At 93, Angie Dickinson opens up about her legendary love affair with Frank Sinatra, her groundbreaking role in Police Woman, and her enduring Hollywood legacy. Discover rare quotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and how she stays vibrant today.
At 93, Angie Dickinson Confesses: “He Was the Love of My Life”
At 93, Hollywood legend Angie Dickinson remains as captivating as ever. In a rare reflection on her life and career, the iconic actress—best known for her roles in Rio Bravo (1959) and the groundbreaking TV series Police Woman—opens up about her tumultuous romance with Frank Sinatra, her trailblazing work in entertainment, and the wisdom she’s gained over nine remarkable decades.
Frank Sinatra: The One Who Got Away
Dickinson’s love affair with Sinatra began on the set of Ocean’s (1960), where she played the estranged wife of his character, Danny Ocean. The chemistry between them was undeniable.
“Well, he’s the love of my life,” Dickinson confessed in a recent interview. “I just smile because it feels good to think about him. He was an extraordinary talent, to say the least… an extraordinary man—difficult, wonderful, brave, and foolish.”
The pair nearly married in 1964, but Dickinson hesitated. “We were so comfortable with each other that it wasn’t really necessary,” she admitted. “I would not have wanted to take that challenge on.” Sinatra’s late-night lifestyle and her fondness for his ex-wife, Nancy, played a role in their decision to remain close friends instead.
Breaking Barriers in Hollywood
Before becoming a household name, Dickinson fought against being typecast as just a “sex symbol.”
“I wouldn’t want to be known only as a sex symbol. I wanted to be known as an actress equally or even more so,” she once said. “If you’re only trading on looks and your body, that’s only going to go so far.”
Her role as Sergeant Pepper Anderson in Police Woman (1974–1978) revolutionized television by showcasing a strong, professional female lead at a time when such roles were rare.
“Without Police Woman, I wouldn’t have had a career,” Dickinson acknowledged. “The show started about the same time the women’s movement was taking off. Ours was the first prime-time one-hour show featuring a strong, professional woman. It paved the way for other series to follow.”
Life Lessons & Longevity
Now in her 90s, Dickinson credits her health to simple habits:
“I’m largely a vegetarian—except for occasional country fried chicken. I don’t eat a big dinner. I sleep eight hours a night. I do my own gardening, and I stay out of trouble.” 20
Her philosophy on aging? “You can’t stop the aging process. There’s only so much oil you can put on your body. I’ve always just tried to go with my age.”
Social Media & Fan Reactions
Fans continue to celebrate Dickinson’s legacy. A recent TCM Classic Film Festival screening of Rio Bravo sparked nostalgia:
“Angie Dickinson in Rio Bravo is pure class. That chemistry with John Wayne? Timeless.” – @ClassicFilmFan
“Police Woman* was ahead of its time. Angie Dickinson paved the way for so many female-led shows.”* – @TVHistoryBuff
📹 Watch Angie Dickinson’s iconic Rio Bravo scene with John Wayne:
Final Thoughts
Angie Dickinson’s career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood. From her unforgettable roles to her candid reflections on love and life, she remains a symbol of resilience, talent, and timeless elegance.
