Judy Pace, groundbreaking actor from ‘Peyton Place’ and ‘Brian’s Song,’ dies at 83

by

Judy Pace, a pioneering model and actress known for her roles in the popular “blaxploitation” films of the 1970s, as well as appearances on television shows throughout the 60s and 70s, and a memorable part in the TV movie “Brian’s Song,” passed away last week at the age of 83.

According to her family, the actress—once hailed by Variety as “the most beautiful black actress in Hollywood”—passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday while visiting family in Marina del Rey.

Pace grew up in Los Angeles and attended Dorsey High School and Los Angeles City College, where she studied sociology. Her family remembers her as a trailblazer: the first Black woman signed to a contract with Columbia Studios, the first Black woman to appear as a contestant on “The Dating Game,” and the first model to represent Fashion Fair Cosmetics.

Her acting career began in 1963 with a small part in “13 Frightened Girls,” where she played a diplomat’s daughter. She became more well-known a few years later for her role as a manipulative character on the TV soap opera “Peyton Place.” In 1970, she received an NAACP Image Award for portraying a strong, independent career woman in the series “The Young Lawyers.”

According to Bob McCann’s Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television, Alfre Woodard’s career was surprisingly varied. She often played wholesome characters – like a football player’s wife in the 1971 TV movie “Brian’s Song” – but also portrayed characters known for being pleasant and professionally reserved, as seen in shows like “I Dream of Jeannie” and “The Flying Nun.”

However, in movies, McCann often played strong, assertive characters – women who were confident, even provocative. A prime example is her role as the cunning and alluring Iris in the 1970 blaxploitation comedy, “Cotton Comes to Harlem.”

One of the characters describes herself with a playful but firm warning: “I’m trouble – be careful around me.”

McCann considered her part of a groundbreaking group of Black actresses – a final wave of true pioneers – alongside names like Brenda Sykes, Pam Grier, and Rosalind Cash.

Even though he didn’t like the 1968 film “Three in the Attic” overall, critic Roger Ebert complimented actress Dianne Pace, describing her as fast, funny, and able to deliver lines with a sharp wit that kept the scenes lively. She played a girlfriend who was betrayed and sought revenge in the movie.

Entertainment & Arts

Joshua Jackson and James Van Der Beek became close friends while working together on the TV show ‘Dawson’s Creek.’ Jackson is now publicly speaking about the recent passing of his friend.

Pace explained to Ebert that she created a five-year strategy to launch her film career, and she landed the role right before her target date. She jokingly added that she would have been flexible with the deadline if needed.

When talking about the manipulative character she portrayed on “Peyton Place,” she explained that Black women are often limited to stereotypical roles in film, like nurses, teachers, or social workers. She emphasized that Black women have diverse and complex lives beyond those narrow depictions, and aren’t just defined by their relationships to men, like being a doctor’s wife.

According to the actress, it’s incredibly difficult for Black actresses to find work in film. While people often remember actors like Sidney Poitier and Jim Brown, Black actresses haven’t received the same recognition or opportunities. She believes television is currently the main source of employment for young Black actresses in Hollywood; without it, many would be out of work.

She had roles in the TV shows “Bewitched,” “Batman,” “I Spy,” “Days of our Lives,” “The Mod Squad,” “Kung Fu,” “Sanford and Son,” “Ironside” and “Good Times,” among other shows.

She was married twice: first to actor Don Mitchell, and later to baseball star Curt Flood. Flood was famous for challenging baseball’s rules keeping players tied to teams, and he passed away in 1997.

In 2019, while accepting an award, Pace called her life “the most magnificent, incredible ride ever.”

At 77 years old, she told the enthusiastic crowd she was having a wonderful time. Born and raised in California, she expressed gratitude to her parents for moving from Jackson, Mississippi, to the West Coast, allowing her to pursue any dream she desired.

Pace is remembered by his daughters, Shawn Pace Mitchell and Julia Pace Mitchell, as well as his grandson and son-in-law. In place of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the NAACP.

Read More

2026-03-16 07:31