NAACP Image Awards Founder and Actor Toni Vaz Dies at 101

Toni Vaz, the pioneering actress, stunt performer, and founder of the NAACP Image Awards, passed away on October 4, 2024, at the age of 101 in Woodland Hills, California. Vaz, who broke barriers in Hollywood, was known for her daring stunt work, doubling for legendary actors such as Cicely Tyson, Eartha Kitt, and Juanita Moore. Notably, she performed stunts for Tyson on the “Mission: Impossible” TV series and appeared in more than 50 films and TV shows, including “The Singing Nun” and “Tarzan, the Ape Man.”

Beyond her acting career, Vaz was an influential activist. In 1967, she created the NAACP Image Awards to celebrate and promote diversity in the entertainment industry. Her contribution to elevating Black talent in Hollywood was honored in 2021 when she received the NAACP Image Awards’ Founders Award. Vaz is survived by her nephew, Errol Reed, and niece, Janice Powell-Bowen.

Source: BET