Holly Robinson Peete facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Holly Robinson Peete
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Peete in 2010
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Holly Elizabeth Robinson
September 18, 1964 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Sarah Lawrence College |
| Occupation | Actress, author, singer, television personality |
| Years active | 1969–present |
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| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 4 |
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Holly Elizabeth Robinson Peete (born September 18, 1964) is an American actress, singer, and author. She is famous for her roles in popular TV shows. These include Judy Hoffs in the police drama 21 Jump Street and Vanessa Russell in the comedy Hangin' with Mr. Cooper.
She also played Dr. Malena Ellis in the show For Your Love. Peete was one of the first co-hosts of the daytime talk show The Talk. Many people also remember her for playing the famous singer Diana Ross in the 1992 TV miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream.
Besides acting, Peete has written a children's book called My Brother Charlie. In 2011, this book won an NAACP Image Award.
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Early Life and Education
Holly Robinson Peete was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her mother, Dolores, was a school teacher and later a talent manager. Her father was Matt Robinson, a writer and producer. He was famous for playing the original Gordon on the children's show Sesame Street.
In 1974, when Holly was ten, her family moved to California. She went to Santa Monica High School. After high school, she attended Sarah Lawrence College and graduated in 1986. She studied psychology and French.
Peete also studied in Paris, France, for a year and can speak French fluently. While in Paris, she sang in nightclubs. She even performed with the famous jazz musician Lionel Hampton.
Acting and Music Career
First Steps in Television
Peete's first TV appearance was on Sesame Street with her father. She was only six years old. She was supposed to say "Hi, Gordon," but she kept saying "Hi, Daddy" by mistake. She ended up just walking down the street with Big Bird in the episode.
When she was 11, she worked as a celebrity correspondent for the kids' show Kidsworld. She got to interview many famous actors and actresses.
Breakthrough TV Roles
As an adult, Peete became a well-known actress. From 1987 to 1991, she starred as Officer Judy Hoffs in the popular TV series 21 Jump Street. After that, she played Vanessa Russell in the sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper from 1992 to 1997.
From 1998 to 2002, she starred in another sitcom called For Your Love. In 1992, while still on Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, she played singer Diana Ross in the TV movie The Jacksons: An American Dream.
Singing and Other Projects
Peete has also worked as a singer. She sang the opening song for 21 Jump Street. She also recorded songs for the movie Howard the Duck, where she had a small role as a singer.
She and her Hangin' with Mr. Cooper co-star Dawnn Lewis sang the theme song for the show's first season. They performed it with the R&B group En Vogue.
Hosting and Reality TV
In 2010, Peete became one of the original co-hosts of the CBS talk show The Talk. On the show, she often talked about her experiences as an African American woman and raised awareness for autism. She left the show after the first season.
The Peete family had their own reality TV series on the OWN called For Peete's Sake. It ran from 2016 to 2017. The show followed the lives of Holly and her husband Rodney as they balanced their careers and family. They later had another reality show on the Hallmark Channel called Meet the Peetes.
In 2023, Peete competed on the TV show The Masked Singer as the character "Fairy."
Personal Life and Charity
On June 10, 1995, Holly married Rodney Peete, who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He proposed to her during an episode of Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. They have four children: twins, a boy and a girl, and two more sons.
One of their sons was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. This experience led Holly to become a strong advocate for autism awareness.
After her father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Holly and her husband started the HollyRod Foundation. The foundation helps families affected by Parkinson's disease and autism. It works to find cures and provide support to those who need it.
Notable Roles
Holly Robinson Peete has appeared in many movies and TV shows. Here are some of her most well-known roles.
Television
- Sesame Street (1969): Appeared as herself in one of her first TV roles.
- 21 Jump Street (1987–1991): Played Officer Judy Hoffs.
- The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992): Portrayed singer Diana Ross.
- Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (1992–1997): Starred as Vanessa Russell.
- For Your Love (1998–2002): Played the main character, Malena Ellis.
- The Talk (2010–2011): Served as an original co-host.
- Mike & Molly (2011–2014): Had a recurring role as Christina.
- Chicago Fire (2016): Appeared as Tamara Jones.
- The Masked Singer (2023): Competed as the "Fairy."
Film
- Howard the Duck (1986): Played K.C., a member of the band Cherry Bomb.
- 21 Jump Street (2012): Made a cameo appearance as her original character, Officer Judy Hoffs.
- Christmas Movies: Peete has starred in many popular holiday movies for television, including the Christmas in Evergreen series and Our Christmas Journey.
See also
In Spanish: Holly Robinson Peete para niños
