Candidates
Holly Robinson Peete
Robinson Peete's junior year abroad 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 signing as Diana Ross in the miniseries "The Jacksons: An American Dream."
Her successful career and longevity in the entertainment industry continues to keep Robinson Peete in the limelight and 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 for people plagued with devastating life circumstances, the foundation was given life through her father's sad but inspiring battle with Parkinson's disease. In 2005, inspired by her son, hollyrod4kids was formed to focus on children's causes and to improve 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.
In addition to her philanthropic work through her own foundation, Robinson Peete has become involved in other organizations as well. As of this year, she will serve as a member of the board for two highly reputable foundations, Autism Speaks, a national organization to promote autism awareness and raise funds for the fight against the disorder, and the Los Angeles Zoo. 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' Association 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 her husband of 14 years, former NFL great Rodney Peete, are the proud parents of four children. They currently reside in Los Angeles.
