Veteran actress Judy Pace, known for breaking barriers for Black women in television and film, has died at the age of 83.
According to family members, Pace passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 11, 2026, while visiting relatives in Marina del Rey. Her death was confirmed by her daughters, including actress Julia Pace Mitchell, who shared that the beloved star was surrounded by family at the time of her passing.
Born Judy Lenteen Pace on June 15, 1942, in Los Angeles, Pace rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1970s, becoming one of the pioneering Black actresses in mainstream Hollywood.
She first captured attention as a model, becoming one of the youngest women to walk in the prestigious Ebony Fashion Fair tour in the early 1960s before transitioning into acting.
Pace’s television breakthrough came when she portrayed the character Vickie Fletcher on the hit series Peyton Place, making history as one of the first Black actresses cast as a recurring villain on a major TV drama.
She later starred as attorney Pat Walters in the ABC series The Young Lawyers, a role that earned her an NAACP Image Award in 1970.
Throughout her career, Pace appeared in numerous television shows and films, including the acclaimed 1971 television movie Brian’s Song, where she portrayed the wife of football legend Gale Sayers.
Her work also extended to appearances on popular series such as Batman, Bewitched, and Days of Our Lives, further cementing her place in television history.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Pace became known for her elegance, screen presence, and the doors she helped open for future generations of Black performers.
She is remembered not only for her groundbreaking roles but also for her influence on the entertainment industry during a time when opportunities for Black actresses were limited.
Pace is survived by her daughters and extended family. Tributes from fans, colleagues, and industry figures continue to pour in as Hollywood remembers a true pioneer whose legacy helped shape the landscape of film and television.
