Angie Dickinson was one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation. She won awards for her amazing roles and would be praised for her skills as a performer.
But years on, at 91 years old, it seems the glamor of the actress’ heyday has long faded. To find out what her life looks like now, keep reading…
Angeline Dickinson who is more widely known as Angie is an American actress who has had a tremendous television career. She started out by appearing on anthology shows in the early ’50s. Then she finally landed a role in “Gun the Man Down,” but you may also remember her from her sow “Rio Bravo,” which earned her a Golden Globe award.
The actress herself acknowledged how “unique” it was to see a woman in uniform on television. While it is common to see women as cops on television today in shows such as CSI or Law and Order, at the time it was a unique experience.
In a PBS series titled “Pioneers of Television,” the actress discussed her involvement with the role and how positively audiences responded to crime shows even at the time.
Dickinson at a formal event wearing a white bare midriff dress; circa 1970; New York. (Photo by Art Zelin/Getty Images)
When she was working on “Pearl,” she took Nikki with her to Hawaii. However, when the two of them were in the water, they met with a tide that led them to collide with a coral reef. Angie was convinced they would not survive. Luckily she was able to keep her daughter safe and above water.
Since Nikki was born premature she had certain health issues like ones with her eyesight. She was also on the autism spectrum. At times Nikki would get physical with her mother but Angie always understood her daughter’s frustrations.
As Nikki’s health demanded more attention, Angie stepped away from her career to focus on her daughter. She said about it, “It wasn’t a sacrifice. Would I have been out working? Yes, I would have been doing plays in Chicago or something like that, if I hadn’t had a daughter who needed me. But I did. I didn’t have the gift of free time.”
When her daughter took her own life, Angie sought support from her friends. This included Gregory Peck’s widow, Veronique, who also knew Tony Kushner. The actress found solace in one his his plays which had themes about losing someone in it.
Angie would often talk about how the composer did not love her the way people conventionally love others. She said, ” he had no respect for me.” When she was asked whether she loved him, she replied with a yes.
The actress now lives a reclusive but peaceful life in her own home in Beverly Hills. She is seldom seen outside which is understandable given her advanced age. Her last movie was in 2004 titled “Elvis Has Left The Building” and in 2009 she appeared on television “Mending Fences.”
But she has been on camera after that. She appeared on a PBS documentary about Sammy Davis, Jr., “I’ve Gotta Be Me.” When she was 79 years old, the actress said she was ‘lucky.’ She said, “I came along at the right time for so many great things. I met some great stars and stayed friends with many and lovers with some. It was a fantastic life, really. And it still is.”