Judy Pace, a prominent actress celebrated for her impactful roles in Blaxploitation cinema and beyond, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83. Her daughters, Shawn and Julia Pace Mitchell, confirmed her death, marking the end of a career that spanned decades and broke significant ground for Black actresses in Hollywood.
Pace’s artistic journey was characterized by meticulous planning and a clear vision. She once shared with Roger Ebert her deliberate five-year strategy for breaking into the film industry. “I figured if I didn’t make it by then, I’d quit wasting my time,” she explained. This period involved two years dedicated to intensive study, including acting classes and workshops. Following this, she pursued modeling and secured occasional television roles. Her breakthrough arrived in her fifth year, with a role in “Three in the Attic” materializing just two weeks before her self-imposed deadline. While she acknowledged she might have extended the deadline, the timing underscored her determination.
Her acting debut occurred in the 1963 Cold War-era spy film “13 Frightened Girls.” However, it was her role in “Three in the Attic” that held the potential to propel her to wider recognition. Concurrently, she was also portraying Vickie Fletcher on the popular television series “Peyton Place.” Discussing her character, Pace noted, “I play a character who has hang-ups like everybody else. I’m not exactly a lady on the show, I suppose; I’m pregnant, running away from the police and blackmailing the doctor. And I don’t come from the suburbs; I come from Harlem.” This portrayal showcased her ability to inhabit complex, multifaceted characters, reflecting a grittier reality often absent in mainstream media at the time.
Beyond her personal career aspirations, Judy Pace was a staunch advocate for increased opportunities for Black women in the acting world. She believed that television played a crucial role in expanding these horizons. “The hardest thing to do is to find any sort of movie role if you’re a Black actress,” she stated. “People don’t realize that. They talk about Sidney Poitier and Jim Brown — but where are the actresses? Let’s face it. If it weren’t for TV, all the young Black actresses in Hollywood would be unemployed.”
Pace’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive industry led her and Nichelle Nichols to co-found the Kwanza Foundation in 1971. This organization was dedicated to creating more acting opportunities specifically for Black women, addressing the systemic underrepresentation they faced.
Throughout her career, Pace graced the screen in a variety of notable projects. Her filmography includes significant roles in Blaxploitation classics such as “The Slams” and “Cotton Comes to Harlem.” She also lent her talents to television, appearing in episodes of iconic shows like “Batman,” “Bewitched,” and “Days of Our Lives.” A particularly poignant role was her portrayal of Linda Sayers, the wife of Gale Sayers, in the acclaimed made-for-television movie “Brian’s Song.” This performance, alongside her work in other dramas, demonstrated her versatility and dramatic range.
Key Career Highlights:
- Blaxploitation Cinema: Iconic roles in films like “The Slams” and “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” contributing to a pivotal era in Black filmmaking.
- Television Presence: Memorable appearances on a diverse range of shows including “Batman,” “Bewitched,” “Days of Our Lives,” and “Peyton Place.”
- “Brian’s Song”: Portraying Linda Sayers, the wife of NFL star Gale Sayers, in the widely recognized television film.
- Advocacy and Foundation Work: Co-founding the Kwanza Foundation with Nichelle Nichols to promote opportunities for Black actresses.
- Early Career: Debuting in “13 Frightened Girls” and gaining attention for her role in “Three in the Attic.”
Judy Pace was born on June 15, 1942, in California. Her personal life was marked by significant relationships. She was married to actor Don Mitchell, known for his role in “Ironside,” from 1972 to 1984. Her second marriage was to baseball legend Curt Flood, from 1984 until his passing in 1997. She is survived by her daughters, Julia Pace Mitchell and Shawn Pace Mitchell, her grandson Stephen, and her son-in-law Otto. Her legacy as a trailblazing actress and advocate continues to inspire.
