Angeline Dickinson, widely recognized as Angie, is a celebrated American thespian, and her tenure in the realm of television endured for numerous eras. In the initial phase of the 1950s, she commenced her craft on a collection of assorted television series before securing a role in the production titled “Gun the Man Down.” It is plausible that you might also recollect her from the esteemed cinematic gem “Rio Bravo,” which garnered the prestigious accolade of a Golden Globe.
Dickinson remained exceedingly occupied throughout the 1960s and 1970s, gracing the silver screen with her presence in numerous cinematic endeavors such as “Jessica,” “The Chase,” “The Outside Man,” “The Art of Love,” “The Killers,” “Ocean’s 11” (the 1964 rendition starring Frank Sinatra as the charismatic Danny Ocean), “Pretty Maids All in a Row,” and a myriad of others.
Nevertheless, her most remarkable and enduring portrayal to date was as Sgt. Pepper Anderson in the gripping series “Police Woman.” She broke new ground by being the pioneering woman to embody the central character in a television drama. The series attained resounding triumph, and her compelling persona served as an inspiration for an entire generation of aspiring female police officers.
During the formative years of the 1970s, witnessing a woman clad in a uniform was considered quite “unusual,” as indicated by the talented actress. It’s crucial to acknowledge that contemporary shows like “Law & Order” and “CSI” did not possess the array of remarkable female characters that grace our screens today.
Nevertheless, Dickinson showcased that a woman could possess the audacity necessary for such a role, and her portrayal became an emblem for real-life women who aspired to emulate her. Within the enlightening PBS series titled “Pioneers of Television,” the actress engaged in a discourse about her iconic character and the audience’s captivation with crime dramas.
Surprisingly, Angie never classified herself as a “feminist.” She never viewed her endeavors as a competition against males, perceiving the feminist movement as a product of a competitive spirit. Though this perspective might raise some eyebrows, the actress delineated how she masterfully maintained a harmonious equilibrium between her femininity and her unwavering strength.
When questioned about the persistent wage disparity between men and women in the entertainment industry and various other domains, Dickinson expressed her contentment with the remuneration she received for certain projects, considering the dissimilar era in which she operated.
Furthermore, the actress conveyed her belief that “Police Woman” failed to explore its full potential. She felt that the show maintained an excessively pristine image, lacking the grittiness she desired. In hindsight, she holds disdain for the neatly tied-up conclusions and the absence of violence in every episode.
Dickinson fearlessly embraced the realm of gore, bloodshed, and pushing boundaries, driven by her desire to portray more adverse consequences for the wrongdoers. In her perspective, contemporary series like “Southland” and “Detroit 1-8-7” employ such narratives with greater effectiveness, embracing the darker aspects of human nature.
During the zenith of the show’s acclaim, Dickinson received numerous emails from admirers who, inspired by her portrayal, harbored aspirations of becoming police officers. Angie’s influence transcended the realm of future female law enforcement professionals, extending to actresses within the confines of Hollywood itself, as she became an exemplar of success and inspiration.
While filming “Police Woman,” Dickinson found herself on the cusp of her 40s, yet she exhibited an unwavering dedication that surpassed the efforts of younger actors from that era. Furthermore, her timeless allure remained undiminished as the years gracefully etched themselves upon her.
Her irresistible charm continually entranced others, leading to her association with the illustrious Rat Pack. Rumor has it that she indulged in a decade-long romance with none other than Frank Sinatra himself, ignited during their collaboration in the cinematic gem “Ocean’s 11.” Whispers of her romantic involvements with luminaries like Dean Martin and the esteemed former president John F. Kennedy have also permeated the gossip mills.
One cannot forget her iconic presence in the cinematic masterpiece “Ocean’s 11” (2001), where she left an indelible mark alongside the charismatic George Clooney. It is through this role that she solidified her status as a true legend among the pantheon of Hollywood actors, earning the admiration and reverence of her peers.
Sadly, Dickinson harbors some regrets regarding her most notable role. In a 2020 interview, she candidly discussed her experience on “Police Woman.” Initially, when the role was offered to her, she confessed feeling a nauseating sensation, a visceral reaction to the opportunity presented.
As per the actress, the entire endeavor proved to be an overwhelmingly daunting experience. During that era, each season encompassed a staggering 20 or 21 episodes, demanding an exhausting commitment. Recognizing the toll it would take, she informed the show’s producers that she would only dedicate herself to the role for a span of four years.
True to her word, Dickinson persevered for the agreed-upon duration, yet she now reveals feeling undervalued and inadequately compensated for her efforts. She laments that the experience consumed valuable years of her life, ultimately concluding that it was an endeavor that failed to justify the sacrifices made.
When asked about her decision to take on the role, Dickinson revealed that David Gerber, the producer, had promised her that it could potentially propel her into the realm of household fame. At that particular juncture in her life, it was a desire she ardently pursued. However, as time passes and individuals gain new perspectives, priorities tend to shift.
Angie Dickinson experienced the institution of marriage twice. Her first spouse was Gene Dickinson, and their marital bond endured from 1952 until 1960. Subsequently, the actress entered a relationship with the renowned composer Burt Bacharach, and their partnership spanned from 1965 to 1981. Notably, this marked Bacharach’s second marriage.
Within their union, they joyfully welcomed their daughter, Nikki, who arrived prematurely in 1966, approximately three months earlier than anticipated. In later years, Bacharach disclosed that Nikki had been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism often referred to as “high-functioning autism.”
Nikki pursued her academic journey in the field of geology at Cal Lutheran University. However, her dreams of pursuing a professional career were hindered by her impaired vision. Sadly, her parents were compelled to make the difficult decision of admitting her to a treatment facility, where she resided for a decade.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Nikki took her own life at her residence in Thousand Oaks in 2007, having reached the age of 40. The official statement declared that she sought to liberate herself from the torment that plagued her mind. The devastating loss left a profound impact on those who knew and loved her.
On February 8, 2023, Burt Bacharach, the gifted composer, departed this world at the age of 94. While Bacharach had the joy of being a parent to four children, it is noteworthy that Angie Dickinson, his former partner, bore him only one child. The bond they once shared had dissolved over time due to various factors, including the painful presence of the composer’s infidelity.
In his memoirs, Burt candidly confessed to engaging in an affair with the actress, an admission that shed light on their complex relationship. Angie, on her part, once shared that she never experienced a conventional form of love from him. His manner of expressing affection was far from exemplary, displaying a lack of regard for her well-being. When asked if she loved him, she reluctantly acknowledged her feelings, despite the tumultuous nature of their connection.
In present times, Dickinson prefers the solace of her abode, seldom venturing into the public eye. As glimpses of her have been rare, the paparazzi managed to capture images of a poised and vibrant lady, showcasing remarkable health and composure that defy her age.
Just a few years shy of her 90th birthday, cameras caught sight of her while collecting her mail in front of her residence. Her final film role came in 2004’s “Elvis Has Left the Building,” while her ultimate appearance on television took place in 2009’s “Mending Fences.” These projects marked the conclusion of her illustrious career in the respective realms of film and television.
Subsequently, she has made notable appearances in a variety of documentaries and news features, prominently including her involvement in the PBS documentary titled “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” which explored the life and legacy of the iconic Sammy Davis, Jr. Reflecting on her journey, a few years back when she was 79, the actress humbly expressed a profound sense of gratitude, deeming herself truly fortunate.
When the subject of retirement arose, given that her last professional engagement dated back to 2009, Angie Dickinson made it clear that she had no interest in accepting grandmotherly roles. Instead, she expressed a preference for the comforts of home. However, Dickinson did explore alternative avenues, such as considering opportunities in theater and contemplating the prospect of a captivating one-woman show.
Nevertheless, for women, embarking on travels can pose challenges due to the significant effort required to maintain a beautiful appearance. Similarly, venturing into the realm of filmmaking demands intricate complexities that make it essential to pursue endeavors one genuinely loves.
During a Beverly Hills event in 2008, Angie found herself seated beside Clint Eastwood, who humorously remarked on how makeup artists no longer fretted over his appearance. In response, Dickinson shared an intriguing insight, stating that the experience of consistently being adorned with makeup and attended to by stylists becomes so ingrained that it can leave one feeling exposed and vulnerable without it.
Renowned for her candid and subtly mischievous demeanor, the actress possesses a reputation for speaking her mind openly. Furthermore, she carries an air of mystery that has intrigued many. Dickinson attributed the lack of personal divulgence as a probable reason why publishers failed to express interest in her memoir.
Presently, her life exudes a tranquil ambiance as she resides in her delightful abode nestled within the exquisite confines of Beverly Hills. Alexandra Becket, a writer for LA Magazine, shared her personal connection with Dickinson, having grown up in a neighborhood adorned with prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Becket affectionately referred to Angie as the epitome of a kind and gracious neighbor, a presence that she cherishes immensely.
At the ripe age of 79, Angie expressed a sense of detachment from the numerical representation of her years. She finds delight in partaking in invigorating walks and cycling escapades around her neighborhood. However, she candidly confessed that the allure of seductiveness, as she once perceived it, no longer resonates within her being. The concept of seduction has undergone a profound transformation for her over the course of time, evolving in ways that surpass the surface-level allure of yesteryears.
Furthermore, she harbored a deep aversion to any comparisons drawn between herself and the late Betty White, who continued working until her passing in 2021. Angie never felt envious of the recurring roles that White embraced throughout her illustrious career, exhibiting a genuine disinterest in pursuing a similar path.
Despite the heart-wrenching tragedies of losing her daughter and enduring the dissolution of her marriage with Burt Bacharach, Angie experienced many cherished years alongside them, filled with precious moments and profound connections.
When Angie and Burt initially crossed paths in 1965, she had already established herself as a well-known figure in the industry, while Bacharach’s name remained relatively unknown. As time unfolded, his composition talents flourished, eventually leading him to create remarkable songs for renowned artists such as Dionne Warwick and soundtracks like “Butch Cassidy,” transforming the dynamics of their relationship in unforeseen ways.
As her husband’s career flourished, Angie found herself taking a more secondary role, prioritizing her responsibilities as a devoted mother and wife. Despite the demands placed on her time, she harbored no resentment, as her heartfelt desire was to fulfill her familial duties with excellence. Consequently, she often declined roles that required significant distance from her home, even turning down several television projects prior to her iconic role in “Police Woman.” When negotiating her contract for the show, she insisted on a structured schedule that concluded by 6 p.m., enabling her to return home to her family. However, achieving this balance was not always smooth sailing, and Angie was often required to assume the role of a “supermom” juggling multiple responsibilities.
During her commute back home, the actress would make a stop to pick up Italian takeout to ensure that dinner was served on time. It was reported that Bacharach expressed his frustration with her during those moments. It was not until many years later that Dickinson truly grasped the meaning behind his words, leading to a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced as a couple.
Every minor mistake she made felt magnified, leading her to harshly chastise herself, and unfortunately, this self-imposed criticism took a toll on their marriage. After many years had passed, Angie underwent a transformation, but it proved to be too late to salvage their family dynamics. Even now, Dickinson contemplates whether her pursuit of a career as a working mother in the realm of Hollywood was truly worthwhile, pondering whether her husband might have held her in higher regard had she embraced the role of a traditional housewife.
Regrettably, a double standard exists, as men are not subjected to the same expectations. They can devote themselves entirely to their work, often absent from home for prolonged periods. Angie faced the arduous challenge of balancing the roles of a mother, wife, and actress, which took an immense toll on her.
Ultimately, their struggles culminated in a significant separation, during which both parties began dating other individuals while remaining legally married for a period of five years. Eventually, they made the difficult decision to divorce and move forward separately. Nevertheless, Dickinson chose to keep photographs of him prominently displayed in her home, as he would forever remain the father of their child, never fully vanishing from her life.
Nikki possessed a deep affinity for music, sharing her father Burt’s passion, and showcasing her talent on the drums. Angie held great admiration for her daughter’s strength and independence. Although they experienced occasional disagreements, particularly when Nikki briefly joined a religious cult at the tender age of 14, they managed to work through their differences.
Interestingly, Nikki held contrasting views from her mother. She boldly expressed that she would never be as feminine as the actress, as she chose not to indulge in cosmetics. Despite this divergence, their relationship remained beautiful, with Angie cherishing the desire to keep her daughter close.
During the filming of “Pearl,” Angie made sure to bring Nikki along to Hawaii. However, while swimming at Diamond Head, an unexpected riptide engulfed them, thrusting them towards a treacherous coral reef. In that terrifying moment, the actress believed that their lives were hanging in the balance, facing the possibility of imminent death
Thankfully, Angie displayed remarkable strength and was able to keep her daughter afloat, ensuring their eventual safety. However, the ordeal left its mark, leaving a lasting scar on her leg. The memory of that dreadful event etched deeply into Dickinson’s mind, a memory she vowed never to forget.
Nikki, being born prematurely, faced numerous challenges throughout her life, including vision impairments and autism. At times, her frustration manifested in physical outbursts directed at her mother. Yet, Angie possessed a deep understanding of her daughter’s emotions, recognizing the underlying anger. Tragically, Nikki ultimately chose to end her own life. Despite the profound sadness it brought, the actress expressed that her daughter was an extraordinary and beautiful gift that she will forever cherish.
Nikki once eloquently likened her father’s songs to a heavenly experience, describing them as a journey to paradise on a smooth velvet slide. It served as a poignant metaphor for highlighting the remarkable communication skills displayed by individuals with Asperger’s syndrome. However, as Nikki’s needs grew more complex and demanding, Angie had to reluctantly let go of her strict routines and structured approach to caregiving.
Following Nikki’s departure, Angie discovered solace and companionship among her friends, with a special mention to Veronique, the wife of Gregory Peck. Veronique happened to have a connection with Tony Kushner, a renowned playwright. In an unexpected turn of events, Angie found comfort and a sense of healing in one of Kushner’s plays, which beautifully depicted the experience of losing a loved one within his own family.