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'Twin Peaks' star Peggy Lipton has died aged 72

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 27:  Actors Peggy Lipton (L) and Rashida Jones attend Revlon's Annual Philanthropic Luncheon in support of the Revlon Women's Health Mission and to honor the achievements of Dr. Dennis Slamon at the Chateau Marmont on September 27, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Revlon)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Actors Peggy Lipton (L) and Rashida Jones attend Revlon's Annual Philanthropic Luncheon in support of the Revlon Women's Health Mission (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Revlon)

Peggy Lipton, star of Twin Peaks and The Mod Squad has died aged 72 after battling cancer.

Lipton died yesterday (11 May), surrounded by her family, including daughters, actresses Rashida and Kidada Jones.

The family released a statement, saying: "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."

Read more: Why Rashida Jones Almost Quit Acting

Lipton’s most famous roles saw her play Julie Barnes in the groundbreaking The Mod Squad, and Norma Jennings in the seminal Twin Peaks.

She married music mogul Quincy Jones in 1974. They had daughters Rashida, 43, and Kidada, 45, and separated in 1989.

Peggy Lipton, Rashida Jones, Quincy Jones and Kidada Jones (Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage for A List )
Peggy Lipton, Rashida Jones, Quincy Jones and Kidada Jones (Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage for A List )

Lipton’s breakout role in The Mod Squad came in 1968. She played an undercover agent on the show until 1973. Her career received a huge boost in the late 1980s when she landed the role of diner owner Norma Jennings in David Lynch’s cult horror-drama Twin Peaks.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 16:  Actress Peggy Lipton arrives to The American Film Institute Presents "Twin Peaks-The Entire Mystery" Blu-Ray/DVD Release Screening at the Vista Theatre on July 16, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 16: Actress Peggy Lipton arrives to The American Film Institute Presents "Twin Peaks-The Entire Mystery" Blu-Ray/DVD Release Screening at the Vista Theatre on July 16, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Read more: Finally! ‘Twin Peaks’ Season 2 Soundtrack Comes to Vinyl on #RecordStoreDay

Mädchen Amick worked closely with the late actress on Twin Peaks, playing diner worker, Shelly Johnson. She posted on Instagram: “I lost a sister today. She was a true angel on earth. Always the coolest in the room. You couldn’t fit anymore love into that gorgeous soul of hers and she shared her heart generously with everyone around her.

“She was such a proud mother. Loved her girls more than anything in the world. I will always love you Peggy. I hope to dance with you again in the stars one day.”