Dickinson came in second at a local preliminary for the Miss America contest, and that got the attention of a casting agent, who landed her a spot as one of six showgirls on "The Jimmy Durante Show". The exposure brought her to the attention of a television industry producer, who asked her to consider a career in acting. She studied the craft and a few years later was approached by NBC to guest-star on a number of variety shows, including "The Colgate Comedy Hour". She soon met Frank Sinatra, who became a lifelong friend. She was later cast as Sinatra's wife in the film "Ocean's 11" (1960).