Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete to be Honored with Good Sam Award for Philanthropy

Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete to Receive Good Sam Award

On October 24, 2025, Hollywood couple Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete will be honored with the esteemed Good Sam Award at the Rotary Club of Los Angeles Foundation Luncheon, to be held at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. This prestigious recognition celebrates the couple's impressive philanthropic commitment to worthy causes through their HollyRod Foundation.

Holly Robinson Peete, an accomplished actress known for her roles in beloved TV shows such as 21 Jump Street, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, and For Your Love, has used her platform to advocate for meaningful change. Alongside her husband, Rodney Peete, a former NFL quarterback and community leader, they have transformed their personal experiences into a powerful mission of service. Their collective journey began through the challenges they faced when Holly's father, Matthew Robinson, the original Gordon on Sesame Street, battled Parkinson’s disease, and their son, R.J., was diagnosed with autism at an early age.

Through the HollyRod Foundation, established with the intention of raising awareness and providing support, they actively engage with families affected by autism and Parkinson’s disease. Their dedication to philanthropy aligns beautifully with the principles of the Rotary Club, which promotes the idea of “Service Above Self.” The Good Sam Award is intended to honor individuals who exemplify strong leadership in advancing kindness and compassion within their communities.

Paul Jacques, President of the Rotary Club of Los Angeles, articulated the importance of this honor, stating, “Rodney Peete and Holly Robinson Peete are shining examples of the ideal of ‘Service Above Self.’ We are both proud and grateful to recognize their significant efforts in creating a world that is more open and compassionate, particularly for individuals living with Autism and Parkinson’s.” Holly's poignant sentiment, “I wouldn’t change my son for the world, but I would change the world for my son,” resonates deeply with the goals of the award.

Holly Robinson Peete's career spans over three decades of entertainment and advocacy. Beyond acting, she is an accomplished singer, author, talk show host, activist, and philanthropist. Currently, she hosts the Peacock series Queens Court and its offshoot, Kings Court. Her inspiring work includes the PBS Kids series Weather Hunters and her award-winning children’s book, My Brother Charlie. Notably, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022 for her remarkable contributions to the arts.

Meanwhile, her husband, Rodney Peete, enjoyed a successful career in the NFL, playing for multiple teams including the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. Rodney excelled in college football at USC, where he earned first-team All-American honors in 1988 before being drafted into the NFL.

The awards luncheon will also unveil the new Good Sam Award statuette designed by Sir Daniel Winn, an accomplished Vietnamese American artist and philanthropist known for his distinct artistic style rooted in