Judy Pace, a talented actress and model, has passed away at the age of 83. Her daughters, Shawn and Julia Pace Mitchell, shared that she “died peacefully in her sleep” while visiting family in Marina Del Rey.
Born on June 15, 1942, in Los Angeles, Judy was a groundbreaking figure in the entertainment industry. She began her modeling career with Ebony Fashion Fair, becoming its youngest participant in 1961. Her acting debut came in 1963 with the film 13 Frightened Girls, making her the first Black woman signed to Columbia Studios.
Throughout the 1960s, Judy shone on television, appearing in popular shows like I Spy, Batman, Bewitched, and Days of Our Lives. Her role as Pat Walters in The Young Lawyers earned her an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress from 1969 to 1971.
In the 1970s, Judy became a notable figure in Blaxploitation films. She starred in Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) and The Slams (1973), and played the wife of football star Gale Sayers in Brian’s Song (1971). This film highlighted not just her acting skills but the emotional strength of her character, which resonated with audiences.
Judy was also a committed philanthropist. She co-founded the Kwanza Foundation in 1971 with Nichelle Nichols. This organization was dedicated to uplifting Black women in film and providing scholarships to minority students pursuing careers in the arts.
Judy leaves behind her daughters, Shawn Pace Mitchell and Julia Pace Mitchell, as well as her grandson, Stephen Lamar Hightower III, and other beloved family members and friends. In her honor, the family asks that donations be made to the NAACP.
As we reflect on Judy Pace’s contributions, it’s important to recognize her impact on both the film industry and her community. She helped pave the way for future generations of Black actresses, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.
For additional insights into Judy’s life and contributions, you can visit the NAACP’s official site or a dedicated biography on her lasting impact in entertainment.
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Judy Pace
