Toni Vaz, a pioneering actor and the visionary behind the creation of the NAACP Image Awards, passed away on Oct. 4, 2024, in Woodland Hills, California. She was 101 years old.
Born to parents who immigrated to the United States from Barbados, Vaz grew up in New York City in the 1950s. Although her mother did not allow her to watch movies during her childhood, Vaz later moved to Hollywood and found her calling in the film industry.
She made her on-screen debut as an extra in the 1959 film Tarzan, the Ape Man, appearing in a scene with MGM’s Leo the Lion.
This opportunity opened the door to roles in films like Anna Lucasta and The Singing Nun, before she transitioned into stunt work—a groundbreaking achievement as one of the first Black women in Hollywood to perform stunts.
Vaz’s stunt work included doubling for acclaimed actor Cicely Tyson on the TV series Mission: Impossible, where she performed dangerous feats such as hanging from helicopters. Her work on the series allowed her to travel the world and break barriers for Black women in Hollywood.
Driven by her desire to see greater diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, Vaz founded the NAACP Image Awards in 1967.
The awards, held at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel, sought to honor the achievements of Black performers and encourage studios and producers to broaden their casting practices. The Image Awards have since grown into a prominent ceremony celebrating excellence in film, television, and other creative fields.
Vaz continued to be active in the entertainment industry well into her later years. She resided at the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) in Woodland Hills, where she participated in various MPTF Studios productions.
In 2020, Vaz was honored at the MPTF’s Reel Stories, Real Lives event, with her life story told by NAACP Image Award recipient Angela Bassett.
Additionally, she was featured in the MPTF’s 100th anniversary campaign across Los Angeles. Most recently, Vaz was approved to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025.
Vaz leaves behind a rich legacy of breaking barriers and championing diversity in Hollywood. She is survived by her nephew, Errol Reed; her niece, Janice Powell-Bowen; and a large extended family of grand-nieces, grand-nephews, godsons, and friends.
