Autism Light: Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete
Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete are from Los Angeles, California. They are parents of three children and their son Rodney (R.J.) has autism. Rodney and Holly are Autism Lights because of their autism advocacy through being authors, philanthropists and operators of a foundation for autism called the HollyRod Foundation. Those that know Rodney and Holly will understand how appropriate it is that they receive the special honor of being Autism Lights #100.
Rodney Peete’s Football Career: Rodney Peete was a star football player for UCLA leading them to the 1988 and 1989 Rose Bowls. He won the Johnny Unitus Award in 1989. Although he was drafted also a a 3rd Baseman by Major League teams, Rodney Peete chose to play football and he went on to play 16 years in the National Football League for several teams from 1989-2005. His career stats are at the Pro Football Reference Website. He played on the Carolina Panthers 2003 team that went to Super Bowl XXXVIII.
Holly Robinson Peete Career in Acting: Holly has had roles as an actress in the following shows.
- 21 Jumps Street (Judy Hoffs)
- Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper (Vanessa Russell)
- For Your Love (Dr. Malena Cooper)
- The Talk (Co-Host)
The HollyRod Foundation: The HollyRod Foundation was founded in 1997. It helps provide services for people who are impacted by either Parkison’s Disease or Autism. Holly Robinson Peete’s father was Matt Robinson who played the original Gordon on the children’s TV show Sesame Street. Mr. Robinson developed Parkinson’s Disease in his 40’s and in his honor The HollyRod Foundation was established originally to provide help for those with Parkinson’s to obtain services. After Rodney (R.J.) Peete was diagnosed with autism, Holly and Rod decided that the foundation would also begin reaching out for autism under the HollyRod4Kids name. More information on the HollyRod Foundation is available at their website at www.hollyrod.org/about. One of the future plans for the HolyRod Foundation is the construction of the HollyRod4Kids Compassionate Care Center for Autism in Los Angeles.
Holly Robinson Peete wrote a song called Come Into My World that she sings with her son Rodney in the following video. This video is on the HollyRod Foundation’s Website.
Authors: Both of the Peete’s are authors in their own right. Holly Robinson Peete wrote My Brother Charlie with her daughter Ryan, which helps neurotypical children understand about autistic kids. Rodney Peete wrote Not My Boy! to share his story with his son who has autism. The following video is Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete discussing their life with a child with autism and the books they wrote.
Social Media: You can follow Rodney, Holly, and the HollyRod Foundation at the following social media areas.
Special thanks to Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete for being philanthropists and autism advocates in the media. You are amazing heroes for the cause of all the autism community.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
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