Remembering a trailblazer: Toni Vaz and her legacy

A screen icon’s journey from the Caribbean to Hollywood

Toni Vaz, a beloved screen veteran and pioneering activist, has passed away at the age of 101. Known for her multifaceted contributions to film and television, as well as her role in founding the NAACP Image Awards, Vaz’s life was a testament to courage and innovation.

Raised in New York by parents who immigrated from Barbados and Panama, Vaz was one of four siblings. Her early years in Brooklyn bore the influence of Caribbean culture, a heritage she carried with her throughout her life. In the 1950s, Vaz made a bold decision to move to Los Angeles, aiming to carve out a career in the entertainment industry.

Breaking barriers in Hollywood

Vaz’s Hollywood journey began as an extra in MGM’s Tarzan, the Ape Man, a 1959 film directed by Joseph M. Newman. This role was noteworthy not only because it marked her entry into the field, but also because it represented a significant leap from her previous life where, as she often recalled, her mother had forbidden her from watching movies until she was of age.

After this initial success, Vaz continued to break barriers, securing a role in Anna Lucasta, which starred Eartha Kitt and Sammy Davis Jr. Subsequently, she appeared in The Singing Nun, further establishing her presence in the industry. As one of the first Black women to perform stunts in Hollywood, she also doubled for Cicely Tyson on the Mission: Impossible TV series and performed numerous other daring feats across more than 50 films and TV shows.

From frustration to inspiration

Despite her accomplishments, Vaz found herself often typecast in stereotypical roles. “In those days, the jobs Black people got were playing maids, hookers, Aunt Jemimas,” she recalled in a 2019 interview. Determined to change the industry’s perception of Black actors, she joined the Hollywood branch of the NAACP.

This decision led to the creation of the NAACP Image Awards in 1967, an event held at the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom. Vaz envisioned the awards as a platform to celebrate Black performers’ talent beyond the limiting roles they were often confined to. “We can play attorneys and doctors,” she stated. The inaugural event was a groundbreaking moment, attended by the mayor of Los Angeles and featuring models from her own agency, the “Immie Girls.”

The struggle for recognition

Despite her pivotal role in establishing the NAACP Image Awards, Vaz often struggled for proper acknowledgment. Conflicting reports credited various individuals for founding the event, leading Vaz into a lengthy battle to set the record straight. Her persistence paid off in 2000, when she was finally awarded an NAACP Image Award and given a special tribute for her efforts.

During the March 2019 telecast, she was honored by the host, Anthony Anderson, and received a standing ovation from the audience. Reflecting on this recognition, Vaz expressed relief and pride: “Every time I used to see that show, for years, it used to bother me inside. But I feel good. I feel good now.”

A legacy that lives on

In recent years, Vaz continued to be celebrated for her contributions. She participated in the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s (MPTF) Reel Stories, Real Lives series and was featured in their 100th anniversary promotional campaign. Her influence endured, as she was approved to receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 2025, although it remains to be seen if the honor will be awarded posthumously.

Toni Vaz leaves behind a legacy of resilience and pioneering spirit. Her nephew, Errol Reed, and niece, Janice Powell-Bowen, survive her, carrying forward the torch of their remarkable aunt.

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