Nikki Bacharach was the only child of legendary composer Burt Bacharach and glamorous actress Angie Dickinson. Born prematurely in 1966, she struggled with various health conditions that included Asperger’s syndrome – an autism subtype. Unfortunately, at age 40, she took her own life through suicide.
Nikki Bacharach Early Life and Challenges
Nikki Bacharach was born three months before her due date on June 12th 1966 weighing only 1lb 10oz and required three months in an incubator before leaving her birthing mother’s womb. Her parents initially named her Lea Nikki Bacharach, though she later preferred being called Nikki instead.
Nikki had trouble seeing, was diagnosed with strabismus, and didn’t speak until she was three.
Nikki was later diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism which affects social interaction and communication skills. She had difficulty making friends, understanding emotions and making decisions. Furthermore, she displayed obsessive interest in topics like earthquakes, meteor showers and Tahiti.
Nikki had numerous talents and hobbies despite her difficulties, such as music (she could play piano well) gymnastics horseback riding swimming scuba diving ballet geology but due to poor eyesight could not pursue this as a career option at Cal Lutheran University
Relationship with Parents
Nikki Bacharach had an intimate bond with both of her parents. Angie Dickinson was an actress well known for her roles in movies like Rio Bravo, Ocean’s 11 and Dressed to Kill as well as leading an award-winning drama on prime time TV titled Police Woman – becoming the first actress ever to do so.
Angie Dickinson was extremely supportive of Nikki, helping her cope with her condition in various ways. She took her to physicians, therapists, special schools, and programs and spent a lot of time with her at home and on holidays.
Nikki Bacharach had an intermittent relationship with her father, Burt Bacharach – an award-winning composer known for writing hit songs for Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield and Tom Jones as well as winning two Academy Awards for film scores.
Burt Bacharach was often busy with work and traveling for it, yet still managed to form three marriages after divorcing Angie Dickinson in 1981. Although he understood Nikki’s condition better, he often felt guilty that he wasn’t more actively engaged with her life.
Death and Legacy
Nikki Bacharach took her own life on January 4, 2007 at her Thousand Oaks, California home while listening to music, by placing a plastic bag over her head while wearing headphones and listening to it while covering herself in plastic. A note was left behind which stated she wanted an escape from Asperger’s syndrome.
Her parents issued a joint statement expressing their profound sorrow over their daughter’s passing and asking for privacy and compassion during this difficult time.
Nikki Bacharach’s death inspired her father, Burt, to write and publish in 2013 his memoir Anyone Who Had a Heart, in which he opened up about her life and revealed some regrets as a father. Additionally, Burt revealed he wrote the song Nikki in 1966 for her birth; later recording an instrumental version.
Nikki Bacharach’s life was highlighted in Los Angeles Magazine’s 2010 article entitled Autism: A Struggle in Black and White, which explored the challenges experienced by African American families dealing with autism.
Nikki Bacharach was the only child of composer Burt Bacharach and actress Angie Dickinson. Born prematurely in 1966 with Asperger’s syndrome – a form of autism – Nikki died by suicide at 40.
FAQs: The Ultimate guide to your questions
Q: What has Nikki Bacharach accomplished?
Nikki Bacharach studied geology at Cal Lutheran University but due to her poor eyesight was unable to pursue a career in this field. Her passions included music, nature and Tahiti – she could play piano well and had various interests including sports.
Q: How did Nikki Bacharach pass away?
Nikki Bacharach took her own life on January 4, 2007 at her Thousand Oaks, California residence by placing a plastic bag over her head while listening to music and listening for signs that it might deteriorate further. A note was left behind citing Asperger syndrome as one of her causes for suicide.
Q: How did Nikki Bacharach’s parents react upon hearing of her passing?
Nikki Bacharach’s parents were devastated to learn of her death and issued a joint statement, lamenting their heartbreak while also seeking privacy and respect during this difficult time.
Q: Does Nikki Bacharach have any siblings?
Nikki Bacharach was not an only child; her father had three other children from previous relationships: Christopher (born 1965), Oliver (1993) and Raleigh (1995).
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