Angie Dickinson, a 91-year-old American actress, had a long and successful career in Hollywood that spanned several decades.
With her most famous part, the actress’ pioneering career in Hollywood inspired a generation of women to join the police force.
It’s time to learn about her current life as she is 91 years old. In addition to being an actress, Dickinson was also a wife and mother who ended her day at 6 o’clock to be home with her family for dinner.
American actress Angeline Dickinson, better known by her stage name Angie, had a long career in television. She began appearing in anthology series in the early 1950s and was eventually cast in “Gun the Man Down”. You may also be familiar with her work on the Golden Globe-winning film “Rio Bravo.”
As Dickinson remained active throughout the 1960s and 1970s, her best films include “Jessica,” “The Chase,” “The Outside Man,” “The Art of Love,” “The Killers,” ” Ocean’s 11″ (1964 original with Frank Sinatra playing Danny Ocean), “Pretty Maids All in a Row” and many more.
Her portrayal of Sgt. However, Pepper Anderson in “Police Woman” was her most important performance ever. She was the first female actress to take on the title character in a television drama. It was a huge hit and an entire generation of young women were motivated by her character to pursue careers in law enforcement.
According to the actress, it was “unique” to see a woman in uniform in the early 1970s. You have to remember that shows like “Law & Order” and “CSI” didn’t have all the amazing female characters of today.
But Dickinson showed that a woman could be as strong as needed for the role, and real-life women aspired to be like her. The actress discussed her involvement and how much people love crime episodes in the PBS documentary “Pioneers of Television.”
However, Angie never considered herself a “feminist”. She had never competed against men and thought the movement was born out of a desire to be competitive. The actress discussed how she has maintained her strength while balancing her femininity, even though these points may be debatable. According to Dickinson, “When I auditioned for the role, I wasn’t competing against men; it was a role for a woman.”
Dickinson simply noted that she was “pleased” with the income she was offered for some projects when asked about the gender pay gap that traditionally exists in entertainment and many other professions. But that was another era.
Dickinson added that “Police Woman” failed to offer viewers more. According to the actress, the show was “too clean.” She doesn’t like how each episode ended flawlessly and how little violence there was retroactive.
Dickinson wasn’t afraid of blood, gore, or pushing boundaries, as she intended to demonstrate more negative outcomes for evil people. He feels that modern TV shows with these stories, such as “Southland” and “Detroit 1-8-7,” work better.
When the program was at its peak, Dickinson received many messages from fans who told her that she inspired their desire to work as police officers. Angie was not only a role model for future female police officers. She served as a role model for Hollywood actors.
Dickinson put forth more effort than younger actresses of the time, despite being over 40 when “Police Woman” was released. She was also attractive throughout her life, even as she got older.
She was a friend of the Rat Pack because she always piqued people’s interest. She reportedly had a 10-year relationship with Frank Sinatra after they collaborated on “Ocean’s 11.” She may also have been romantically involved with Dean Martin and former President John F. Kennedy, according to rumors.
You may remember her unforgettable cameo in George Clooney’s 2001 film “Ocean’s 11”. She is still considered a legend among Hollywood actors because of this.
Unfortunately, Dickinson regrets several aspects of her most prominent role. She appeared on the “CBS Sunday Morning Show” in 2020 and was interviewed about her experience with “Police Woman”. Angie initially wanted to “kick out” when she was offered the role.
The actress called it a “terrible undertaking”. Back then, it was exhausting to do 20 or 21 episodes a season. The actress promised the showrunners that she would support them for four years, but not anymore.
The actress said that she worked for four years, but was not paid enough, and now she began to regret it. It “drained” years of Angie’s life, she claimed, and “it wasn’t worth it.”
Dickinson responded that David Gerber told her she could be a celebrity in the household when asked why she accepted. The actress wished for it at the moment, but circumstances change as people gain insight.
The 91-year-old actress had a daughter and was married.
Angie Dickinson had two marriages. Gene Dickinson was her first husband and they were together from 1952 to 1960. Moving on to Burt Bacharach, the actress. She was married to the renowned composer from 1965 to 1981. Moreover, it was Bacharach’s second union.
They welcomed Nikki, their daughter, who was their first child. Unfortunately, it came in 1966 almost three months early. After some time, Bacharach revealed that Nikki had Asperger’s syndrome, a type of autism often referred to as “high-functioning autism”.
Nikki majored in geology at Cal Lutheran University but was unable to work due to poor eyesight. She spent ten years in a rehab facility after her parents forced her to take him there.
In 2007, she tragically committed suicide in her Thousand Oaks apartment and died. Nikki was 40 years old. According to a released statement, she did it to “escape the fury” of her psyche.
Burt Bacharach sadly passed away on February 8, 2023, at the age of 94. Nikki was the only child born to Angie; the composer has four children. For various reasons, including the composer’s adultery, they were no longer together.
Burt admitted in his autobiography that he cheated on the actress. Angie once admitted that he never loved her the way most people do. His special love for individuals was not the best. That’s why he didn’t show me any respect. When asked if she loved him, she said yes.
Dickinson hardly leaves her house these days. They spend their golden years quietly and out of the limelight. However, only a few times since she has been spotted, the paparazzi have managed to photograph a healthy, balanced woman.
That’s impressive considering her age.
Just a few years before she turned 90, some photographers spotted her getting the mail outside her house. Angie last appeared in ‘Elvis Left the Building’ in 2004, while her last television appearance was in ‘Mending Fences’ in 2009.
Since then, she has appeared in news and documentaries, including “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” a PBS film about Sammy Davis, Jr. At the age of 79, the actress said several years ago that she was “lucky”. addition:
“So many wonderful things happened to me at the perfect time. I dated some big stars that I met and I’ve stayed friends with many of them. It’s been a beautiful life. It’s still there.”
Since her last job was in 2009, when the actress was asked to retire, she said she didn’t want any “grandma roles”. She said it was better to be at home. Among other things, Dickinson thought about acting in theater or a one-woman show.
However, traveling can be difficult for a woman because it takes a lot of effort to “look good”. Plus, it would be extremely difficult to make movies if you didn’t like it. She said: “Even at my age, I still suffer from glamour-girl syndrome: You know, she’s got great legs, but she can’t act.” to the Daily News of Los Angeles.
In 2008, she sat next to Clint Eastwood at an event in Beverly Hills, and he laughed about how in his advanced age makeup professionals no longer entertain him. Dickinson once informed him that after wearing cosmetics and stylists for a while, you start to feel naked without them. “You become obsessed with your appearance,” she continued. I’m done if the elevator doesn’t have a mirror. No matter who you are, everything changes once you reach the age of 50.
The actress was known for being honest and a bit mischievous. But she was mysterious. She claimed that the reason why publishers are not interested in the book is probably because she has never shared too many intimate facts. But I won’t tell the whole truth, you know, Angie? I’m just not that. One day, if I have the energy, I might do a one-woman show.
Currently, she seems to be living a quiet life in a stunning home in Beverly Hills. Growing up in a neighborhood full of famous people, LA Magazine writer Alexandra Becket revealed in an interview that she babysat Dickinson’s cats. Angie has been described as “the nicest neighbor I could ask for.”
The actress said: “Oh my god, that’s one lucky b***h,” when asked if she would be critical of her work and life. The actress adores her home and notes how beautiful Beverly Hills, Rocca looks in the distance.
Angie said she didn’t feel her age at 79. She likes to ride her bike and walk around the neighborhood. However, she noted that she no longer felt seductive. For her, the definition of sex has evolved significantly over time.
Plus, she never felt envious of the recurring roles of Betty White, who worked until her death in 2021, and always hated being compared to her. Dickinson showed no enthusiasm. I’m not looking for a job; I don’t care, she continued. After a day in the sun, I feel really satisfied.
Her glory years with Burt and their divorce
Angie spent many happy years with Burt Bacharach despite the heartbreaking death of her daughter and their separation. When asked about her later, she described her child as “very smart, funny, and amazing.” Yes, all my memories of her are among my favorite.
It’s interesting to note that when Angie and Burt started dating in 1965, she was well-known in the music business, while Bacharach was still relatively unknown. He eventually composed songs for Butch Cassidy and Dionne Warwick, which led to a transformation in their relationship.
Angie had to take a back seat when he was busier. However, she did not get angry because she wanted to be a decent wife and mother. She often turned down opportunities if they were too far from home, and turned down several TV projects before “Police Woman.”
She agreed to a strict schedule for this contract, which had to be completed at 6 o’clock to return home to her family. But it didn’t always turn out well. Angie has to work hard to be a “supermom.”
For them to eat in time, the actress had to stop at an Italian takeaway on the way home. Bacharach allegedly advised her that she would then get angry too easily. Years later, Dickinson finally realized what he was getting at.
Every little mistake was a big deal in her opinion and she held herself responsible. Unfortunately, it also damaged their marriage. Angie had changed over the years, but it was too late for their family. Dickinson still wonders if being a working mom in Hollywood was worth it and if her husband would love her more if she stayed home with the kids.
Men don’t have to worry about that, so unfortunately there is a double standard. They may spend long hours in the office or on the go all the time. Dickinson struggled with motherhood, marriage, and acting.
They eventually experienced a significant separation during which they both had relationships for five years while legally married. They eventually divorced and moved on. However, Dickinson always had his paintings in her home. He could never completely disappear from her life, after all, he was the father of her daughter.
Her famous moments with Nikki
Nikki played the drums and shared Burt’s love of music. She was strong and independent, which Angie admired. They had a few problems, especially after Nikki briefly joined a religious cult at the age of 14, but they were able to work them out.
Nikki was also the complete opposite of her mother. She told her she’ll “never be as feminine” as an actress because she doesn’t wear makeup. Still, they had a beautiful bond and Angie always wanted to be around.
She did it to bring Nikki to Hawaii for “Pearl”. However, while swimming near Diamond Head, they were swept away by a wave and hit a coral reef. At first, the actress believed that they would perish.
She successfully brought her daughter to safety by keeping her afloat. Since then, she has been left with a scar on her leg. Dickinson described the event as horrific and vowed to “never forget it”.
Unfortunately, as a premature baby, Nikki struggled with many challenges, including autism and vision impairment. Sometimes she hit her mother. But Angie could tell her irritation. Her daughter decided to kill herself as a result. The actor noted:
She was a very valuable gift.
People with Asperger syndrome are often extremely articulate and Nikki once compared her father’s songs to “going to heaven on a velvet slide”. Angie had to take a break from her hectic schedule as Nikki’s demands grew. She specified:
No sacrifice was made. Would I work outside? Yeah, if my kid didn’t require me, I’d be playing in Chicago or something. Even though I did. I missed the gift of free time.
When Nikki died, Angie was comforted by her friends, including Veronique Peck, wife of Gregory Peck, who knew Tony Kushner. The actress was comforted by one of the dramatic pieces about the loss of a member of his family.