Angie Dickinson Reflects On Her Iconic Career And Personal Life

Imagine this: Angie Dickinson, the legendary Hollywood star, joking that if it weren’t for her breakout role in the 1959 western Rio Bravo, she might have ended up working at See’s Candies. That iconic film, which put her on the map, featured a stellar cast including John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and was directed by the legendary Howard Hawks. Now regarded as a western masterpiece, it was a life-changing experience for Angie. “I knew it was going to be extraordinary,” says Angie, now 91, in an exclusive interview with Closer. “But I had no idea just how extraordinary it would turn out to be.”

Rio Bravo was only the beginning of Angie's remarkable 55-year career in show business. She went on to star in over 50 films, including the iconic Rat Pack classic Ocean’s 11, and became a household name through her gritty, groundbreaking role as a crime-fighting policewoman in the 1970s TV series Police Woman. Recently, Angie introduced the 4K world premiere restoration of Rio Bravo at the Turner Classic Film Festival, celebrating her enduring legacy in cinema.

Why Does Rio Bravo Continue to Resonate?

So, what makes Rio Bravo such a timeless classic? Angie gives credit to the visionary director, Howard Hawks. "Howard Hawks was a genius," she explains. "He had this incredible ability to bring out the best in everyone. There's a warmth to this movie that you just don't find in a lot of films. Everyone on set was there to support each other, and that really comes through on screen." It's this collaborative spirit that has kept the film relevant for generations.

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Starting Off on Rio Bravo: A Nervous Beginnning

Angie recalls the daunting experience of joining the cast of Rio Bravo. "I’ll tell you, it was terrifying. Everyone else was already there when I arrived, and they had even thrown a dinner party to welcome me. It was John Wayne, Howard Hawks, the cameramen—everyone was there. That’s when it really hit me how big this movie was. I hadn’t fully realized it until I got there. We filmed in a place called Old Tucson, just outside of Tucson, Arizona. It’s where pretty much every western movie came to shoot back in the day." Angie’s journey began in this dusty, sun-soaked setting, where legends were made.

John Wayne: The Gentleman of the Set

When it comes to John Wayne, Angie has nothing but admiration. "He was incredibly generous," she reminisces. "This was John Wayne! This was his 300th movie! He was such a professional and such a gentleman. He would quietly lean on his rifle and patiently wait for me to get the scene right, which was pretty challenging for someone as new to the business as I was." John’s patience and kindness left a lasting impression on Angie, and she cherishes those memories to this day.

John Wayne, or "The Duke" as everyone called him, quickly became one of Angie’s favorite co-stars. "Not because of his fame," she clarifies, "but because he was so patient with me. And let me tell you, nobody called him John. If you called him John, he wouldn’t even answer. It was Duke all the way." Angie shares a laugh as she recalls the nickname that stuck.

Of course, when asked if she had a crush on the iconic actor, Angie admits, "Duke was special—really special—but he was married. I didn’t get much of a chance with him. I think if he hadn’t been attached, we might have had a lot of fun together. He was divine."

Working with Dean Martin: A Delightful Experience

Angie shares fond memories of her time with Dean Martin. "I only had one scene with him where I shaved him, but he was a delight. He became a great friend, and so did his wife, Jeanne. We were so close that I was in the family car at his funeral. That’s how much of a bond we had." Dean’s charm and humor clearly left a lasting impression on Angie, and their friendship endured long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Frank Sinatra: Love at First Greeting

Then there’s Frank Sinatra. Angie recounts how their romance began: "My first job in show business was on The Colgate Comedy Hour, which aired every Sunday. After one show, I walked by his dressing room and said, ‘Good night, Frank.’ He came up to say goodnight and took my number, and that was it! Frank had just broken up with Ava Gardner and was on top of the charts with a number one hit. It was a great time in his life, and I fit right in." Angie describes Frank as "generous, wonderful, sweet, handsome, warm, and cuddly." She even shares a heartwarming story about her mother’s cookies: "My mom baked cookies for me to give to Frank. When I handed them to him, he laughed and sent her flowers. I’ll always cherish that moment."

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Ocean’s 11: A Star-Studded Affair

Being part of Ocean’s 11 was a dream come true for Angie. "That was absolutely wonderful. Nobody was as lucky as I was to be around all those guys! They were full of pranks and tricks, as you can imagine with 11 of them together. I wasn’t involved in the tricks—that was a man’s world—but it was a great honor to be in that movie." Angie’s experience on set was nothing short of magical, surrounded by some of Hollywood’s biggest icons.

Breaking Ground with Police Woman

Angie’s role in Police Woman was a groundbreaking moment in her career. "It all started with a wonderful show called Police Story. The last episode of the first season featured a female undercover cop. David Gerber, the executive producer, came to me on the set of Big Bad Mama and said, ‘Don’t you want to be a household name?’ That question really struck a chord with me. I realized I did want to be a household name, so I signed on to the series." Despite the challenges, Angie acknowledges the physical toll the demanding role took on her. "It was four years of getting up at 5 a.m. and getting home at 7 p.m.—long days. It was physically torturous. I did 91 episodes, and while they were all interesting, I wouldn’t recommend doing a series to anyone. It’s slave labor."

Personal Reflections: Love and Loss

Angie opens up about her personal life, including her marriage to the legendary composer Burt Bacharach. "We were in touch until his passing in February. Burt was such a giver. Even after we parted, I received orchids every birthday and Christmas. I’m looking at the last one right now as we speak. But we just weren’t a good fit. It was a bad mix." Angie speaks with grace and honesty about their relationship, celebrating the good times while acknowledging its shortcomings.

Angie also honors the memory of her daughter, Nikki, who passed away in 2007. "Nikki was fantastic and incredibly talented," she shares. "Despite being born three months premature and having poor eyesight, she couldn’t read music but played the drums by ear. She loved music so much." Angie honors Nikki every day, carrying her memory in her heart.

Staying Healthy at 91

At 91, Angie remains vibrant and healthy, thanks to a balanced lifestyle. "I’m largely a vegetarian, except for the occasional country fried chicken," she jokes. "I don’t eat a big dinner, I sleep eight hours a night, I do my own gardening, and I stay out of trouble." Angie’s wisdom extends beyond her career. "I’ve learned to never miss a sunset if it’s possible. I’ve learned to be kind when I want to swear like hell. And I’ve learned to just stop talking when I’ve said enough."