Actress, author, activist and philanthropist, Holly Robinson Peete has been touched by the entertainment industry all of her life. Her career as an actress dates back more than two decades and has led her to becoming a voice for her father, her son and her community.

Robinson Peete can currently be heard daily, alongside her husband Rodney, on their radio program “Meet the Peetes.” Airing on the Oprah & Friends network of XM Satellite, “Meet the Peetes” captures the reality of two working parents raising their four children, balancing their careers and being activists and advocates on issues which affect their lives. The Peetes balance issues, fun and family in a way only two people who have been married for 13 years can.

An accomplished author, Robinson Peete won the 2006 Quill Literacy Award with her first book Get Your Own Damn Beer, I’m Watching the Game: A Women’s Guide to Loving Pro Football (2005, Rodale). She will release her second book, with co-author and daughter Ryan Elizabeth Peete, in 2009.

Robinson Peete’s acting career has not taken a back seat to her burgeoning writing career or radio show. She recently starred in the original Lifetime movie “Matters of Life & Dating” for which she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award.

Robinson Peete had her first experience in front of the camera, and one could argue her philanthropic start, at the age of four when she appeared on television opposite her father, Matthew Robinson, on the award-winning children’s program “Sesame Street.” While she knew even at that young age her calling was to be an actress, Robinson Peete opted to lead a typical childhood rather than searching to be the next child star.

However, upon finishing her education Robinson Peete’s heart led her back to entertainment. In 1986, she landed a starring role on the FOX television drama “21 Jump Street” opposite unknown cast members including Johnny Depp. She has gone on to star in three additional successful television series including “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper,” “For Your Love,” and “One on One.” Robinson Peete’s successful television career places her as one of only a handful of actresses to star in four shows in syndication.

Robinson Peete’s study at France’s renowned Sorbonne University and performances in Paris nightclubs proved her an obvious choice to sing throughout her acting career. Not only did she perform the theme songs for both “21 Jump Street” and “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper,” she also did her own singing as Diana Ross in the miniseries “The Jacksons: An American Dream.”

It is through her successful career and longevity in the entertainment industry which continues to keep Robinson Peete in the limelight that she has been able to give voice as an activist and advocate through the HollyRod Foundation. Formed in 1996 with the mission to help improve the quality of life of people plagued with devastating life circumstances, the foundation was given life through her father’s sad but inspiring battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Last year, inspired by her son, hollyrod4kids was formed to focus on children’s causes and improving the lives of children affected by circumstances beyond their control. Through hollyrod4kids and her family’s personal experiences, Robinson Peete has become an advocate for consistent and reliable education, outreach and support on autism. Her activism is respected around the world and she has appeared on such programs as “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Larry King Live,” “CNN,” “Access Hollywood” and many other news, political, informational and entertainment shows.

Robinson Peete’s philanthropic efforts have earned her numerous awards and honors including: The 1999 Woman of Conscience Awards, American Mentor Award, The Buddy Award presented by NOW Legal Defense & Education Fund, The Southern California Broadcasters’ Assoc Community Service Award, 2004 Gerald R. Ford People Helping People Award, The 2004 March of Dimes Healthy Babies, Healthy Futures Award, 2004 USC Woman of Distinction Award, Anheuser Busch John E. Jacob Community Service Award, The Huntington Disease Society Distinguished Achievement Award, The 2004 and 2005 Girls Inc Mentor Award, and The 2006 A Place Called Home Humanitarian Award.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Los Angeles from the age of nine, Robinson Peete was voted “most talented” in junior high school alongside fellow classmate and future actor Rob Lowe. She did her undergraduate studies at the prestigious Sarah Lawrence College where she majored in Psychology and French. She spent her junior year studying abroad at Sorbonne University in France, where she held a memorable performance with Jazz legend Lionel Hampton at the Hotel Meridian Jazz Club.

Robinson Peete and husband of 13 years former NFL quarterback and “Best Damn Sports Show Period” co-host Rodney Peete are the proud parents of four children. They currently reside in Los Angeles.

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