Angie Dickinson
Learn about Angie Dickinson — born September 30, 1931 — the iconic American actress who starred in Rio Bravo, Police Woman, Dressed to Kill and more. Explore her early life, breakthrough roles, and contributions to film and television.
Introduction
Angie Dickinson, born Angeline Brown on September 30, 1931, is an American actress whose career spanned more than five decades. Known for her strong screen presence, glamorous persona, and versatility across genres, she broke new ground especially in television with her role as Pepper Anderson in Police Woman. Her work in classic films like Rio Bravo and Dressed to Kill has given her a lasting place in Hollywood’s pantheon of leading ladies.
Early Life and Family
Angie Dickinson was born Angeline Brown in Kulm, North Dakota, the middle of three daughters. Fredericka (née Hehr) and Leo Henry Brown, and the family surname originally was "Braun."
In 1942, when she was about 10 or 11, the Brown family moved to Burbank, California. Bellarmine-Jefferson High School, graduating around age 15, and later studied at Immaculate Heart College and Glendale Community College.
Career and Achievements
Early Years and First Roles
Dickinson began her on-screen career with uncredited or small parts in films in the mid-1950s (e.g. Lucky Me, The Return of Jack Slade, Man with the Gun). Gun the Man Down, co-starring with James Arness.
Her performance in China Gate (1957) and Cry Terror! (1958) contributed to her recognition in Hollywood.
Breakthrough & Film Stardom
Her breakthrough came with Rio Bravo (1959), directed by Howard Hawks, where she starred alongside John Wayne and Dean Martin. She played the character “Feathers.” Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.
She went on to act in over 50 films, including titles such as Ocean’s 11 (1960), The Killers (1964), Point Blank (1967), Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971), Big Bad Mama (1974), and Dressed to Kill (1980).
In Dressed to Kill (1980), directed by Brian De Palma, her role as Kate Miller earned her a Saturn Award for Best Actress.
Television & Police Woman
Angie Dickinson made many television appearances in anthology series in the 1950s: Death Valley Days, General Electric Theater, Gunsmoke, The Virginian, and more.
Her most prominent TV role was as Sergeant “Pepper” Anderson in the NBC crime series Police Woman (1974–1978). This was one of the first TV dramas centered on a female police officer, and the show brought her major recognition. Golden Globe for Best Actress – TV Drama and was nominated for Emmy Awards multiple times for Outstanding Lead Actress.
Interestingly, Dickinson later expressed regret about participating in Police Woman, citing that the pay was insufficient and the show's demanding schedule limited her ability to pursue film roles.
Later Career and Retirement
After Police Woman, she continued working in TV movies, miniseries (e.g. Wild Palms, Hollywood Wives), and supporting roles in films (Pay It Forward, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Sabrina).
Her final acting credit was the Hallmark Channel movie Mending Fences in 2009.
Legacy & Influence
Angie Dickinson’s career holds significance on several fronts:
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She was one of Hollywood’s durable leading ladies, successfully crossing between film and television.
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Her role in Police Woman broke barriers for female protagonists in dramatic TV roles and paved the way for later female-led shows such as Charlie’s Angels, The Bionic Woman, Cagney & Lacey.
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Her performances in crime dramas, film noir, and thrillers (e.g. Point Blank, The Killers) continue to be appreciated by critics and cinema historians.
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She became a style and glamour icon, known for her beauty, poise, and strong character roles.
Though she never wrote a full memoir—reportedly rejecting a lucrative advance—she has been the subject of biographies and retrospectives that reflect on her life and choices.
Personal Life & Relationships
Angie Dickinson married Gene Dickinson (a college football player turned electronics businessman) in 1952; they divorced around 1960. Burt Bacharach in 1965; they remained married until 1981. Nikki, who was born prematurely and later diagnosed with autism / Asperger’s syndrome.
Over the years, Dickinson was linked romantically with Frank Sinatra, to whom she was close; she referred to him as one of the most charismatic men she ever knew and reportedly had a long on-and-off relationship with him.
Politically, she campaigned in Democratic causes—she supported John F. Kennedy in 1960 and Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.
Selected Filmography & Highlights
| Year | Title | Role / Notes | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Rio Bravo | Feathers (alongside John Wayne) | 1960 | Ocean’s 11 | Beatrice Ocean | 1964 | The Killers | Sheila Farr (femme fatale) | 1967 | Point Blank | Key performance in crime drama | 1974 | Big Bad Mama | A daring role in her 40s | 1980 | Dressed to Kill | Kate Miller — earned her acclaim and a Saturn Award | 1974–1978 | Police Woman (TV series) | Sgt. Pepper Anderson, iconic TV role
Quotes & ReflectionsWhile Angie Dickinson is more often celebrated for her performances than for quotable wisdom, some remarks attributed to her or in interviews reflect her perspective:
Lessons and Legacy
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