Entertainment & Celebrity News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! - Judy Pace: Blaxploitation Icon & Philanthropist

Episode Date: March 16, 2026

Judy Pace, a trailblazing actress known for her roles in Blaxploitation films and her groundbreaking work in television, has passed away at age eighty-three. Pace, who broke barriers as a model and the first Black woman signed to a contract at Columbia Studios, left a lasting mark with standout performances in movies like Cotton Comes to Harlem and Slams, and the TV movie Brian’s Song. She was also an Emmy-nominated actress and NAACP Image Award winner for her role in The Young Lawyers. Beyond her acting career, Pace founded the Kwanza Foundation to support young Black women in film and offer scholarships to minority students pursuing arts careers. She is survived by her two daughters and many loved ones. 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/42bed8ab60e80ddc

This is Corey with Entertainment and Celebrity News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Judy Pace, the trailblazing actress best known for her roles in 1970s eyes Black's Poitation films, has passed away at age 83. Her daughters, Sean and Julia Pace Mitchell, confirmed she died peacefully in her sleep on March 11, 2006, while visiting family in Marina Del Rey. Pace left a lasting mark with standout performances in movies like Cotton, comes to Harlem and Slams, plus the TB movie Brian's song and the series, Peyton Place. Earlier in her career, Pace Pro Barriers as a model, becoming the youngest ever with Ebony Fashion Fair in 1961.

She made her film debut two years later in 13 Frighted Girls, marking her as the first black woman signed to a contract at Columbia Studios. From there, she racked up guest spots on hit shows like I Spy, Batman, Bewitched, and the Mod Squad. Fans and peers have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating her as an icon who paved the way for black actresses. Her Emmy-nominated role as Pat Walters on The Young Lawyers from 1969 to 1971 even earned her an NAACP Image Award for. Best actress, highlighting her talent and influence during a pivotal time in TV history. Beyond the screen, Pace poured her energy into giving back. In 1971, she founded the Kwanza, Foundation to support young black women in film and offer scholarships to minority students

chasing, arts careers. Her philanthropy added another layer to her remarkable legacy. Pace is survived by her two daughters and many loved ones. As news spreads, her groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire the next generation of performers. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you. A pillow with built-in sound. S-O-L-I-S-O-I-S-E-Pillow.com.