Longtime Stuntwoman, Film Industry Pioneer Toni Vaz passes away at age 101

A Hollywood legend has DIED at the age of 101.

Toni Vaz passed away on Oct. 4, leaving a long legacy in the entertainment industry.

However, one thing has been confirmed, and that is that Vaz left an incredible story behind that will not be soon forgotten.

Vaz was a legendary actress, stunt performer, and the founder of the NAACP Image Awards.

Her legacy will live on for decades to come!

So many spoke so highly of Vaz and her accomplishments.

From roles in movies like Anna Lucasta to The Singing Nun, Vaz built an impressive resume of which anyone would be proud.

Maybe the most noteworthy accomplishment of all, is how hard Vaz fought to make a difference for Black actors and actresses trying to break into the world of film.

Vaz was actually the very first Black woman to break into stunt work.

Later on, she would serve as the driving force behind the NAACP Image Awards; a ceremony that honors the various achievements of people of color working in the literary and entertainment industry.

At the 50th Image Awards, famous comedian Anthony Anderson shared his thoughts on all Vaz had accomplished during her career, commending all she has done for black actors in the industry.

“We have a remarkable woman to thank for it all. … [Vaz] was saddened by the quality of roles given to Black actors. So she took action. She joined the NAACP’s Hollywood branch and helped to develop an idea for an awards show that would feature us in best way possible. She and other fought to change our image, and thus the NAACP Image Award were born,” said Anderson.

There are so few who live to the ripe age of 101.

Even fewer get to say they truly accomplished so much of importance during their time on earth!

We pray for anyone grieving the loss of the incredible human that was Toni Vaz.

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