Exclusive Portrait: Holly Robinson Peete Promotes Book ‘Same But Different’ in Chicagoland

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CHICAGO – Holly Robinson Peete is a notable television actor (“21 Jump Street,” “Hanging with Mr. Cooper”), but her true life’s work is as a national spokesperson for autism. Currently, her family is featured on the reality show “For Peete’s Sake,” on the OWN Network, and she has written a new book, “Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express.” She recently appeared at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Ill., to promote the book.

Holly Robinson Peete at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Ill
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Born in Pennsylvania, Holly Robinson made her debut as a child actor on the very first episode of “Sesame Street” in 1969. After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College in psychology and French – she is fluent in that language – she scored roles in consecutive TV series from 1987 through 2004, “21 Jump Street,” “Hanging with Mr. Cooper,” “For Your Love” and “Like Family.” She married NFL star Rodney Peete in 1995, and became an advocate spokesperson for autism, once her son Rodney Jr. was diagnosed. She was one of the original hosts of “The Talk” in 2010, and is currently wrapping up the first season of “For Peete’s Sake” on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

Holly Robinson Peete greeted fans and signed her book – “Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express” – on May 5th, 2016, at the Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville. HollywoodChicago.com photographer Joe Arce was there to take this Exclusive Portrait.

By PATRICK McDONALD Writer, Editorial Coordinator HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com