Toni Vaz, a pioneering actress, stuntwoman, and creator of the NAACP Image Awards, has joined the ancestors at the remarkable age of 101. Her contributions to Black Hollywood and diversity in entertainment remain groundbreaking, ensuring future generations of Black artists could be seen, heard,
From Hollywood Actress to Change-Maker.

Born to Bajan immigrants, Vaz moved to Los Angeles in the 1950s to pursue her passion for entertainment. Throughout her career, she performed in over 50 films and TV shows, such as Tarzan, the Ape Man and Mission: Impossible. She also doubled for Cicely Tyson, becoming one of the first Black stuntwomen in the entertainment industry.

Despite her accomplishments, Vaz faced Hollywood’s barriers to diversity. Frustrated by the exclusion of Black talent from mainstream recognition, she joined the NAACP’s Hollywood branch in Beverly Hills, committed to changing the landscape of the entertainment industry.

The Birth of the NAACP Image Awards.

It was Vaz’s visionary idea to create a platform where Black talent could be acknowledged and celebrated. Before the NAACP Image Awards, Black artists were often overlooked at major ceremonies. Toni Vaz understood that recognition was more than applause—it was about reclaiming the narrative and uplifting Black voices within the cultural conversation.

The first Image Awards marked a turning point, providing a space where Black artists could stand in the spotlight and shine unapologetically. Today, the NAACP Image Awards continues to honor Black excellence across industries, from film and television to music, literature, and social justice.

A Legacy of Power and Purpose

Because of Toni Vaz, Black artists have a stage where their contributions are honored. Her work paved the way for a future where excellence in Black art, storytelling, and culture is recognized not only within Hollywood but around the world