Angeline “Angie” Dickinson, now 92, was once one of her generation’s most renowned actresses, earning accolades for standout performances in both television and film. Beginning her career in the early 1950s with anthology shows, she gained attention in Gun the Man Down and won a Golden Globe for Rio Bravo. Despite her success, she never identified as a feminist, believing women had to compete on their own terms, and said she was satisfied with the pay she received.
Her most famous role came in the 1970s as the star of Police Woman. However, Dickinson later admitted she disliked the show’s “too clean” style, preferring grittier depictions of crime like in Southland. She wished the series had portrayed harsher consequences for villains. Still, the role inspired many women to enter law enforcement, and Dickinson worked hard to deliver a strong performance despite being in her 40s at the time.
Off-screen, her beauty and charisma drew attention. Rumors swirled about long-running romances with Frank Sinatra, as well as connections to Dean Martin and John F. Kennedy. She reunited with the Ocean’s Eleven legacy in 2001 alongside George Clooney.
In a 2020 interview, Dickinson revealed she initially wanted “to throw up” when offered Police Woman, calling it a “horrendous undertaking.” With 20–21 episodes a season, the workload was grueling. She committed to only four years, later concluding the role “wasn’t worth it” financially or personally.
Dickinson was married twice—first to Gene Dickinson (1952–1960) and later to composer Burt Bacharach (1965–1981). With Bacharach, she had a daughter, Nikki, born prematurely in 1966.
Nikki was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and later experienced severe vision loss. She studied geology at Cal Lutheran University but could not pursue the field.
Tragically, in 2007, Nikki died by suicide at age 40, seeking to “escape the ravages” in her mind after years in a specialized care facility.
