Spotlight: Holly Robinson-Peete

After 14 consecutive years on television and 3 hit series under her belt, Holly Robinson Peete has proved herself to be one of the medium's most versatile and appealing actresses.

Holly was born in Philadelphia in 1964, and the desire to entertain hit her early. At the tender age of four, she appeared on the award-winning children's television show, Sesame Street, where her father produced and played the role of "Gordon." In 1974 Holly's parents divorced and her mom, Dolores Robinson, moved the family to Malibu, California. Now with two parents in the entertainment business--Holly's mom worked at a talent agency--it was almost inevitable that Holly, too, would find her calling. "I had an early desire to sing and act, but my dad was always breathing down my neck about completing high school and college," she recalls. "His worst fear was that I would quit school for the bright lights of Hollywood especially since I attended school with other young aspiring actors and future stars such as Rob Lowe, Dean Cain, Charlie Sheen and Sean Penn."

Giving in to her father's wishes, Holly continued on her educational journey and eventually landed at prestigious Sarah Lawrence College in New York, alma mater of many notable personalities such as Barbara Walters, Alice Walker, Carly Simon and Brian de Palma. During her junior year at Sarah Lawrence College, Holly was given the opportunity to study French for one year at the Sorbonne in France. "I became fluent in French, got my feet wet performing in nightclubs, and had the time of my life," says Holly. She even sang with jazz great Lionel Hampton at the Hotel Meridian Jazz Club. "The exposure that I got in France for a year changed my life dramatically. Performing in French for European audiences affirmed for me that I definitely was headed for a career in show biz after college--I just wasn't sure in what capacity."

Sure enough, a mere three months after graduation, Holly snagged her first major television role on 21 Jump Street, a series on the then brand-new network FOX. "This was my most challenging role because it was my first big job," says Holly, who played the role of Officer Judy Hoffs for five years. "21 Jump Street also taught me invaluable lessons about the business and life in general. It opened up and started for me what is now a solid 14-year career in television." In addition, the show gave Holly the chance to further flex her vocal skills: she sang the series' theme song.

Once 21 Jump Street ended, Holly switched gears and decided to try her hand at comedy. She starred opposite Mark Curry in the hit sitcom Hangin' With Mr. Cooper for five years. "People think sitcoms are easy but I found it to be much more challenging than drama. Timing is crucial and I firmly believe that it is much harder to make people laugh than cry."

Holly's current television project is Love, Inc. She's also starred in Like Family and My Wonderful Life. The television project For Your Love was one of her favorites. "This sitcom is such pure joy to work on. I only wish network programmers would give us more shows like it--a multi-ethnic romantic comedy that is intelligently written and can have mass appeal." Other credits include the portrayal of Diana Ross in the miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream; a guest appearance on the TV series Touched By An Angel; the lead in the made-for-television movie Killers in the House; and the lead in After All, a Black Entertainment Television original movie.

Holly's dream role: To play her mentor Diahann Carroll. "She paved the road for people like me to be on TV," says Holly. "My favorite show while growing up was Julia. All I ever wanted to be was Diahann Carroll. I collect memorabilia from the show avidly." Recently, Lifetime Television honored Holly by producing an "Intimate Portrait" on her life narrated by none other than her idol, Ms. Carroll!

When not working or spending time with her young twins--Rodney Jackson and Ryan Elizabeth--Holly and her husband NFL quarterback Rodney Peete devote their time to their HollyRod Foundation which provides assistance to underprivileged people who suffer from Parkinson's disease. This foundation is a true labor of love because Holly's dad has suffered from Parkinson's for 18 years. Every year the couple produces many fundraisers, including Gridiron Glamour, a celebrity fashion show which takes place during the Super Bowl in support of the fight against breast cancer. The Reverend Jesse Jackson recently honored her with the 1999 Women of Conscience Award for her philanthropic efforts.

Holly's achievements prove that she's much more than just a pretty face. She's versatile, funny, compassionate, and determined to continue making her mark on this ever changing industry. "Hopefully in five years I will be in the third year of my fourth series--one that I created and produced," she says. "And of course by then, there will be a cure for Parkinson's Disease."

She has also written a new guide to American football--for women. This die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan wants more women to get into the sport because she insists it's fascinating. The book is called Get Your Own Damn Beer, I'm Watching the Game! A Woman's Guide To Loving Pro Football.

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