Angie Dickinson on blowing off "This Is Your Life"

In this web exclusive from his interview with Angie Dickinson, Mo Rocca learns the secret why the film and TV star refused to participate in a taping of the TV show "This Is Your Life" with such guests as Bob Hope and Burt Reynolds, and why she decided against writing an autobiography.
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[@underdog1117]

She was 100% right ..good for her..

[@mtobrien1]

She didn't want to do the "cashing in" on her life. Makes me admire her.

[@stringer-ik1pc]

But she is now.

[@mtobrien1]

Ok, millennial.

[@izzycoco3931]

She is so naturally beautiful

[@calvinlyle9437]

i know it's kinda off topic but does anybody know of a good site to watch new tv shows online ?

[@bfsgman]

@@stringer-ik1pc On her terms, as opposed to being ambushed.

[@johnc8770]

All due respect to Angie. She did exactly right.

[@jolene41062]

More power to her for standing up for herself. OMG! A woman refusing to do something that was being forced upon her. She stood her ground.

[@fredholt7628]

Good for Angie I used to watch police women with my sis and get a kick out of pepper Anderson. When she was a gogo dancer undercoverstewardess

[@debbiethomas4472]

Agreed! Awesome comment 👍

[@albertmarnell9976]

Men need to be the same way and a few are.

[@stevie68a]

That show, "This is Your Life", is an invasion of privacy. I'm glad she walked off.

[@ronaldshank7589]

That show being what it was, in terms of them wanting to know every facet of a person's life...was, as far as I'm concerned, very much a busy-body kind of a show in nature! I'm glad she stuck to her principles, and walked off of the show!

[@Lisa-di1wi]

She probably doesn't want to talk about her private life, and I don't blame her.

[@guitardzan5641]

It's just a formulaic exploitation of someone.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

But it's interesting that every other celebrity 'abductee' went along with it, except her.

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

Lou Costello hated it, you could see it on his face even though he tried to be gracious. They had the nerve to bring up that his son had died! Gee thanks fellas what a fun day.

[@powerfuless]

"Well, it's a stupid show." Bingo! This is called self-regard and boundary-setting. She did it in a respectful and loving manner but was not apologetic. An intelligent, strong artist.

[@miapdx503]

I loved what she did. I would have done the same thing. You need some people's permission...

[@PhilVerryChannel]

It was self absorbed. 100%.

[@nealsims8372]

​@@PhilVerryChannelon her part? Why?

[@timfly767]

A proud, principled classy lady who aged beautifully, and, I think, probably naturally

[@louisianagrandma9787]

I agree with you.

[@Melinda8162]

One of the most beautiful back in the day. Had some really great legs too!

[@izzycoco3931]

She is a beautiful lady. I think she is one of the gorgeous actresses of all time.

[@izzycoco3931]

Agree. She is so lovely.

[@09nob]

@@gageboy14 That's no true there are plenty of truly beautiful woman who ruin their faces with surgeries.

[@rchydrozz751]

Some people dont like to be tricked into something.

[@jessstone7211]

That would have been me. No way I would have put up with that! They blindsided her - glad she told 'em.

[@nolan8336]

Almost all of us don't !!!.

[@robertsmith9076]

The show was always a total embarassment . The worst thing in the uk was Eamon Andrews and his loud stupid laugh. And of course Gary Glitter trying to shush a friend when talking about school girls

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

@nuff said LOL

[@IAm-qf2xb]

nuff said Comedy Gold utterly wasted on YT gutterballs...

[@robinflea]

She’s a humble gal, and should be respected for just saying, “No”

[@shellchenonceau7832]

A family that supposedly "doesn't" know what Angie prefers should be ashamed if they still plan a surprise party if she always said she DIDNT want one. She is NOT a doormat like other people.

[@m.e.d.7997]

I like that Angie knew when to keep her lips sealed. I feel to this day she still does not reveal all. I know Audrey Hepburn said she would not write her autobiography because she knew she would have to write about other people and she would not do that.

[@edithcarter3554]

Olivia Newton John did her's very professionaly. There was a well know actor that she mentioned hit in lot of famous ladies but she turned him down. She never never named who he was. It's better to do in that way. I have an idea who he was though.

[@lettyguerra371]

Women with class!

[@booboo4706]

She just didn't want people to see her looking haggard and not made up. That's why she ran away. She was already getting old at that point. She was afraid of being filmed looking bad. She was a narcissistic sI*t. It had nothing to do with her not wanting to be praised.

[@girleyreds11-11]

@booboo Yeah because your opinion is valid and matters lol you're a nobody that doesnt know her and clearly us jealous of her what, fame?, money? Longevity? Looks? USUALLY TROLLS ARE SAD JEALOUS PEOPLE

[@jusme164]

@@edithcarter3554 i bought it on amazon and need To read it. Luv Olivia.

[@rhondafortson5205]

ANGIE DICKINSON IS SUCH A FANTASTIC PERSON!! She is a what a FABULOUS WOMAN looks, behaves, thinks, speaks, and acts like!!

[@johnfair62]

I always loved her. She was and still is beautiful, classy and tough.

[@mccommas2]

I don't blame her. She's right. Its a stupid format. She was trapped.

[@CamaroSS-sy2ei]

You are right. Also, it shows that she is not your typical Hollywood raging narcissist.

[@johnharris7751]

If I'm not mistaking Johnny Cash didn't like being caught by surprise either at first especially during the taping of his weekly show, However June was involved with it so he became alright with it.

[@MrDavey2010]

I entirely agree. It was a trap and it wasn’t fair to her. She’d no idea what was going to be said.

[@mccommas2]

@@stringer-ik1pc I suspect you are right.

[@mamabear1135]

Big difference between trapped and surprised.

[@wccaguy1]

What a refreshing Hollywood Star.

[@lorrieruff4402]

Always liked her, now I have a lot more respect for her.

[@nottthereyet4872]

She's 100% correct. It was totally disrespectful to push her into an agenda she was not prepared for. You go Angie!!

[@lettyguerra371]

Angie Dickinson reminds me of my mother in law. Something about people born in the 1930s to early 40s. They're known as the quiet generation. They all seem to have the ability to live, let live and mutual respect. You don't see to much of that anymore!

[@gaylachalumeau1925]

Letty Guerra, it’s a quiet dignity.

[@darklordojeda]

I like to think I have a little bit of it from being around my Great Grandparents early on in my life. Although they were born in the early 1900's, sometime around 1906.

[@rsmith7912]

It's the Facebook generation that can't understand what it's like to actually have a private life. Before social media most people led a private life and would write down their lives in diaries which weren't meant to for the world to see but was a way to remember your life story. Unfortunately Facebook has turned the world into a place full of ego maniacs all needing validation of their lives being important. Not always for the good either. Personal privacy seems to be becoming something that's quite unnatural these days.

[@MWood-ry8uu]

I TOTALLY disagree. Perhaps the quiet ones are just tired and worn out. I see them as the first of the generations of truly spoiled kids. Circuses were really popular, movies were cheap and always showing, candy stores and five & dimes were on every corner, they had comic strips and this new thing called radio which had many programs just for kids. Most of that generation were born in the city, they saw the highs and lows of life, they had freedom to play in the neighborhood and do whatever the heck they wanted. They were the first teenage generation to all have their own cars (the 50s- hello!). They are very opinionated, not shy to give it, and it's usually very blunt.

[@annedunlop2963]

Respect Angie..you stood your ground...pure class.

[@phillycinephile8282]

My admiration for Angie Dickinson increased exponentially because of this. This sort of class and integrity is in short supply among today's celebrities.

[@NancyDAngeli-vp1zv]

Love her honesty. Just adorable. 👏👏👏

[@evelynovercash1147]

I agree with her. Good for her.

[@pwlyons759]

I was going to post the exact same words as you. Do you think liking your post is equivalent to that?

[@colinmennie6447]

The classiest of ladies that wanted her private life kept private . So beautiful inside and out . I loved her even more after that . ♥️

[@rickw1100]

I've always loved Angie Dickinson. A class act who does it her way with apologies to none.

[@richardbello5732]

She was trying to get rid of these people and this is your life tried to bring them back 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@juzzlookin]

Lol, yeah...more than possibly.

[@ninjabluewings]

Well now watching this and her response and her reasons for not doing "This Is Your Life" really makes me see Angie in a very good light, not pretentious, not conceited, not egotistical, no side at all and certainly not vain either, just ordinary and down to earth bless her

[@majorneptunejr]

I have watched episodes of "This is Your Life" and you could tell that many of the people did not want to be there. There are many things in people's past, some tragic, that they do not want to be reminded of. Especially on TV. Stars are people too .

[@KJ-xc6qs]

They really savaged Frances Farmer, it was cruel.

[@inkblot131]

"You go, girl!" And, she did. My hero!

[@31Alden]

Deep respect for this classy woman who knows her value and self-worth. Still every bit as beautiful as always in this interview.

[@kristashelby6622]

We still remember you Angie and love you still.

[@ChrisSmith-bw1nt]

I really respect Angie for this, not your average Hollywood robot.

[@bethroesch2156]

Angie still has hutzpah👍🏼👍🏼 she's ageless and beautiful

[@scottgoodrich5825]

“It’s a stupid show.” 😂

[@ronaldshank7589]

Yeah...& I'm glad it's gone! That show reeked of, as far as I'm concerned, communistic tactics, in order to get a person to tell on himself, and quite possibly get others pulled into a veritable quagmire of gossip that they never wanted! That show NEEDED to go!!!

[@susannehall7234]

So. Cheesy.

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

Wow, 2019 and she still looks great! I know how she felt about doing that surprise show. My wife once threw me a surprise birthday party, and I was not a happy camper to see all these people in my house when I came in. I went along to get along but I told my wife to NEVER do that again, especially since I’m a very private person. ☝️🥴

[@ozzie-sk9dh]

Don't mess with Angie.

[@beverlyweeden9759]

Wow..how impressive is this?..love it..She stood her ground..You go Angie...!!!

[@diane8215]

Some actors are more comfortable playing a character than being themselves on screen. And that's ok.

[@stacynels4]

That's what acting is all about portraying a character that's Not You as a person in real life...

[@swankelly]

It is kinda a weird thing. To trick someone into doing a show.

[@randym2704]

I had that done to me once. I was at a large party ( over 400 people) with coworkers which became a roast. At the time I was in senior management and did not feel this was appropriate so I politely declined. Two of my subordinates came to my table to "urge" me to get up and go to the stage. I refused to go and got up to leave but my exit was blocked. I finally told my "roadblocks" that if they don't move that this will get ugly real quick and they may not like the outcome. They moved and I left. I took two weeks off and when I came back I told my staff that it was not appreciated and never do that again. Over the course of a year, I had many people try to discuss the incident with me but shut them down as it was not open for discussion; even when the head of the organization tried to discuss it I abruptly got up and left the room. The incident left me humiliated and quite distrustful of people to this day.

[@veronicamoss2597]

Plus all the money the production company gets and No One Else..

[@ronaldshank7589]

I don't know about you, but I'd of knocked out the "trickster", & left him laying there! I figure it this way:If somebody is STUPID ENOUGH to lie to me, or to try to force me to do what I don't want to do, then they're going to get what's coming to them!!!

[@AnnabelleJARankin]

@@randym2704 That was terrible and totally inappropriate - you acted exactly right, imo. This is Your Life, however, is ALWAYS sprung on people and there were lots of her friends and relatives waiting to congratulate her on her career, including Bob Hope and Joan Collins. It was down to vanity, really - this dame was not dressed up!

[@AnnabelleJARankin]

@Corno di Bassetto Totally agree. It is well-known anyway that this show was sprung on people and was an HONOUR & A TRIBUTE. And yes, we were taught to have good grace and not say things like 'I've go one of these already' when given a present. We had to say please and thank you, ask to leave the table, and address adults appropriately. Conversely, however, our parents did not interfere in and monitor our lives the way parents do nowadays - kids of today do not have the freedom we had. But to call being told you are on This is Your Life is not 'a trick' and you would know that many people (colleagues, friends and relatives) would have made the effort to be there on the show with you. It is rude not to accept, even if you'd rather not do it. I am not an American but I can say that this sickness is spreading through the UK too - we are forgetting the old adage which forever holds true: 'Manners maketh man'.

[@EdgcumbeCorgis]

She said she hadn't even combed the back of her head as a reason why she wouldn't do the show, but (seemingly) had no problem not combing any part of her head to sit and talk to Mo. This Is Your Life may not have been the pinnacle of television, but it was a harmless show which let the viewer think they were learning a little bit about a celebrity. She'd had a difficult marriage with a challenged daughter. Maybe she was afraid that would come up?

[@pm829]

Angie Dickenson is the classiest, most professional person to be on CBS in decades. Seriously people, Mo Rocca on CBS Sunday Morning? Good grief!

[@jabjab4434]

So what's that nasty comment referencing ?

[@montieluckett7036]

That's called "ambush journalism" by anyones definition; except the networks.

[@mike48877]

What and honest, sharp, and classy Lady!

[@donalddday7741]

amazing woman and liked her work alot from movies to tv shows

[@alysonfisher3611]

Much respect & admiration to Angie Dickenson for setting boundaries & keeping her personal life private! A lot of famous people need to learn how to follow in her footsteps instead of always wanting to be in the spotlight & telling everything!

[@OleJoe]

Always like her in movies and in tv. Nice lady, good actress.

[@MWoods-rs4wp]

She wanted no praise. Especially didn’t want to self praise. Wow how rare.

[@janezamudio4940]

And she wanted to tell others why THEY were great! Refreshing!

[@CynsCorner]

Wow - I have much respect for her for having this viewpoint.

[@bh8365]

She and Gena Rowlands could play sisters.

[@bh8365]

@Gloria Vargo I think so too.

[@darreylhenderson702]

I can see it also!

[@charlotteziggy8353]

Angie looks good and natural!

[@qso3566]

But she needs to get rid of that awful and harsh black eyeliner.

[@TheMKHC]

This is your life. Always hated it. Trapping, off guard, forced. Can you blame anyone for not wanting to be the subject of such a show.

[@m.e.d.7997]

Total invasion of privacy. Angie was right.

[@jfq7223]

There's one on KZbin for Victor Mcglagen. In any of his movies he'd have decked the interviewer. You can see he is not happy.

[@alexc8209]

She is/was so correct about this is your life. I always hated the idea of it, and never watched it willingly (only saw it if my grandparents were watching it). Angie's idea of the star saying how much they liked everyone else would be a much better show. I am so impressed with this woman. she makes modern female actresses look weak and foolish.

[@judydennis1242]

You go girl! I totally agree. You call the shots...because "it's your life"!!!👍👍👍💖

[@brucegelman5582]

My kind of woman.Self respect and worldly wisdom.

[@chriscanada175]

Next to Raquel Welch and Sophia Lauren, the most gorgeous babe of all time.

[@blondiegray1]

Claudia Cardinale😘

[@primemover1416]

Ann-Margaret

[@terrythekittieful]

You forgot Dawn 'Mary-Ann' Wells.

[@Finland1965]

For me she is nr 1

[@IAm-qf2xb]

How old are you people ffs?

[@joyfull5374]

My family always said that show was simply a commercial vehicle and an invasion of privacy. They loved TV but never watched TIYL.

[@dvdly]

Surprise party aspect aside, imagine expecting a conversation with DiPalma about the classic film you did together and getting (wait, wait, wait for it...) Pat Sajak.

[@Lilmisshotrod1]

I Was backstabbed like that, not too long ago. I TOTALLY Understand, How YOU Felt! Miss Angie, YOU'RE A Class Act MAN! I'M STILL Healing from Mine, and I'll Lift You Up Too, Sister. More Power To Ya! Shine On ☝️😃🪶 💝

[@photo80sjeff84]

I remember seeing this, if you can find it on KZbin, she said No and walked off the set. The host was dumbfounded, literally ahhhhhhhh.😂😁ps, Theres a Laurel and hardy one when they weren't really speaking to each other at the time, and caught them off guard.

[@whewfan]

Ron, Laurel and Hardy were never at a point where they weren't speaking to each other... they were always good friends. However, Laurel was hesitant to be on the show at all, not wanting to look ill prepared. It took them about 10 minutes to get across the street to the studio, and some of that was so Stan could work out some bit with Ollie since he figured the audience would want that.

[@perrieargent9997]

Fabulous woman, absolutely adore her.

[@Mohini52]

I did not even realize she was still alive. My dad had a crush on her. She was a beautiful woman.

[@littleogeechee223]

She is extremely wonderful! What a beautiful, classy, talented lady...

I did not know I liked her so much.

[@coreybrassard]

Good on her! What a classy lady!

[@miapdx503]

I loved what she did. Some of us don't like surprises. Angie, you look great. You're awesome. Thank you, for everything. Your work, your example. 💕

[@Igneous773]

Angie Dickinson’s a woman of humble integrity. Get down girl!

[@BellaWorldAni]

It's crazy they'd ban her from anything for not wanting to do This Is Your Life, it's CRAZY they'd not trick her with a reason that would inspire her to get all dolled up (vs. not even brushing the back of her hair); but, IMO, it's really a sad testament that she wasn't able to sit for an hour & allow people to say wonderful things & lavish her with love. I think that says a lot. I used to love that show b/c, to me, it was a happy celebration of a person's life & all the people who loved them. Oh well. To each, her own.

[@cmcb09]

Ani Bell Ralph Edwards had a lot of pull in the industry in his day.

[@HHH-ye1ro]

Well said. They were good intentions. They would have never thrown her under the bus. That was not the point of the show. They cleared everything with her agent, who was well aware of her past. There’s a reason only one person has passed on the show ever.

[@yoboverthetop]

Good for you, Angie. Even if nothing else came of that incident, your rebellion has generated one of the most supportive comment threads on KZbin.

[@mikeglynn5824]

As a teen I loved this woman! She’s gorgeous her and Raquel. Sad what age does to all of us even though she’s still beautiful!

[@zdave6083]

No...sad is what death does does to all of us. Nothing sad about aging . It means you're still alive. It's a win .

[@mikeglynn5824]

Agreed I live with that thought daily. I’m a lot smarter now! Take care!

[@markjackson6134]

@@zdave6083 I agree with the gist but it's probably closer to "It shouldn't be sad"? And what I mean by gist, Queen's song "Who Wants to Live Forever" asks it best. And aging gracefully looks a lot better than the many folks that have been butchered (looking) plastic surgery wise. With a lot of them being famous.

[@raymondparsley7442]

Angie is a lady with courage and conviction... One's life is private... and not to be shared without consent and permission.

[@joeyfiesta1]

She did the absolute right thing! Totally blindsided like that! That show is pathetic! You go Angie!

[@sandrac4313]

I absolutely agree with her!!

[@stevenpatrickstone766]

This interview (saw it all ) made me like her even more than I ever did. Strong, confident Angie wasn't going to be pushed around by anyone.

[@ChosenOne1991]

It wouldnt have been bad if they asked her permission first. The fact that they tried to trap her and made it sound like it wasnt a big deal was the issue. She has ever right to keep her life private. Some people love the spotlight some people dont.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

I remember seeing Miss Dickinson as a guest on "Larry King: Live". Mr. King asked Angie Dickinson if she would write her autobiography and she replied with an almost laugh, "I burned my diary years ago". Good for Angie Dickinson for how she chooses to keep her private life just that: private.

[@peterandreadakis3851]

FABULOUS, ANGIE! PRIVACY IN LIFE IS PARAMOUNT. A REALLY HUMBLE WOMAN. MUCH ADMIRED.

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

She has something a lot of folks don’t: dignity.

[@Noone9227]

I agree with her. Even though I later figured out I was gay, I had a major crush on her when I was in elementary school.

[@MrRhmccabe]

.....I'll bet most of us are the same way about our privacy.....I went to school for writing and virtually everyone in class wanted to write a book about themselves,I could never understand that.

[@DavidRansom]

Johnny Carson always took things very personally. He never spoke to Joan Rivers again after she accepted her own show on Fox TV. They were probably all thinking about Angie: “How DARE she?”.

[@buzzardbeatniks]

Good for her she had her boundaries and didn't let anyone push her around.

[@albertmarnell9976]

I really admire her defiance.

[@joeconner2231]

I never once watched This Is Your Life without feeling a awkward uneasy feeling being telegraphed by the person being honored!

[@MrEvangelist777]

Angie Dickinson is now 88yrs old. When she was younger she was stunning, I'm 75 yrs old now, and I remember her in the 50s and 60s she was a real sexy lady, classy, feminine, all rolled into one. Today's actresses can't hold a candle to actresses of bygone years.

[@musicgarryj]

Much respect to her for standing her ground on this. There are some stars who did the same thing on the British version of the show. At the end of the day, pulling a stunt like this on someone....even if it's supposed to be a "nice surprise" and it's done with "good intentions"..... it still boils down to deception, manipulation and abusing someone's trust.

[@aapinor]

Big applause to Angie ! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👋👋👋👋👋

[@tarasbulba3190]

Classy woman. Always thought she was hot.

[@eyesonheaven4765]

I was just watching Johnny Carson on Pluto. I saw next up was Angie Dickinson. Decided to do a search on her and came across this, so glad I did. I really enjoyed Angie Dickinson. Police Woman was the best!

[@kali3665]

A lot of people hated being surprised by Ralph Edwards and This Is Your Life, but most basically took the position, "Okay, I'm here, let's just get it DONE!" I understand Boris Karloff was so angry at being placed in that position, and Karloff rarely got really angry at much of anything - at least, publicly. Good to see someone was able to get away with saying "F' you, I am NOT going on!" She's still gorgeous, IMHO....

[@MrMichaeljay1965]

What a class act.

[@welshwarrior5263]

This lady is amazing.

[@fantasmaformaggino76]

She is and was the epitome of cool and classy

[@robertl7239]

More power to her - she stood her ground and didn't comply with the system. Outstanding!

[@bh8365]

Angie seems very real, no nonsense down to earth professional. Saw the clip where they tried to blindside her. Sems like she would be a good friend.

[@cdrw62]

I admire her even more for walking out of "This is Your Life". What a lady!

[@swellybibbsenterprises5185]

Earl Holliman appeared in the first episode of The Twilight Zone. He's 91 years old.

[@biatchp2553]

Respect to her! She looks great for her age

[@DavidRansom]

If they pay her $5 million today and the book is for sale at $24.99, that book will be a best-seller, I bet. I know that I would buy it!

[@PaoloNYC]

Good for Angie. It’s so hard to say no sometimes, especially with all that pressure. It takes a lot of strength and courage. You have to honor and respect her for being able to do that.

[@SRSM198]

What a beautiful lady, inside and out, how many stars would have loved to be on this show, a very lovely unasunming person is Angie Dickenson.

[@cypresstree1699]

she is very beautiful!

[@lemongate4869]

Good on her. She told her husband she hoped she'd never be on that show because she hated it. Her worst fears came true. I'd do the same if I was in her shoes.