Judy Pace, a pioneering actress and model who broke barriers in Hollywood throughout the 1960s and 70s, has died at the age of 83. Pace, celebrated for her roles in the groundbreaking television film “Brian’s Song” and a string of “blaxploitation” films, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, while visiting family in Marina del Rey, California, according to her daughters. Her career spanned decades, marked by a willingness to challenge stereotypes and a dedication to portraying complex characters.
Born June 15, 1942, in Los Angeles, Pace’s journey began in the world of modeling, where she quickly rose to prominence. She became the youngest model for Ebony Fashion Fair in 1961, a significant achievement that launched her into the public eye. This early success paved the way for her transition into acting, and she soon found herself navigating the evolving landscape of television and film. Pace’s impact extended beyond her on-screen performances; she was a vocal advocate for greater representation of Black women in the entertainment industry, a struggle she openly discussed throughout her career.
Pace’s early television work included appearances in popular shows like “I Spy,” “Batman,” “Bewitched,” and “Peyton Place,” demonstrating her versatility as an actress. She garnered critical acclaim and an NAACP Image Award in 1970 for her portrayal of Pat Walters on “The Young Lawyers,” a role that showcased her ability to embody strong, independent women. This award recognized her contribution to positive representation on television and solidified her position as a rising star. Her work on “The Young Lawyers” was particularly notable for portraying an unapologetic career woman, a departure from the more limited roles typically available to Black actresses at the time.
A Groundbreaking Career Across Genres
While Pace found success in mainstream television, she too embraced the burgeoning “blaxploitation” film movement of the 1970s. She starred in films like “Cotton Comes to Harlem” (1970) and “The Slams” (1973), taking on roles that were often complex and challenging. In “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” she played Iris, a character described as “scheming and seductive,” and delivered a performance that resonated with audiences. As noted by Bob McCann in the *Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television*, Pace’s roles in these films often presented “militant, overtly sexual, cocky, totally confident characters,” a stark contrast to the more demure roles she sometimes accepted elsewhere.
However, it was her role as the wife of football legend Gale Sayers in the 1971 television film “Brian’s Song” that remains one of her most enduring legacies. The film, starring James Caan and Bill Dee Williams, told the poignant story of the friendship between Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. Pace’s portrayal of Sayers’ wife brought a crucial emotional depth to the narrative, and the film itself became a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its sensitive handling of themes of race, friendship, and loss. “Brian’s Song” continues to be shown and discussed today, and Pace’s contribution to its success is widely recognized.
Beyond the Screen: Activism and Philanthropy
Judy Pace’s commitment extended beyond her acting career. In 1971, she co-founded the Kwanza Foundation with Nichelle Nichols (best known for her role as Uhura on *Star Trek*), dedicated to supporting Black women working in film and providing scholarships to minority students pursuing careers in the arts. This initiative underscored her dedication to creating opportunities for future generations of Black artists and filmmakers. The Kwanza Foundation aimed to address the systemic barriers faced by Black women in the industry and to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Pace was also a vocal advocate for greater representation of Black actresses in Hollywood. In a 1968 interview with Roger Ebert, she lamented the limited roles available to Black women, stating, “All the black women in the movies seem to be nurses, school teachers, social workers. Black women lead real lives, baby. They’re not all doctors’ wives.” She emphasized the importance of television in providing opportunities for Black actresses, noting that “If it weren’t for TV, all the young black actresses in Hollywood would be unemployed.” This interview provides valuable insight into her perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Black performers in the entertainment industry.
A Legacy of Resilience and Representation
Throughout her career, Pace navigated a complex and often challenging industry. She consistently sought roles that challenged stereotypes and offered nuanced portrayals of Black women. Her willingness to embrace diverse roles, from the “good girl” characters in mainstream television to the more assertive and independent figures in “blaxploitation” films, demonstrated her versatility and her commitment to expanding the range of representation on screen. McCann described her career as “rather schizophrenic,” acknowledging the contrasting nature of her roles, but also recognizing her ability to excel in both.
Pace’s extensive television credits include appearances in “Bewitched,” “Batman,” “I Spy,” “Days of Our Lives,” “The Mod Squad,” “Kung Fu,” “Sanford and Son,” “Ironside,” and “Good Times,” showcasing her consistent presence on American television screens for over two decades. She was praised by critic Roger Ebert as “a quick, funny actress who can put an edge on a line and keep a scene sparkling,” even in a film he otherwise disliked, “Three in the Attic.”
Personal Life and Family
Pace’s personal life was marked by significant relationships. She was married to actor Don Mitchell and later to baseball legend Curt Flood, who famously challenged Major League Baseball’s reserve clause in a landmark case that ultimately reached the Supreme Court. Flood’s courageous stand against the reserve clause, which restricted players’ freedom of movement, had a profound impact on the sport and paved the way for free agency. Curt Flood died in 1997. Pace is survived by her daughters, Shawn Pace Mitchell and Julia Pace Mitchell, a grandson, and a son-in-law.
In 2019, while accepting an award, Pace reflected on her life with gratitude, describing it as “the most magnificent, incredible ride ever.” She expressed her joy in being a native Californian and her belief that the state offered the freedom to “be anything you want to be.” This sentiment encapsulates her spirit of resilience and her unwavering pursuit of her dreams.
Judy Pace’s passing represents a loss for the entertainment industry and for all those who admired her talent and her commitment to social justice. Her legacy as a groundbreaking actress, a dedicated philanthropist, and a fearless advocate for representation will continue to inspire future generations. The family has requested that donations be made to the NAACP in lieu of flowers.
As of March 16, 2026, details regarding a memorial service have not been announced. Further information will be released by the family as it becomes available. Readers are encouraged to share their memories and condolences through online tributes and social media platforms.