Peggy Lipton Peggy Lipton also known as Peggy Lipton Jones is an American actress and socialite. She is best known for her portrayal of hip, young, detective "Julie Barnes" in the late 1960s early 1970s television show "The Mod Squad" and conflicted waitress "Norma Jennings" from the 1990s television drama Twin Peaks. Lipton was born in New York City on August 30, 1947 to Rita and Harold Lipton. Her American father had Russian Jewish heritage. Her Irish-born mother was also Jewish. Lipton was raised in Long Island with her brothers Robert Lipton, also an actor, and Kenneth. In 1962, she signed with the Ford Model Agency and enjoyed a successful career. In 1964 her family moved to Los Angeles and Lipton signed a contract with Universal Pictures the same year. She made her debut on The John Forsythe Show in 1965.
Lipton's star rose on The Mod Squad in 1968 and the show was a runaway hit until 1973. Her perfomance on the show earned her 4 Golden Globe nominations during her tenure. In 1971, Lipton won a Golden Globe award in the category of 'Best TV Actress in a Drama'. Lipton also enjoyed some success as a singer and songwriter with three of her singles landing on the Billboard Charts: Stoney End (1968), Lu (1970) and Wear Your Love Like Heaven (1970). The fresh-faced flower child quickly became a pop culture icon among the youth of her generation. However the young star was far more interested in settling down and starting a family than maintaining her celebrity status. In 1974 Lipton married music mogul Quincy Jones and began a self-imposed hiatus from acting in order to devote herself to their growing family. The couple have two daughters: Kidada Nash (née Jones), a fashion stylist, and the actress, Rashida Jones. During the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s Peggy Lipton and Quincy Jones were regarded as one of Hollywood's major "powercouples". Spiritually curious, Lipton explored several religions including scientology and hinduism. Her ever-increasing focus on her faith and her husband's demanding career eventually created distance in the marriage. They were amicably divorced in 1990 and remain close friends. In 2001, she collaborated with Jones on his book Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones.
After her divorce, Lipton returned to acting and joined the cast of David Lynch's groundbreaking television series 'Twin Peaks'. Lipton also had a reoccuring role on the tv show 'Popular'. She continues to appear in a number of films and television shows. Lipton's commitment to healthy living and fitness has been consistent. She appeared as an assitent instructor in one Jane Fonda's legendary workout videos. Her phenomenal bone structure has also afforded Lipton continued success as a fashion model and she continues to appear in beauty magazine editorials. In 2002 she was voted TV Guide's 5th 'Sexiest Star of All Time'.
In 2003 she appeared on stage opposite her youngest daughter Rashida Jones in the play Pitching To The Star, directed by her brother Robert Lipton.
In 2004, Lipton was diagnosed with colon cancer. She has undergone treatment and appears to be in remission.
In 2005, she published her memoir Breathing Out.
Throughout the years Lipton has supported a number of charities, among them Break The Cycle. Today, she remains a passionate and engaged philanthropist.
