getty Images
Angie had to become less of a priority for him as his work grew. The fact that she wanted to be a good mother and wife stopped her from holding any emotions of resentment. She often turned down jobs if they were placed too far away from her home, and she rejected a few TV series before deciding to star in “Police Woman.”
She negotiated a stable schedule for that contract, and it had to stop at six o’clock in the evening so that she could go home to be with her family. Yet, there were times when things did not go as intended. To fulfill her role as “supermom,” Angie had to give it her all.
The actress needed to stop home and pick up some Italian takeout so they wouldn’t be late for dinner. Bacharach reportedly warned her that she expressed her emotions far too frequently around that time. It wasn’t until many years later that Dickinson understood what he had meant.
Composer Burt Bacharach Jr. (L) and his actress wife Angie Dickinson watching their daughter play the piano in 1974. | Source: Getty Images
She blamed herself for every little hiccup, even though she knew it wasn’t a big deal. Sadly, that wasn’t good for their marriage as, well. Angie ultimately made a change, but it was too late for their family. Dickinson isn’t sure whether or not it was worth it for her to be a working mom in Hollywood or whether or not her husband could have loved her more if she had just been a housewife.
Regrettably, this represents a double standard considering that men do not face the same challenge. They can exert tremendous effort while being absent from their homes.Dickinson struggled to combine her mother, wife, and actor roles.
Finally, this led to a significant separation between them, during which time they saw other people while still legally being married for five years. They got a divorce and are now moving on with their lives. Despite this, Dickinson never failed to display pictures of her husband around her house. Considering that he was the father of her daughter, it was difficult for him to depart from her life.
Angie Dickinson and Burt Bacharach during 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 has the same passion for music as Burt and used to play the drums. Angie liked her courage and her ability to be autonomous. They had some disputes, especially concerning Nikki’s brief participation in a religious cult when she was 14, but they resolved their problems.
In addition, Nikki was the total opposite of her mother in every way. Because she didn’t use makeup, the actress said she would “never be as feminine” as she was. Yet, they shared a great connection, and Angie made sure to keep her close at all times.
Because of this, she decided to film “Pearl” in Hawaii with Nikkie. They were swimming at Diamond Head while trapped in a riptide and carried against a coral reef. Both of them were wounded. During that period, the actress was under the assumption that they would die.
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
She could keep her daughter above water and get her to safety due to her effort. After that, she had to live with a scar on her leg. Dickinson stated that the event was a terrifying experience and that she will “never forget it.”
Nikki was born early, so she struggled with various health issues, notably autism and vision problems. She would sometimes engage in physical scuffles with her mother. Yet Angie understood her anger. It was the driving force behind her daughter’s decision to take her own life. The actress has this to say:
“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 Parkfield, California. | Source: Getty Images
Nikki once praised her father’s songs as also being similar to “going to heaven on a velvet slide,” which is a common trait among people who have Asperger’s syndrome and are also very articulate. Yet as Nikki’s requirements got more demanding, Angie was forced to step back from her exhausting schedule. She went on to explain:
“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.”
After Nikki passed away, Angie went to her friends for consolation. Among them was Veronique Peck, the widow of Gregory Peck, who was familiar with Tony Kushner. The playwright’s writings on the death of one of his family members gave the actress much-needed consolation.
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