The entertainment world is remembering Judy Pace, a pioneering actress whose presence on screen helped expand opportunities for Black performers in television and film. Pace died peacefully in her sleep on March 11 at the age of 83 while visiting family in Marina Del Rey. Her passing marks the loss of a performer whose work opened doors and whose legacy continues to inspire generations of artists.
Born in Los Angeles on June 15, 1942, Pace first found success as a model before stepping into acting. She made her film debut in the 1963 Cold War spy movie “13 Frightened Girls,” beginning a career that soon brought her to television screens across America. In the 1960s she appeared in popular series including “Batman,” “Bewitched,” “I Spy,” “Days of Our Lives,” “The Flying Nun,” and “The Mod Squad,” becoming a familiar face during a transformative era in television.
Pace reached new heights when she portrayed Pat Walters on the ABC drama “The Young Lawyers,” a role that earned her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. She also appeared in the beloved television movie “Brian’s Song,” portraying Linda Sayers alongside Billy Dee Williams and James Caan. On the big screen she became a memorable presence in films such as “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” “The Slams,” and “Frogs,” helping shape the cultural landscape of 1970s cinema.
Beyond her work on screen, Pace was dedicated to lifting others up. In 1971 she co-founded the Kwanza Foundation with Nichelle Nichols, an organization that supported Black women working in film and provided scholarships to minority students pursuing careers in the arts. Through this work she helped encourage new voices and expand representation within the entertainment industry.
Judy Pace leaves behind a rich legacy carried forward by her daughters Shawn Pace Mitchell and actress Julia Pace Mitchell, her grandson Stephen Lamar Hightower III, and many loved ones. Her career stands as a testament to talent, resilience, and generosity, and her contributions to television, film, and the arts will continue to be remembered for years to come.