Holly Robinson Peete
Actress, Author, Talk Show Host, Activist and Philanthropist
From bringing characters to life on screen, to penning bestselling books, and being a champion for families of children with autism; award winning actress, producer, talk show host, celebrated author, activist, and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete is an undeniable staple in the entertainment industry, with an acclaimed career spanning over four decades.
In 2023 Robinson Peete will serve as host of the brand new, Peacock dating series “Queens Court” alongside her husband of almost 30 years, Rodney. Slated to premiere on March 16th, the show follows three famous, single women looking for love. Over the course of the episodes the Peete’s help guide the queens through the ups and downs of dating 21 confident and successful prospective suitors, while the queens develop a sisterhood on their quest to find love.
On the scripted front Robinson Peete recently inked a lucrative multi-picture deal with Crown Media Family Networks, extending her burgeoning relationship with the powerhouse network. She made her debut on the Hallmark Channel in 2015, and instantly became a staple for audiences with her relatable and vulnerable performances. To date, she has starred in 15 films including: “The Christmas Doctor,” “A Family Christmas Gift,” “Christmas in Evergreen,” and “Our Christmas Journey,” Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ first movie about autism where Robinson Peete not only starred but held executive producer duties. Her latest film, “Holiday Heritage” was the Hallmark Channel’s first Kwanzaa movie.
Robinson Peete is well known for the plethora of film and television projects she has starred in over the years including the groundbreaking series “21 Jump Street” opposite Johnny Depp, the iconic 90’s series “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” “For Your Love,” “Chicago Fire,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Mike & Molly,” and “American Housewife.” Robinson Peete’s successful television career places her as one of only a handful of actresses to star in four shows in syndication. She was also one of the original co-hosts of the Emmy Award winning talk show “The Talk.”
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Los Angeles, Robinson Peete made her on screen debut at just four years old, when she appeared on television opposite her father, Matthew Robinson who served as a producer and portrayed the original beloved character of Gordon on the iconic children’s program “Sesame Street”. While she knew at that young age her calling was to be in entertainment, Robinson Peete opted to lead a more typical childhood rather than searching to be the next child star. She attended Sarah Lawrence College where she earned a BA in Psychology and French, and upon graduation decided to try her hand at acting. She has been working ever since.
In 1999 Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, formed the HollyRod Foundation, inspired by her father’s courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. In 2000 the mission of the foundation was reimagined to include support and resources for those affected by autism, as their eldest son was diagnosed with the disorder. Today, the foundation runs RJ’s Place Vocational and Family Support Services Center in Los Angeles, a 2,500 square foot facility created with the objective of providing training and job opportunities for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The facility features a computer lab, family support center, a think tank and features a 10′ x 5′ freshwater aquarium. In addition to job training the HollyRod Foundation provides support services to parents and siblings with all services free of fees.
Over the years Robinson Peete has become one of the most trusted advocates for consistent and reliable education, outreach and support for both Parkinson’s and autism, and her philanthropic efforts have earned her numerous awards and honors including: Ford’s Freedom Sisters, American Mentor Award, The Southern California Broadcasters’ Assoc Community Service Award, Gerald R. Ford People Helping People Award, The March of Dimes Healthy Babies, Healthy Futures Award, USC Woman of Distinction Award, Anheuser Busch John E. Jacob Community Service Award, The Genii Award, The Girls Inc. Mentor Award, A Place Called Home Humanitarian Award, McDonald’s 365 Black Award, Los Angeles Magazine’s Most Inspirational Women Award, Habitat For Humanity Dream Builder’s Award, The YMCA MLK Jr. Brotherhood Award and many more.
As an author, Robinson Peete published her third children’s book alongside her son, RJ, entitled “Charlie Makes a Splash!” (Scholastic) in September 2022 which celebrates the power of water for those who have autism. The book is a companion to the NAACP Image Award-winning “My Brother Charlie” (Scholastic, 2010) which was co-written by Robinson Peete’s daughter, Ryan Elizabeth Peete. Her debut book “Get Your Own Damn Beer, I’m Watching the Game: A Women’s Guide to Loving Pro Football” (2005, Rodale), garnered Robinson Peete the 2006 Quill Literacy Award. She also published “Same But Different: Teen Life On The Autism Express” which catered to young adults/tweens and was co-authored by her twins Ryan Elizabeth & RJ and released in spring 2016.
Her longevity and visibility in the entertainment community has led Robinson Peete to a successful career as a trusted brand ambassador/spokesperson for some of the country’s biggest corporate brands. Robinson Peete’s consumer and mom-friendly personal brand has partnered with Target, Toys ‘R’ Us, Colgate, Skechers, Epipen, Cigna, Carnation and AARP, among others.
Robinson Peete currently lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, Rodney, whom she shares four beautiful children with.
