May 11, 2019 – Margaret Ann “Peggy” Lipton, beloved actress and cultural icon, passed away on May 11, 2019, at the age of 72 after a battle with cancer. Lipton, best known for her breakthrough role as Julie Barnes in the iconic 1960s television series The Mod Squad, left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances that spanned television, film, and stage.
What Happened
Peggy Lipton’s death marked the end of an illustrious career that saw her rise to fame in the late 1960s and remain a household name for decades. Her portrayal of Julie Barnes, the free-spirited “flower child” turned undercover cop, in The Mod Squad (1968–1973) earned her widespread recognition and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 1970. The role cemented her status as one of the most influential actresses of the era.
Lipton’s career continued to thrive as she later took on the role of Norma Jennings in the surreal television series Twin Peaks (1990–1991), directed by David Lynch. Her portrayal of the troubled waitress became one of her most beloved performances, showcasing her range and earning her new generations of fans.
Who Was Peggy Lipton?
Born on August 30, 1946, in New York City, Peggy Lipton began her career as a model before venturing into acting. Her breakthrough role came in The Mod Squad, where she starred alongside Michael Cole and Clarence Williams III, playing an unconventional cop working undercover in Los Angeles. The show became a huge success and is still considered one of the most influential TV series of its time, marking a shift in how youth culture was portrayed on television.
In addition to her role in The Mod Squad, Lipton’s career included appearances in several films and television shows. She worked in both drama and comedy, showcasing her versatility. However, it was her return to television in the 1990s, particularly her role as Norma Jennings in Twin Peaks, that solidified her status as a cultural icon. Lipton’s portrayal of the conflicted, yet empathetic waitress helped elevate the series to cult status.
Personal Life and Family
Peggy Lipton’s personal life was as notable as her career. In 1974, she married the legendary music producer and musician Quincy Jones. The couple had two daughters, Rashida Jones and Kidada Jones, both of whom followed in their mother’s footsteps and became actresses. Rashida Jones, in particular, went on to achieve significant success in television and film, starring in shows like Parks and Recreation and The Office.
Though Lipton and Quincy Jones divorced in 1989, they remained on good terms and continued to co-parent their daughters. Peggy’s family was a major part of her life, and her daughters frequently spoke about her as a loving and supportive mother.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Throughout her career, Lipton was not just a talented actress, but also a cultural trailblazer. Her roles in both The Mod Squad and Twin Peaks were groundbreaking for their time, breaking norms and bringing new, complex characters to the forefront of television. She was also a part of a generation of actresses who became not only stars but symbols of the cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1970s.
In the late 1980s, Lipton made a successful return to television, appearing in a variety of TV series including Crash and Popular. Her work continued to earn praise, and her legacy was cemented as a talented actress who bridged multiple eras of television.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The news of Peggy Lipton’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, friends, and colleagues alike. On social media, celebrities such as Rashida Jones and her Twin Peaks co-stars shared heartfelt messages. Rashida Jones, in an emotional tribute, wrote, “I will love you forever, Mom. Rest in peace, my beautiful mother. You were one of the greats.”
The hashtag #RIPPeggyLipton quickly trended as fans from around the world expressed their admiration for the actress who had touched so many lives with her performances. Her death was felt deeply by those who grew up watching her on television and by a new generation who discovered her work later in life.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
In the wake of Peggy Lipton’s death, her family and representatives issued a statement thanking her fans for their support. They confirmed that Lipton had passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her two daughters and her legacy as one of Hollywood’s beloved stars.
Lipton was buried at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City, California, where she joins a long line of legendary figures in the entertainment industry.
Closing
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
