Entertainment & Celebrity News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! - Judy Pace, Blaxploitation Icon, Passes Away

Episode Date: March 15, 2026

Actress Judy Pace, known for her roles in Brians Song and Blaxploitation films, has passed away at 83. She broke barriers as the first Black actress signed by Columbia Studios and the first Black bachelorette on The Dating Game. Pace co-founded the Kwanza Foundation and was married to actor Don Mitchell and baseball pioneer Curt Flood. She is survived by her daughters and family. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[e-mail] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [e-mail]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8a146e832c794f0b

What's up? This is entertainment and celebrity news. Today, bringing you the hottest stories right now. Actress Judy Pace has passed away at the age of 83. She died peacefully in her sleep while visiting relatives in Marina Del Rey, California, on Wednesday. Pace was best known for her role in the 1971 film Brian's song and appearances in classic TV shows and Black's Poitation movies. She started her career in modeling, becoming the youngest model for the Ebony Fashion Fair, in 1961. Pace broke barriers early on as the first black actress signed by Columbia Studios in 1963 for the film 13 Frightened Girls. A few years later, in 1965, she made history as the first black bachelorette on the dating game. Pace became a familiar face on 1960s television. Guest starring on shows like Batman, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, and the Mod Squad. Her standout

performance came as Linda Sayers in Brian's song. opposite Billy D. Williams and James Kahn. She also starred in black exploitation films such as Cotton Comes to Harlem and earned an NAACP Image Award for the young lawyers. In 1971, Pace co-founded the Kwanza Foundation with Nichols to support black women in film and provide art scholarships. She was married to actor Don Mitchell from 1976 to 1984, with whom she had two daughters and later to baseball.

pioneer Kurt Flood until his death in 1997. Fans have shared heartfelt tributes online, remembering her beauty and talent. Pace is survived by her daughter Sean and Julia Pace Mitchell, a grandson, and other family. Relatives suggest donations to the NAACP in her memory. A message from our sponsor supports today's story. When you want calm, do not reach for your phone. Lay back and listen. S.O.I.SoliPillow.com.