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The Heartbreaking Truth: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Rashida Jones's Mother, Peggy Lipton

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The legacy of Rashida Jones's mother, the iconic actress Peggy Lipton, is a compelling story of counterculture fame, a groundbreaking interracial marriage, and a quiet, dignified battle with cancer. As of December 2025, the most poignant details surrounding her life and death come from her daughter, Rashida, who has spoken candidly about the profound "grief-shock" of losing her mother just months after welcoming her own first child, a son named Isaiah. This article dives deep into the life of the *Mod Squad* star, her extraordinary career, and the lasting impact she had on her famous daughters. Peggy Lipton, who passed away in May 2019, remains a fascinating figure in Hollywood history. She was more than just the mother of Rashida and Kidada Jones; she was a Golden Globe winner, a style icon of the 1960s, and an integral part of one of television's most beloved cult classics, *Twin Peaks*. Her life was a testament to navigating the intense glare of fame while maintaining a deeply private family life, a lesson she successfully passed on to her children.

Peggy Lipton: A Complete Biographical Profile

Peggy Lipton was a celebrated American actress, model, and singer whose career spanned five decades, making her a true Hollywood luminary. Her life was defined by two major television roles and a high-profile marriage that challenged societal norms.
  • Full Name: Margaret Ann Lipton
  • Date of Birth: August 30, 1946
  • Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Spouse: Quincy Jones (m. 1974; div. 1990)
  • Children: Kidada Jones (b. 1974) and Rashida Jones (b. 1976)
  • Notable Roles: Julie Barnes on *The Mod Squad* (1968–1973), Norma Jennings on *Twin Peaks* (1989–1991, 2017 revival)
  • Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama (*The Mod Squad*)
  • Cause of Death: Cancer
  • Date of Death: May 11, 2019 (Age 72)

The Mod Squad and Twin Peaks: Peggy Lipton's Iconic Career

Peggy Lipton first achieved widespread fame as Julie Barnes, the troubled, beautiful, and hip undercover cop on the groundbreaking ABC series *The Mod Squad*. The show, which ran from 1968 to 1973, was a cultural phenomenon and a reflection of the counterculture movement of the era. Lipton's portrayal of Julie Barnes, a runaway who joins a trio of "hippie cops," earned her four Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe Award. She became an instant style icon, defining the look of the late 60s and early 70s. Following her marriage to legendary music producer Quincy Jones in 1974, Lipton largely stepped away from acting to raise her two daughters, Kidada and Rashida. Her return to the screen in the late 1980s was marked by another iconic role: Norma Jennings, the kind-hearted, long-suffering owner of the Double R Diner in David Lynch’s surreal mystery series, *Twin Peaks*. She reprised the role in the 2017 revival, cementing her status as a beloved figure in television history. The contrast between the two characters—the youthful, troubled Julie Barnes and the mature, grounded Norma Jennings—showcased the remarkable range of Lipton's talent. Her career was a masterclass in selecting roles that left a lasting cultural impact, a trait that her daughter, Rashida, has clearly inherited.

Rashida Jones on 'Grief-Shock' and Her Mother's Lasting Influence

The most recent and heartfelt insights into Peggy Lipton's final years and her relationship with Rashida Jones come directly from the *Parks and Recreation* star. Rashida has spoken openly about the devastating timing of her mother's death. Peggy Lipton passed away from cancer in May 2019, just eight months after Rashida welcomed her first child, a son named Isaiah Koenig, with her partner, Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenig. Rashida described the experience as being in a state of "grief-shock," where the profound joy of new motherhood collided violently with the crushing sorrow of loss. She admitted that for a time, she was "just not in my body at all" as she navigated the emotional whiplash of life and death. This period of intense personal change directly influenced her work, as she filmed the movie *On the Rocks* (co-starring Bill Murray) shortly after both the birth of Isaiah and her mother's death. The unique family dynamic—being the daughters of a Black music legend and a white, counterculture icon—also shaped Rashida's perspective on the entertainment industry. She has stated that her parents' experience with fame gave her a "very healthy perspective on fame," understanding its fleeting nature and its potential for disruption.

The Unbreakable Bond Between Peggy, Rashida, and Kidada Jones

The relationship between Peggy Lipton and her daughters, Rashida and Kidada Jones, was one of deep love and mutual respect. When Lipton passed away, the two sisters released a joint statement expressing their heartbreak, saying their "beloved mother passed away from cancer" and that she went peacefully with her family by her side. The sisters frequently pay tribute to their late mother on social media, keeping her memory alive for their fans and for themselves. On what would have been her 74th birthday, Rashida shared a heartfelt photo and message, writing, "Happy birthday mama. I feel you smiling down on us. Miss you everyday in every way." Her sister, Kidada Jones, echoed the sentiment, calling Peggy Lipton her "first love" and "forever love." This public display of enduring affection highlights the close-knit nature of the Jones-Lipton family. Peggy Lipton’s decision to prioritize motherhood and family during the peak of her fame is perhaps her most enduring legacy, one that continues to influence her daughters as they navigate their own successful careers in Hollywood.

Peggy Lipton's Legacy: Beyond the Screen

While many remember Peggy Lipton for her captivating on-screen performances as Julie Barnes and Norma Jennings, her life also included a notable, though less-known, foray into music. As a singer, she released a self-titled album in 1968, which included several popular singles. Her work in the late 60s and early 70s positioned her as a multifaceted artist, not just an actress. Furthermore, Lipton was known to have worked with the Stuttering Foundation, using her platform to raise awareness, a detail that speaks to her quiet commitment to philanthropy. Peggy Lipton's story is a rich tapestry of Hollywood glamour, cultural significance, and profound personal experience. For Rashida Jones, her mother was a guiding light whose life lessons about fame, love, and resilience continue to shape her career and her role as a new mother. The enduring image of Peggy Lipton—a Golden Globe winner, a counterculture icon, and a devoted mother—will continue to resonate for generations.
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