Holly Robinson Peete Actress, Author & Humanitarian From her first appearance on the award-winning children’s show Sesame Street at the age of four to her most recent gig on the hit comedy series Mike & Molly, Holly Robinson Peete— an actress, author, talk show host, activist, and philanthropist—has consistently used her celebrity status as a platform to advocate for issues dear to her heart. Following her father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, she and husband Rodney Peete—a former NFL quarterback—formed the HollyRod Foundation in 1997 to help improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s. In 2005, they extended the Foundation’s mission to provide support and resources to those affected by autism when their eldest son was diagnosed with the condition. A celebrated author, Robinson Peete co-authored with her 12-year-old daughter the NAACP Image Award-winning My Brother Charlie, a children’s book about autism from the sibling’s perspective. Her first book, Get Your Own Damn Beer, I’m Watching the Game: A Women’s Guide to Loving Pro Football, won her the 2006 Quill Literacy Award. A third book, another Scholastic children’s title, is due out in 2013. Robinson Peete’s longevity and visibility in the entertainment community has led to a successful career as a spokesperson for some of the country’s biggest brands, including Target, Toys“R”Us, Colgate, Skechers, Epipen, and Carnation. She is also set to launch a new lifestyle brand of products offering everything from women's clothing and beauty products to home decor and pet products, which will be available at stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. Whether discussing her son’s autism or how she maintains a successful work-life balance, Holly Robinson Peete delivers inspiring keynotes that offer audiences vital tips and roadmaps for managing their own lives and careers. Robinson Peete had her first experience in front of the camera when she appeared on television opposite her father Matthew Robinson who served as a producer and portrayed the beloved character of “Gordon” on the award-winning children’s program Sesame Street. While she knew her calling was to be an actress, Robinson Peete opted to lead a typical childhood rather than working to be the next child star. 313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | Phone: 617.614.1600 | Fax: 617.965.6610 | apbspeakers.com However, upon finishing her college education, Robinson Peete felt her heart pull her back to entertainment. In 1986, she landed a starring role on the FOX television drama 21 Jump Street opposite then-unknown cast member Johnny Depp. She went on to star in many other 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. In addition, she also starred in the original Lifetime movie Matters of Life & Dating for which she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Robinson Peete joined the cast of the hit comedy series Mike & Molly shortly after successfully launching the CBS daily talk show The Talk as one of the original co-hosts. The Talk came on the heels of the enormous success Robinson Peete had on the third season of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice. Making it all the way to the finals, Robinson Peete set a fundraising record for her charity, HollyRod Foundation, casting a national spotlight on autism and Parkinson's disease. Robinson Peete’s singing talents have been displayed on 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. Robinson Peete fondly says that singing is her “first love and passion.” In late 2008, Robinson Peete wrapped a successful run as an on-air personality alongside her husband Rodney on their daily radio program “Meet the Peetes.” Airing on the Oprah & Friends network on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, “Meet the Peetes” captured the reality of two working parents raising their four children, balancing their careers, and being activists and advocates. The Peetes were able to effectively balance issues, fun, and family in a way only two people who have been married for 17 years can. In addition to her philanthropic work through The HollyRod Foundation, Robinson Peete currently serves as a member of the board of Autism Speaks, The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, and the Keck School of Medicine. Robinson Peete’s philanthropic efforts have earned her numerous awards and honors, including Ford’s Freedom Sisters; the American Mentor Award; the Southern California Broadcasters’ Association 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; and McDonald’s 365 Black Award. 313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | Phone: 617.614.1600 | Fax: 617.965.6610 | apbspeakers.com Born in Philadelphia and raised in Los Angeles, Robinson Peete was voted “most talented” in 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 the Sorbonne University in Paris and became fluent in the language. Topics:       Luck Favors the Prepared: One Crazy Momma’s Balancing Act Tips Not My Boy! A Personal Journey with Autism Sharing the Wealth of Health From Jumpin’ to Hangin’: Balancing Life The Importance of Civic Engagement: Never Stand on the Sidelines Matters of Life: Supporting the Struggles of a Loved One Battling Cancer 313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | Phone: 617.614.1600 | Fax: 617.965.6610 | apbspeakers.com