Actress Judy Pace, Blaxploitation Star, Dies at 84

Actress Judy Pace, celebrated for her roles in 1970s Blaxploitation films, has passed away at the age of 84. Her daughters, Shawn and Julia Pace Mitchell, announced that their mother died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, surrounded by family during a trip to Marina Del Rey. Pace was a trailblazer, first making a mark as Ebony Fashion Fair's youngest model in 1961.

Her career expanded to television and film, where she became a prominent figure. Pace earned an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Pat Walters in the television series "The Young Lawyers." Her extensive television credits also include appearances on popular shows such as "I Spy," "Batman," "Bewitched," "Days of Our Lives," "The Mod Squad," and "Tarzan."

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Judy Pace's honor to the NAACP, continuing her legacy of support for important civil rights organizations.