Toni Vaz, a pioneering actress, stuntwoman, and activist, died on October 4, 2024, at the age of 101 at the Motion Picture Fund campus in Woodland Hills, Calif. Vaz is best known for breaking barriers as the first Black woman stunt performer in Hollywood and for founding the NAACP Image Awards.
Here are five key things to know about her life and legacy:
Personal Life and New York Roots
Born in New York City to Barbadian immigrants, Vaz grew up in a family that valued hard work and cultural pride. She had four siblings and remained close to her family throughout her life. Vaz’s upbringing in New York played a significant role in shaping her worldview and determination to succeed. After moving to Hollywood, she began her career with minor roles before transitioning into stunt work, where she made her mark. Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Vaz maintained a sense of humility and often credited her family and upbringing for her perseverance.
First Black Female Stunt Performer in Hollywood
Toni Vaz made history as the first Black woman to work as a stunt performer in Hollywood. She gained attention for her role as a stunt double for Cicely Tyson in the Mission: Impossible television series, where she performed daring feats, such as hanging from helicopters. In the 1960s, few Black performers, particularly women, were allowed into stunt roles, making Vaz’s achievements groundbreaking in a field dominated by white men.
Founder of the NAACP Image Awards
In 1967, Vaz founded the NAACP Image Awards to address the lack of recognition for Black performers in Hollywood. The first ceremony was held on August 13, 1967, and since then, the awards have grown into one of the most prominent events celebrating people of color in entertainment, including film, television, music, and literature. Vaz’s vision for the awards was to create a platform where Black talent could be celebrated and acknowledged for their contributions to the industry.
Advocate for Black Representation
Throughout her career, Vaz was not only a performer but also a strong advocate for Black actors and stunt performers. She often spoke about the challenges she faced in Hollywood, particularly the limited opportunities and unequal pay for Black stunt performers. In 2006, during an event honoring the Black Stuntmen’s Association, Vaz discussed how she had to perform many of the stunts that were initially denied to Black performers. She remained committed to improving the visibility of Black talent in Hollywood throughout her life.
Legacy and Honors
Toni Vaz’s contributions to Hollywood were recognized in 2021 when she received the NAACP Image Awards’ Founders Award. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, who introduced the award, described Vaz as “a true Black innovator.” Vaz’s legacy will also be immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where she is set to receive a star in 2025. This posthumous honor will stand as a tribute to her pioneering spirit and her lasting impact on Hollywood, especially in her efforts to elevate Black talent in the entertainment industry.
Vaz’s work as an actress, stuntwoman, and activist leaves a lasting legacy in the entertainment world. Her vision in founding the NAACP Image Awards has given generations of Black performers a platform to be celebrated, and her fearless career in stunt work has inspired future performers to break through racial barriers in Hollywood.
