Angie Dickinson was a celebrated American actress, known for her striking performances in both television and film. Over the years, she earned awards for her remarkable roles, becoming one of Hollywood’s most adored stars. However, today, at 92 years old, much of the glitz and glamour from her acting career has faded. Read on to discover what her life looks like now.

             

Born Angeline Dickinson, Angie first gained recognition in the 1950s with roles in anthology shows. Her breakthrough came in the 1956 film Gun the Man Down, but her performance in Rio Bravo solidified her as a household name, earning her a Golden Globe. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she appeared in a variety of movies, including The Chase, The Killers, Ocean’s 11 (1964), and Pretty Maids All in a Row. However, it was her groundbreaking role as Sergeant Pepper Anderson in the TV series Police Woman that defined her career. The show, which made her the first woman to lead a television crime series, was a massive hit. At a time when female roles in law enforcement were rare, Angie’s portrayal of a tough, professional cop empowered many women to pursue careers in the police force.

In interviews, Angie spoke about how the role was seen as unique, and how she never viewed herself as a feminist, despite the impact her character had on women’s roles in society. She mentioned that she didn’t compete with men for roles but was focused on landing parts that were meant for women. Despite the success of Police Woman, Angie admitted that the show’s portrayal of crime was often too sanitized for her taste. She felt that it lacked the real consequences that could have made it more compelling, much like today’s grittier shows such as Southland or Detroit 1-8-7.

At the height of her fame, Angie became associated with some of the most iconic figures in Hollywood, including the Rat Pack. It was widely rumored that she had a ten-year affair with Frank Sinatra, and she was also linked to Dean Martin and even former President John F. Kennedy. Despite these high-profile relationships, Angie remained an enigmatic figure. She made a memorable cameo in the 2001 remake of Ocean’s 11, alongside George Clooney, further cementing her status as a Hollywood legend.

In 2020, during an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Angie shared that when she first agreed to take on the role in Police Woman, she was filled with dread. She described the show’s demanding schedule, with 20 to 21 episodes each season, as grueling. While it launched her into stardom, she confessed that the exhausting work eventually took its toll, leaving her with years of emotional and physical strain.

Angie’s personal life also had its ups and downs. She married Gene Dickinson in 1952, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1960. Later, she married famed composer Burt Bacharach in 1965. The couple had a daughter, Nikki, who was born prematurely in 1966. Nikki was later diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a condition on the autism spectrum. Tragically, Nikki’s eyesight worsened over time, and despite her talent as a musician, she struggled with many health challenges. In 2007, Nikki tragically took her own life at the age of 40, an event that deeply impacted Angie. Angie has said that she always remembers her daughter with love, highlighting her intelligence, humor, and warmth.

Angie’s marriage to Bacharach ended in 1981, following years of personal struggles, including infidelity on his part. Despite their separation, Angie has always maintained that Bacharach was a significant part of her life, particularly as the father of her only child.

Throughout her career, Angie prioritized her family over her professional endeavors. When Nikki’s health required more attention, she stepped back from the limelight to care for her daughter. Angie later reflected on these years, acknowledging the sacrifices she made as a mother, but never considering them a burden.

After the end of her marriage to Bacharach, Angie’s career continued to slow down. Her last film appearance was in Elvis Has Left the Building in 2004, and she made a brief appearance on television in 2009 in Mending Fences. She has largely retreated from public life, making occasional appearances, such as in a PBS documentary about Sammy Davis Jr., I’ve Gotta Be Me. Despite her quiet life now, she remains grateful for the career she had and the friendships she formed along the way.

Today, Angie lives a private life in Beverly Hills, rarely seen in public. While she no longer actively pursues acting roles, she has expressed interest in possibly performing in one-woman shows or theater. At 93, Angie still reflects on the glamour of her past, though she acknowledges the toll that age and the industry can take. Her beauty and talent may have faded from the spotlight, but Angie Dickinson’s legacy as a trailblazing actress and Hollywood icon remains intact.