American actress and trailblazer in television and film
Remembering those we recently lost
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Judy Pace's life.
Judy was born
· Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Career Start
Judy Pace began her career as a model, becoming the youngest Ebony Fashion Fair model in 1961 at age 19. The prestigious modeling circuit, which toured Black communities across America, gave her early exposure to the entertainment industry and helped launch her acting career.
Career Start
Judy Pace began her career as a model, becoming the youngest Ebony Fashion Fair model in 1961 at age 19. The prestigious modeling circuit, which toured Black communities across America, gave her early exposure to the entertainment industry and helped launch her acting career.
Historic Milestone
Pace became the first Black woman to be contracted at Columbia Studios in the 1960s, breaking a significant barrier in Hollywood. At a time when Black women were largely confined to minor roles, she insisted on playing full, complicated characters.
Historic Milestone
Pace became the first Black woman to be contracted at Columbia Studios in the 1960s, breaking a significant barrier in Hollywood. At a time when Black women were largely confined to minor roles, she insisted on playing full, complicated characters.
Television Role
Pace portrayed Vickie Fletcher on the groundbreaking TV series 'Peyton Place' from 1968 to 1969, becoming one of the first Black actresses to have a significant recurring role in a major American prime-time drama series. The role brought her into millions of American living rooms.
Television Role
Pace portrayed Vickie Fletcher on the groundbreaking TV series 'Peyton Place' from 1968 to 1969, becoming one of the first Black actresses to have a significant recurring role in a major American prime-time drama series. The role brought her into millions of American living rooms.
Won Award
Pace won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series in 1970 for her role as Pat Walters on the ABC series 'The Young Lawyers' (1970-1971). The award recognized her excellence and her impact as a trailblazing Black actress in television.
Won Award
Pace won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series in 1970 for her role as Pat Walters on the ABC series 'The Young Lawyers' (1970-1971). The award recognized her excellence and her impact as a trailblazing Black actress in television.
Community Initiative
In 1971, Pace worked with 'Star Trek' star Nichelle Nichols to establish the Kwanza Foundation, an organization supporting Black women in film and providing scholarships to minorities in the arts. The foundation reflected her commitment to opening doors for future generations of Black performers.
Community Initiative
In 1971, Pace worked with 'Star Trek' star Nichelle Nichols to establish the Kwanza Foundation, an organization supporting Black women in film and providing scholarships to minorities in the arts. The foundation reflected her commitment to opening doors for future generations of Black performers.
Film Career
In the 1970s, Pace starred in several prominent Blaxploitation films including 'Cotton Comes to Harlem' and 'The Slams,' as well as the celebrated TV movie 'Brian's Song.' Her performances in these films demonstrated her range and helped define an era of Black cinema.
Film Career
In the 1970s, Pace starred in several prominent Blaxploitation films including 'Cotton Comes to Harlem' and 'The Slams,' as well as the celebrated TV movie 'Brian's Song.' Her performances in these films demonstrated her range and helped define an era of Black cinema.
Judy Pace passed away
