Toni Vaz, a trailblazing actress and stunt performer, has passed away at the age of 101, leaving a legacy that transformed the entertainment industry.

Earlier this month at the Motion Picture Fund campus in Woodland Hills, Vaz's life came to a close, marking the end of a remarkable journey that saw her break barriers in Hollywood, as the Daily Mail reports.

Early Life in New York City

Born and raised in New York City, Toni Vaz grew up in a household where entertainment was not encouraged. Her mother, an immigrant from Barbados, strictly forbade her from watching films, shaping her early relationship with the movies.

Despite this restrictive upbringing, Vaz harbored a deep-seated passion for acting. Determined to follow her dreams, she eventually made the bold move to Hollywood, setting the stage for her future endeavors.

Her venture into the entertainment capital marked the beginning of a significant chapter in her life. Vaz began to pave her own path in an industry that wasn't always welcoming to Black talent.

Transitioning to Hollywood Stunt Work

In 1959, Vaz appeared as an extra in the film Tarzan The Ape Man, sharing scenes with Leo the Lion, the famed MGM mascot. This role marked one of her earliest ventures into the world of film.

Vaz went on to secure roles in films such as Anna Lucasta in 1958. However, it was her involvement in The Singing Nun in 1966 that led to an unexpected turn in her career path, steering her toward stunt performance.

Her aptitude for stunts opened new opportunities, and Vaz quickly became a renowned stunt double for notable Black actresses, including Cicely Tyson in Mission: Impossible. Her work alongside Eartha Kitt and Juanita Moore further established her reputation in this niche field.

Founding the NAACP Image Awards

In a time when roles for Black performers were severely limited, Vaz saw the need to uplift and highlight Black talent within the industry. This vision led her to establish the NAACP Image Awards.

The inaugural ceremony took place in 1967 at the Beverly Hills Hotel’s International Ballroom, setting a precedent for recognizing excellence in diverse entertainment.

Vaz's commitment was driven by a desire to change the narrow perceptions of African Americans in Hollywood, offering a platform to celebrate their contributions.

Acknowledged for Her Contributions

Her efforts in the field of entertainment did not go unnoticed. In 2021, the NAACP Image Awards honored her legacy with the Founders Award, acknowledging her pivotal role in the awards' establishment.

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, known for her work in Community, presented the award, emphasizing Vaz's determination to showcase the work of Black artists.

Brown highlighted the significance of the awards with a quote: "It gave us a platform to see each other the way we see ourselves." This statement underscores Vaz's lasting impact.

A Lasting Legacy

Vaz’s groundbreaking contributions were further recognized when the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced plans to award her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This honor is set to be unveiled posthumously in 2025.

Her story was also featured in the Motion Picture & Television Fund's Reel Stories, Real Lives event in 2020. Actress Angela Bassett conveyed Vaz's journey, paying tribute to her resilience and achievements.

Though Vaz’s passing has left a void, her legacy continues to inspire. Her groundbreaking work as a stuntwoman and her dedication to celebrating Black talent in Hollywood have left an indelible mark.

For a woman who once was not even permitted not watch films, Toni Vaz became an icon, changing the landscape of the industry. Her efforts in diversifying Hollywood and establishing an enduring platform for Black artists will be remembered for generations.