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Angie Dickinson: Her Rise to Fame
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Angie Dickinson, born Angeline Brown in 1931, is a retired American actress whose career spans over six decades in film and television. Known for her roles in classics like "Rio Bravo" and her groundbreaking lead in the TV series "Police Woman," Dickinson has captivated audiences with her talent, beauty, and undeniable charisma throughout her illustrious career in Hollywood.
Early Life in North Dakota
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Angie Dickinson, born Angeline Brown on September 30, 1931, in Kulm, North Dakota, grew up in a family of German descent.
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Her father, Leo Henry Brown, was a small-town newspaper publisher who worked on the Kulm Messenger and Edgeley Mail, instilling in young Angie a love for writing.1
In 1942, the Brown family moved to Burbank, California, where Angie attended Bellarmine-Jefferson High School, graduating in 1947 at the age of 15.1
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She continued her education at Immaculate Heart College and Glendale Community College, initially aspiring to be a writer like her father.1
While studying, Dickinson worked as a secretary at Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank.1
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Her career trajectory changed when she won a local beauty contest, leading her to pursue acting instead of writing.3
This early life experience laid the foundation for her future success in Hollywood, where she would later star alongside icons like John Wayne and Dean Martin in films such as "Rio Bravo" and make her mark in television with roles in "Police Woman."1
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Breakthrough: Feathers in "Rio Bravo"
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Angie Dickinson's breakthrough came with her role as "Feathers" in Howard Hawks' 1959 Western classic "Rio Bravo," starring alongside John Wayne and Dean Martin. This performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year and established her as a rising Hollywood talent.
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The film showcased Dickinson's ability to portray a strong, flirtatious character who could hold her own against Wayne's stoic persona, demonstrating her versatility and charm.3
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This pivotal role opened doors for Dickinson, leading to a career spanning over seven decades and more than 350 screen appearances, including her iconic television role as Sergeant Pepper Anderson in "Police Woman" and collaborations with other Hollywood legends like Lee Marvin and Gregory Peck.1
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Angie Dickinson (Photos)
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Angie Dickinson's Filmography
Angie Dickinson's filmography extends to several decades and includes notable collaborations with Hollywood legends. Here's a selection of her most significant film roles:
This table highlights Dickinson's versatility as an actress, showcasing her work in various genres from Westerns to crime thrillers, alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names
| Year | Film | Role | Co-stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Rio Bravo | Feathers | John Wayne, Dean Martin |
| 1960 | Ocean's 11 | Beatrice Ocean | Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin |
| 1964 | The Killers | Sheila Farr | Lee Marvin, John Cassavetes |
| 1965 | The Art of Love | Laurie Gibson | James Garner, Dick Van Dyke |
| 1966 | The Chase | Ruby Calder | Marlon Brando, Jane Fonda |
| 1967 | Point Blank | Chris | Lee Marvin |
| 1974 | Big Bad Mama | Wilma McClatchie | William Shatner |
| 1980 | Dressed to Kill | Liz Blake | Michael Caine |
| 2001 | Pay It Forward | Grace | Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt |
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. Her role in "Rio Bravo" with John Wayne and Dean Martin marked her breakthrough, while her later performances in films like "The Killers" with Lee Marvin further solidified her status as a leading lady in Hollywood2
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Angie Dickinson's Awards and Honors
Angie Dickinson's illustrious career in film and television has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. Her portrayal of Sergeant Pepper Anderson in "Police Woman" garnered particular acclaim, while her contributions to Hollywood have been honored with a star on the Walk of Fame.
Dickinson's career, which began after winning a beauty contest and evolved from her early aspirations as a writer in North Dakota to Hollywood stardom, has been marked by these significant recognitions.
| Award | Category | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Globe | Most Promising Newcomer - Female | 1960 | Won |
| Golden Globe | Best TV Actress - Drama ("Police Woman") | 1975 | Won |
| Primetime Emmy | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series ("Police Woman") | 1975, 1976, 1977 | Nominated |
| Saturn Award | Best Actress ("Dressed to Kill") | 1981 | Won |
| Golden Boot Award | - | 1989 | Won |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | Television | 1987 | Inducted |
| Texas Film Hall of Fame | Star of Texas Award | 2012 | Inducted |
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Angie Dickinson's Interviews (Videos)
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Angie Dickinson's Personal Life
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Angie Dickinson's personal life has been as colorful as her on-screen roles. She was married twice, first to Gene Dickinson from 1952 to 1960, and then to composer Burt Bacharach from 1965 to 1981. Her daughter with Bacharach, Nikki, was born in 1966 and tragically died by suicide in 2007. Dickinson's romantic life extended beyond her marriages, including a 20-year on-and-off affair with Frank Sinatra, whom she described as "the love of my life"
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. Despite her glamorous Hollywood image, Dickinson maintained connections to her North Dakota roots and German heritage. Her personal experiences, from her early days as a beauty contest winner to her time as a secretary at Lockheed Air Terminal, informed her versatile performances in both film and television roles, including her iconic portrayal of Sergeant Pepper Anderson in "Police Woman"1
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Closing Thoughts on Angie Dickinson
Angie Dickinson's life from a small-town girl of German descent in North Dakota to a Hollywood icon is an example of the American dream. Her early life, shaped by her publisher father and experiences at Bellarmine-Jefferson High School, Glendale Community College, and Immaculate Heart College, laid the foundation for her remarkable career. From winning a beauty contest to working as a secretary at Lockheed Air Terminal, Dickinson's path to stardom was unconventional yet inspiring. Her breakthrough role alongside John Wayne in "Rio Bravo" catapulted her into the spotlight, leading to a prolific career in both film and television
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Dickinson's portrayal of Sergeant Pepper Anderson in "Police Woman" not only earned her critical acclaim but also paved the way for stronger female roles on television2
. Throughout her time in Hollywood, she shared the screen with legends like Gregory Peck and forged lasting friendships within the industry. Dickinson's life, marked by her marriages, friendships, and professional achievements, reflects the complexities and glamour of Hollywood's golden era. From her roots in North Dakota to her status as a Hollywood icon, Angie Dickinson's career spans the evolution of American entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on film and television history3
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Related
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