Peggy Lipton, a one-time model who rocketed to stardom in the 1960s TV hit “The Mod Squad” and later became the muse of David Lynch’s cult TV series “Twin Peaks,” has died. Lipton was 72.
Her death from cancer was announced Saturday by Kidada and Rashida Jones (of “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation”), her daughters with her former husband, the music producer Quincy Jones.
“She made her journey peacefully with her daughters and nieces by her side,” her daughters said in a statement to The Los Angeles Times. “We feel so lucky for every moment we spent with her. Peggy was and will always be our beacon of light, both in this world and beyond. She will always be a part of us.”
The cool blonde with attitude made it big in 1968 playing Julie Barnes, one of a crew of three undercover counterculture cops (with Michael Cole and Clarence Williams III) on the popular ABC series “The Mod Squad.”
After a singing career and years focused on being a mom to her daughters, she returned to TV for another hit, playing Norma Jennings on “Twin Peaks.”
She talked of her first cancer diagnosis in her 2005 memoir “Breathing Out,” in which she also delved into her struggles with fame and the racism she encountered during her 17-year marriage to Jones.
Fans on Twitter poured out their hearts.
The RR diner is dark today. Very sorry to hear Peggy Lipton is gone. We’ve lost a beautiful soul.
— Kyle MacLachlan (@Kyle_MacLachlan)
May 12, 2019
Oh my God. I’m broken hearted to hear of the passing of my friend Peggy Lipton. We had known each Other for many years and her beautiful girls were the loves of her life. She was an exquisite human being On all levels. god bless you. KIDADA and Rashida she’s your angel.
— Rosanna Arquette (@RoArquette)
May 12, 2019
So sad to hear about #PeggyLipton
From the #ModSquad to #TwinPeaks and everything in between.
Sweet, kind, beautiful & very cool.
What a career… what a life.
Love, light, strength & prayers for Quincy, Kidada & Rashida.
She always made me smile and ALWAYS made my heart flutter. pic.twitter.com/EtgVuvJGNb
— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin)
May 12, 2019
I’m heartbroken. I had the opportunity to work with Peggy for a few days on a film. I absolutely fell in love with her. I’ve honestly always thought of Peggy as...perfect. Honest, funny, nurturing, oh and loved some good, juicy, gossip💔 https://t.co/RfQd0CqJG3
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin)
May 12, 2019
Peggy Lipton was brilliant on Twin Peaks as Norma Jennings. This, her final scene from The Return, is one of the greatest moments of whole series. RIPhttps://t.co/xhPwSTLO4r
— Collin Murr (@CollinMurr)
May 12, 2019
Sad about Peggy Lipton. I'm so glad she appeared in Twin Peaks: The Return. Always loved that Lynch cast her based on her super popular 1970s series Mod Squad. She had a quality perfect for that era but also a timeless grace and beauty. https://t.co/AKjr1XAILc
— Peg Aloi (@themediawitch)
May 12, 2019
“Norma, I’ll see you in my dreeeams.” RIP Peggy Lipton pic.twitter.com/j5c6Y5bij0
— Austin Vesely (@AustinVesely) May 12, 2019
Farewell to an eternally mod & enduringly beautiful soul, #PeggyLipton. pic.twitter.com/1szepuyn0z
— David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) May 12, 2019
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Norma got several happy endings in a show without many to offer.
No one deserved it more.
Peggy Lipton was the light in Twin Peaks. She was a lantern always on, whenever things got too dark.
Not many actors could make good and kind into something fascinating. She did.
— Adam Sass (@TheAdamSass) May 12, 2019
Heartbreaking news. I hope they’re serving damn fine coffee and cherry pie wherever Peggy Lipton is tonight. #TwinPeaks https://t.co/YAmFrN8cfE
— Matt Marrone (@thebigm) May 12, 2019
