Angie Dickinson, a celebrated actress renowned for her captivating performances in both film and television, gained the spotlight in the ’50s and ’60s. She garnered acclaim for her roles in iconic films such as Rio Bravo and Ocean’s 11 alongside Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Dickinson’s on-screen presence was characterized by strength, intellect, and beauty, establishing her as a sought-after leading lady of her time.
Aside from her contributions to cinema, the 92-year-old also left an indelible mark on television with her portrayal of Sgt. Suzanne “Pepper” Anderson in Police Woman, earning her a prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama. In a recent interview, Dickinson reflected on her remarkable life and illustrious career, sharing anecdotes about the notable actors she collaborated with along the way.
Angie Dickinson says her acting career was accidental
In a conversation with Closer, Dickinson disclosed that she never thought she could achieve recognition as an actress until her breakthrough on The Jimmy Durante Show. “I don’t think I ever thought of myself as being capable of being a great actress like Katharine Hepburn or Bette Davis,” she told the news outlet. “But when I had the chance to be in a beauty contest, I thought, ‘Oh, that would be fun.'”
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She also shared that pursuing a career in acting required dedication, perseverance and a strong work ethic, as it often involved long hours, intense emotional investment and constant self-improvement to excel in the craft. “All movies are more hard work than you ever dream,” Dickinson added. “You work from 5:30 in the morning until 6 p.m. at night, if you’re lucky.”
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Angie Dickinson on working with Dean Martin
The 92-year-old shared fond memories of her experience collaborating with the iconic Dean Martin and John Wayne while filming the 1959 classic Rio Bravo. Reflecting on her time on set, Dickinson recounted how Martin consistently demonstrated remarkable qualities that earned him the admiration of many individuals involved in the production.
“Everyone only had a great relationship with Dean,” she confessed. “He was that easygoing, friendly Gemini cool cat. A darling man! He had a restaurant on Sunset Boulevard, so I already knew him, but not closely.”