Peggy Lipton became a cultural icon in the late 1960s with her breakout role as Julie Barnes on The Mod Squad, a role that helped redefine how women—especially women of quiet strength—were portrayed on television.
Later, she brought her cool, mysterious energy to Twin Peaks, cementing her reputation as a unique and enduring screen presence. But perhaps her most important role was off-screen—as the loving mother of actress and writer Rashida Jones.
Peggy married music legend Quincy Jones in 1974, and together they had two daughters: Kidada and Rashida. Their home life was a blend of Hollywood glamour, musical genius, and thoughtful parenting. Although Peggy and Quincy divorced in 1990, they remained close and co-parented with a strong sense of partnership and respect.
A Quiet Force Behind the Scenes
After stepping back from acting to raise her children, Peggy returned to television later in life—but her influence on Rashida was constant. Rashida has often spoken about how much her mother shaped her emotional depth and outlook on life.
Peggy wasn’t just a support system—she was an example of quiet resilience. From helping Rashida prepare for auditions to offering a shoulder to cry on, she was the steady force behind her daughter’s creative confidence.
Peggy was also candid about her discomfort with fame, once saying it made her feel like hiding. But she found strength in motherhood, which gave her a deeper sense of purpose.
Her return to acting in the late ’80s came at a time when her daughters were growing into their own—and eventually, she even appeared alongside Rashida in an episode of Angie Tribeca, the comedy series Rashida co-created and starred in.
A Lasting Influence
In 2019, Peggy Lipton passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Her death left a void not only in the entertainment world but within her close-knit family. Rashida paid tribute to her mother in the most personal ways—describing her as a “beacon of light” whose influence continues to guide her every day.
Today, Rashida Jones is a respected actress, producer, and writer, known for her roles in Parks and Recreation, The Office, and various acclaimed film projects.
