Judy Pace, a prominent model and actress, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 11, at the age of 83. The news of her death was announced by her daughters, Shawn Pace Mitchell and Julia Pace Mitchell, who shared that their mother died while visiting family in Marina Del Rey, California.
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Born in Los Angeles in 1942, Pace began her career in the entertainment industry as a model, quickly making a name for herself as one of the youngest participants in the Ebony Fashion Fair’s 1961-1962 tour. Her transition to acting began with her film debut in the 1963 movie “13 Frightened Girls,” where she portrayed a Liberian teenager. This role marked the beginning of her illustrious career, ultimately making her the first Black woman to secure a contract with Columbia Studios.
Pace gained recognition for her role as Vickie Fletcher in the television drama “Peyton Place,” which she starred in from 1968 to 1969. She continued to break ground in television with her performance as Pat Walters in “The Young Lawyers” from 1969 to 1971, a role that earned her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series in 1970. Her contributions to the industry made her a trailblazer for Black actresses during a time when representation was scarce.
Throughout her career, Pace appeared in a variety of films and television shows. Notable credits include “The Fortune Cookie” (1966), “Three in the Attic” (1968), “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968), “Cotton Comes to Harlem” (1970), “Frogs” (1972), and “Cool Breeze” (1972). Perhaps one of her most memorable works was in the critically acclaimed television movie “Brian’s Song” in 1971, where she played the wife of football legend Gale Sayers. The film drew an impressive audience of 55 million viewers during its initial airing, a testament to its impact.
Pace also lent her talent to guest appearances in several well-known television series, including “Bewitched,” “Good Times,” “I Spy,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” “Mod Squad,” “That’s My Mama,” and “Sanford and Son.” Her final acting role came in 2017 when she featured in a four-episode arc on “Beauty and the Baller.”
Beyond her acting career, Pace was a dedicated advocate for Black representation in the film industry. In 1971, she co-founded the Kwanza Foundation with actress Nichelle Nichols, aimed at supporting Black women working in film and providing scholarships for minority students pursuing careers in the arts. This foundation was a significant step in uplifting the voices of underrepresented communities in Hollywood.
Pace’s personal life included two marriages; her first to Don Mitchell, an actor, from 1972 to 1984, with whom she shared her two daughters. Earlier, she was married to Major League Baseball star Curt Flood from 1968 until his tragic death in 1997. Following Flood’s passing, Pace devoted much of her advocacy work to honouring his legacy, notably advocating for his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
She leaves behind her two daughters, a grandson named Stephen Lamar Hightower III, and a son-in-law, Otto Strong. In memory of Judy Pace, her family has requested donations to the NAACP, reflecting her lifelong commitment to social justice and equality.
Judy Pace’s legacy as a pioneering actress and model, coupled with her advocacy for Black representation in the arts, will not be forgotten. Her contributions to film and television paved the way for future generations of actors, making her an enduring figure in the entertainment industry.