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Judy Pace: Trailblazer Black Actress Dies at 83
16 Mar
Summary
- Actress Judy Pace, known for Peyton Place, has died at 83.
- She played Vickie Fletcher, a rare Black TV antagonist.
- Pace broke ground for diverse Black female character roles.
Pioneering actress Judy Pace, who significantly impacted television and film in the 1960s and '70s, has died at the age of 83. Her daughters announced her peaceful passing in her sleep at her home in Marina del Rey, California. Pace was notably recognized for her portrayal of Vickie Fletcher in the prime-time soap opera "Peyton Place" during 1968 and 1969.
Her character, Vickie Fletcher, was characterized as ambitious, selfish, and sharp-tongued, marking a significant departure from typical roles offered to Black actresses at the time. This role allowed her to be a memorable antagonist, a rarity for Black women on major television series.
Pace's career was instrumental in demonstrating that Black women could portray multidimensional characters. She herself commented on the limited and often one-dimensional roles previously available, advocating for more authentic representations of Black women's lives on screen.
