Actress and model Judy Pace, celebrated for her role in the 1971 football drama Brian's Song and numerous classic television appearances, has passed away at the age of 83. Her death occurred on Wednesday, with her daughters Shawn and Julia Pace Mitchell confirming she died peacefully in her sleep while visiting relatives in Marina Del Rey, California.
A Trailblazing Career in Entertainment
Born on June 15, 1942, in Los Angeles, Pace began her professional journey in modeling. In 1961, she made history as the youngest model to participate in the prestigious Ebony Fashion Fair, setting the stage for a remarkable career in the entertainment industry.
Breaking Barriers in Film and Television
Pace's on-camera debut came in 1963 with the Cold War film 13 Frightened Girls, where she played Judy/Liberia. This role was significant as it made her the first Black actress ever to receive a contract from Columbia Studios, a major milestone in Hollywood's history.
Her pioneering spirit continued in 1965 when she became the first Black bachelorette featured on the popular television show The Dating Game. Throughout the 1960s, Pace became a familiar face on numerous groundbreaking TV series, including Batman, Bewitched, Days of Our Lives, I Dream of Jeannie, Peyton Place, The Flying Nun, The Mod Squad, and Tarzan.
Memorable Roles and Industry Impact
Pace's most prominent role came in 1971 with Brian's Song, a critically acclaimed football drama starring James Caan, Jack Warden, and Bernie Casey. In the film, which depicted the friendship between Chicago Bears players Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, Pace portrayed Linda Sayers, the wife of Gale, played by Billy Dee Williams.
Contributions to Blaxploitation and Beyond
During the 1970s, Pace appeared in several Blaxploitation films, including Cotton Comes to Harlem in 1970 and The Slams in 1973. Her television work also earned her recognition, with Pace receiving a NAACP Image Award in 1970 for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in ABC's legal drama The Young Lawyers.
Beyond her acting career, Pace co-founded the Kwanza Foundation in 1971 with actress Nichelle Nichols. The organization was dedicated to supporting Black women in the film industry and providing scholarships to students pursuing careers in the arts.
Legacy and Tributes
Judy Pace is survived by her daughters Shawn Pace Mitchell and Julia Pace Mitchell, her grandson Stephen Lamar Hightower III, and her son-in-law Otto Strong, along with numerous friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations be made to the NAACP in her memory.
Fans Remember a Talented Icon
Online tributes have poured in from fans who remembered Pace for her talent, beauty, and pioneering spirit. One user wrote, 'RIP to the beautiful & talented, Judy Pace Flood, my prayers and condolences to her family.' Another fan described her as 'our beautiful silver screen gem & vintage black barbie,' while others highlighted her significance with hashtags like #beautifulIsBlack.
Pace's career spanned decades and broke numerous barriers, leaving an indelible mark on both television and film. Her contributions to diversity in entertainment and her memorable performances ensure her legacy will endure for generations to come.
