Angie Dickinson, born Angeline Brown on September 30, 1931, in Kulm, North Dakota, is a celebrated American actress whose career spans over six decades. Renowned for her versatility and captivating screen presence, Dickinson has made significant contributions to both film and television, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood.
Early Life and Family
Angie was the second of three daughters born to Fredericka (née Hehr) and Leo Henry Brown. Her parents were of German descent, with the family surname originally being “Braun.” Raised in a Roman Catholic household, her father was a newspaper publisher and editor, managing the Kulm Messenger and the Edgeley Mail. Her early exposure to films, courtesy of her father’s role as the projectionist at the town’s only movie theater, ignited her passion for cinema.
In 1942, the Brown family relocated to Burbank, California. Angie attended Bellarmine-Jefferson High School, graduating at the age of 15 in 1947. She furthered her education at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles and Glendale Community College, earning a business degree by 1954. During her college years, she worked as a secretary at Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank and in a parts factory.
Personal Life
In 1952, Angie married Gene Dickinson, a college football player who transitioned into the electronics business. Although they separated in 1956, she retained his surname professionally after their divorce in 1960. In 1965, she married renowned composer Burt Bacharach. The couple welcomed their daughter, Nikki, in 1966. Nikki faced significant health challenges, including visual impairment and a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome, leading to her tragic suicide in 2007. Dickinson and Bacharach’s marriage ended in divorce in 1981.
Throughout her life, Dickinson had notable relationships, including a 20-year on-and-off affair with Frank Sinatra, whom she described as “one of the most charismatic men that ever was.” She also had relationships with musician Billy Vera in the 1980s and radio and television interviewer Larry King in the 1990s.
Career Highlights
Dickinson’s acting career commenced with uncredited roles in the early 1950s. Her breakthrough came with the 1956 Western “Gun the Man Down,” followed by a role in “China Gate” (1957). She gained further prominence with “Rio Bravo” (1959), starring alongside John Wayne and Dean Martin, earning her a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Dickinson showcased her versatility in films such as “Ocean’s 11” (1960), “The Killers” (1964), and “Point Blank” (1967). Her portrayal of Sergeant Suzanne “Pepper” Anderson in the television series “Police Woman” (1974–1978) was groundbreaking, making her one of the first actresses to lead a successful police drama series. This role earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama and three Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
In 1980, Dickinson delivered a compelling performance in Brian De Palma’s “Dressed to Kill,” earning a Saturn Award for Best Actress. She continued to take on diverse roles in both film and television, with notable appearances in “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” (1993), “Sabrina” (1995), and “Pay It Forward” (2000). Her final acting role was in the Hallmark Channel film “Mending Fences” in 2009.
Legacy and Recent News
Angie Dickinson’s contributions to the entertainment industry have been widely recognized. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987, cementing her status as a Hollywood icon. In recent years, she has reflected on her illustrious career and personal experiences. In a 2023 interview, she candidly discussed her relationship with Frank Sinatra, describing him as the love of her life. Additionally, she has been open about her political affiliations, expressing her support for the Democratic Party and her involvement in the presidential campaigns of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
Conclusion
Angie Dickinson’s remarkable career and personal journey reflect her resilience, talent, and enduring impact on the entertainment industry. From her early beginnings in North Dakota to becoming a celebrated actress in Hollywood, she has navigated the complexities of fame with grace and authenticity. Her legacy continues to inspire audiences and actors alike, solidifying her place as a true icon in American cinema and television.
