'Brian's Song' and influential Blaxploitation actress Judy Pace dead at 83

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Television and film actress Judy Pace, known for her roles in Blaxploitation films in the 1970s, has died at the age of 83. Her daughters announced that she died peacefully in her sleep while visiting family in Marina Del Rey, California.

Why it matters

Judy Pace was an influential actress who helped pave the way for more diverse representation in Hollywood, particularly through her roles in Blaxploitation films during the 1970s. Her passing marks the end of an era for that groundbreaking genre and the loss of a pioneering talent.

The details

Pace's most famous roles included playing Vickie Fletcher on the soap opera 'Peyton Place,' and Linda Sayers — the wife of real-life NFL player Gale Sayers — in the 1971 TV movie 'Brian's Song.' 'Brian's Song' was a critical success, earning multiple Emmys and a Grammy. Pace had an extensive acting career, with credits in films and TV shows like '13 Frightened Girls,' 'Batman,' 'Bewitched,' 'Days of Our Lives,' 'I Dream of Jeannie,' and 'Shaft.' She won an NAACP Image Award in 1970 for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role in ABC's 'The Young Lawyers.'

• Judy Pace died on Wednesday, March 15, 2026.

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