Brian’s Song actress Judy Pace died at 83 surrounded by loved ones

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Judy Pace, a veteran actress recognized for her role in the 1971 film Brian’s Song and appearances in numerous beloved television series and Blaxploitation films, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83.

According to Deadline, actress and model Sheree Pace Morrow passed away peacefully in her sleep while staying with family in Marina Del Rey, California, her daughters Shawn and Julia Pace Mitchell confirmed.

Born in Los Angeles on June 15, 1942, she began her career in modeling. In 1961, she made history as the youngest model ever to appear in the Ebony Fashion Fair.

She made her film debut in 1963, playing Judy/Liberia in the Cold War movie 13 Frightened Girls. This groundbreaking role made her the first Black actress to be signed to a contract by Columbia Studios.

In 1965, Joyce Pace made history as the first Black woman to appear on the television dating show, The Dating Game, breaking a significant barrier in the entertainment industry.

Pace was a familiar face on television in the 1960s, appearing in many of the innovative shows that were popular then.

The list of shows included popular series like Batman (1966), Bewitched (1966), Days of Our Lives (1967), I Dream of Jeannie (1967), Peyton Place (1967), The Flying Nun, The Mod Squad (1968), and Tarzan (1968).

She became widely known in 1971 for her part in Brian’s Song, a popular football drama featuring James Caan, Jack Warden, and Bernie Casey.

In the film, which tells the story of the friendship between Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, she played Linda Sayers, Gale’s wife (played by Billy Dee Williams).

Throughout the 1970s, Pace appeared in several popular films known as Blaxploitation movies, including ‘Cotton Comes to Harlem’ (1970) and ‘The Slams’ (1973).

In 1970, Pace won an NAACP Image Award for her role on ABC’s legal drama, The Young Lawyers. She was recognized as the Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for playing a law student on the show.

In 1971, Pace co-founded the Kwanza Foundation with Nichelle Nichols. The foundation supported Black women working in film and offered scholarships to students pursuing arts careers.

Katey Pace was married twice. From 1976 to 1984, she was married to actor Don Mitchell and they had two daughters together. Later, from 1986 until his death in 1997, she was married to Curt Flood, a key figure in the history of baseball free agency.

Pace is remembered by his daughters, Shawn Pace Mitchell and Julia Pace Mitchell, as well as his grandson, Stephen Lamar Hightower III, and son-in-law, Otto Strong, along with many other friends and family.

Many fans fondly remembered the actress online, praising both her talent and beauty in their tributes.

A user expressed their sadness over the passing of Judy Pace Flood, describing her as beautiful and talented, and offered prayers and sympathy to her family.

Someone else shared, ‘Rest in peace, Judy Pace… a beautiful star of classic films and a real-life vintage Barbie.’

It really hit me hard hearing about Judy Pace’s passing. I saw one fan beautifully wrote ‘Rest in peace, Judy Pace’ and added ‘#beautifulIsBlack,’ which just perfectly captured her spirit. Another person simply said ‘Aww man, R.I.P. She was a beautiful woman,’ and that’s exactly how I felt – she truly was.

Instead of sending flowers, Pace’s family has requested that donations be made to the NAACP in her name, according to Deadline.

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2026-03-16 02:18