**14. Judy Pace**
Judy Pace, the groundbreaking actress and trailblazing model who brought elegance and strength to 1960s and ’70s television, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 11, 2026, at age 83. Anyone who watched classic soaps or cheered for strong Black women on screen during turbulent times will feel this loss deeply — she was a true pioneer who opened doors for others.
She portrayed Vickie Fletcher in the groundbreaking soap Peyton Place and delivered a powerful performance in Brian’s Song, earning an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress for The Young Lawyers. Pace also modeled for major magazines at a time when opportunities for women of color were scarce. Her grace, talent, and quiet activism left an indelible mark on television history and inspired generations of performers.
