Toni Vaz, a film industry veteran and the founder of the NAACP Image Awards, died at the age of 101. She began her career as an extra, stunt performer, and actress before becoming an activist. Her death was verified by an official of the Motion Picture and Television Fund. No cause of death was given. Toni Vaz was a beloved resident at MPTF’s Woodland Hills residence.
In addition to her acting and stunt skills, which included double for stars like Cicely Tyson, she established the NAACP Image Awards to celebrate her colleagues. She also pushed the studios and producers to recruit and promote a greater range of talent. But she got no credit for founding the awards until 2021, when she received recognition at the 52nd ceremony. She was presented by Anthony Anderson from “Black-ish”.
Toni Vaz’s Early Life Struggles
Born in the British West Indies and raised in Panama. Her parents were from Barbados before coming to the US. Toni Vaz was one of four siblings who resided in New York. Though it may have surprised some, her mother prohibited her from seeing movies until she reached legal age, so when she moved to Los Angeles in the 1950s, she was leaving the East Coast to pursue a career as an actress and stuntwoman.
Joseph M. Newman‘s MGM feature Tarzan, the Ape Man, gave her an early look and rewarded her for taking a risk. In a segment with Leo the Lion from the studio, Vaz appeared in the 1959 film. Toni Vaz went on to work on Arnold Laven’s Anna Lucasta, starring Eartha Kitt and Sammy Davis Jr., and Henry Koster’s ‘The Singing Nun’ after earning credit.
She moved on to further stunt work, becoming one of the first Black women to enter the field. She doubled for the renowned Cicely Tyson on the Mission: Impossible TV series. Then, she went on to feature in over 50 films and TV shows during a career that saw her travel the world. Plus, she has been seen on video dangling from helicopters and performing other incredible feats.
Vaz’s First NAACP Award
The first NAACP Image Awards were held in 1967 at the Beverly Hilton‘s International Ballroom. It was previously known as a modeling agency for women of color. She hired Immie Girls as models to work the ceremony. The awards event, which continues to this day, recognizes the achievements of people of color in media and entertainment. As well as those who use their talents to promote social justice.
However, debate ensued. For years, Toni Vaz said she did not receive the needed notification for organizing the star-studded event. Various sources credited multiple names with creating the program, such as Maggie Hathaway to Davis Jr. Thus, Toni Vaz spent years working to verify the record.
The record was corrected in 2000. Toni Vaz earned her Image Award trophy, as well as a special tribute in celebration of her achievements. She was also a guest of honor during the March 2019 show. During the event, Anthony Anderson praised Toni Vaz as a lovely lady, prompting a standing ovation from the audience.
Final Thoughts
More recently, Vaz appeared in MPTF’s Reel Stories, Real Lives series, which included a section presented by NAACP Image Award winner Angela Basset. She participated in the MPTF’s 100th anniversary advertising campaign around Los Angeles. Toni Vaz was set to be honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 2025. It is unknown if she will be honored posthumously. She is an icon that will be thoroughly missed.
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