Peggy Lipton was surrounded by her family, daughters Rashida and Kidada Jones, when she died, according to a statement released by her children. It read: “We are heartbroken that our beloved mother passed away from cancer today. She made her journey peacefully with her daughters and nieces by her side. We feel so lucky for every moment we spent with her. We can’t put all of our feelings into words right now but we will say: Peggy was, and will always be our beacon of light, both in this world and beyond. She will always be a part of us.”
Tributes have been pouring for the actress, following the news of her death, as fans have taken to social media to express their condolences.
One person wrote: “Rest in peace to Peggy Lipton. An extraordinary woman and a master at her craft. Thank you for bringing Norma Jennings to life.”
Another person penned: “Sad to learn that Peggy Lipton has passed. She was 72 years old #RIP.”
While a third person added: “Good night, Peggy Lipton. Loved you in everything I saw you in, and I’m so pleased you were able to give Norma a lovely, loving send off on TWIN PEAKS. Really gonna miss your soothing, positive presence. R.I.P.”
Comedian and presenter Kathy Griffin, said: “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.”
The former model starred as one of three undercover “hippie cops” in groundbreaking series The Mod Squad in the 1960s.
Her performance landed her Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe win in 1971.
After taking a break from acting, she soon returned to small-screens as Norma Jennings in David Lynch’s TV series, Twin Peaks, in the 1990s.
Describing her time on the show in a 1993 interview with The Times, she said “it was very scary”.
“I had a push-pull thing inside me that I wanted to do it,” she said.
“I had become so insulated in my world as a mother, that I didn’t know how to pick up the phone and call anybody to put myself out there.”
The actress married music producer Quincy Jones in 1974 but they divorced in 1989.
The former couple share two children together, Rashida, 43, and Kidida, 45.
Her daughter Rashida, is also an actress and starred in numerous films and TV shows, including the US version of The Office.
Kidada was allegedly engaged to rap legend Tupac before he was killed in 1996.
Peggy was romantically linked to other stars including Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley and Sammy Davis Jr, according to Variety.