NAACP Image Awards Creator Was 101

Toni Vaz, an actor and activist who created the NAACP Image Awards, died on Oct. 4 in Woodland Hills, Calif. She was 101.

Vaz’s parents immigrated to the U.S. from Barbados and she was one of four siblings raised in New York City in the 1950s. Her mother did not allow her to watch movies. However, upon coming of age, Vaz moved to Hollywood where she was cast as an extra in the 1959 film “Tarzan, the Ape Man.” She performed a scene opposite MGM’s Leo the Lion.

After appearing in front of the camera for the first time, Vaz was cast in films like “Anna Lucasta” as well as “The Singing Nun,” leading her to transition to stunt work, which was a first for a Black woman.

Vaz worked as a double for Cicely Tyson on the TV series “Mission: Impossible,” performing daring stunts in front of the camera such as dangling from helicopters. In the process, she had the opportunity to travel the world.

Vaz, with ambitions to create an awards ceremony for people of color, founded the NAACP Image Awards to honor her peers while encouraging studios and producers to hire a wider range of talent. The first ceremony was held on Aug. 13, 1967, at the Beverly Hills Hotel’s International Ballroom.

Vaz was a resident at the Motion Picture & Television Fund in Woodland Hills, Calif. She remained active and participated in many MPTF Studios productions, including an episode of the “Behind the Silver Screen” series. This episode was devoted to her career.

In 2020, Vaz was featured in MPTF’s Reel Stories, Real Lives event with her story told by NAACP Image Award recipient Angela Bassett. Vaz also appeared in the organization’s 100th anniversary promotional campaign across Los Angeles, and most recently she was approved to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025.

Vaz is survived by one nephew, Errol Reed; one niece, Janice Powell-Bowen; and a host of grand nieces, grand nephews, great nieces, great nephews, godsons, family and friends.