Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Adella Elitha Antonia Thomas, known professionally as Adella Rae Vaz, was a trailblazing Black stuntwoman and actress in Hollywood. Despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities, she made a name for herself by performing dangerous stunts for stars like Cicely Tyson and appearing in iconic films like “The Poseidon Adventure” and “The Towering Inferno.”
As one of the few Black stuntwomen in the industry at the time, Ms. Vaz fought for respect, recognition, and fair pay alongside other Black stunt performers. She experienced firsthand the inequality in pay and opportunities compared to her white counterparts, highlighting the challenges faced by Black artists in Hollywood.
Beyond her work in stunts and acting, Ms. Vaz was instrumental in founding the NAACP Image Awards, an annual event celebrating the achievements of Black entertainers in film, TV, music, and literature. Despite being often overlooked in historical accounts, she played a crucial role in securing sponsors and funding for the awards show, aiming to improve the representation of people of color in the entertainment industry.
In her later years, Ms. Vaz finally received the recognition she deserved, being honored at the 2021 Image Awards with a Founder’s Award for her groundbreaking contributions to the industry. Her legacy as a pioneer for Black artists in Hollywood lives on, inspiring future generations to strive for equality and representation in the entertainment world. The late Hollywood actress, who was twice married and divorced, will be honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year. Despite facing challenges as a minority in the industry, she paved the way for future generations by breaking barriers and showcasing her talent on the big screen.
Reflecting on her career, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities she had, stating, “I was very lucky.” In a time when minorities were often relegated to minor roles, she defied expectations and proved that anyone can achieve their dreams with determination and perseverance.
With no immediate survivors, her legacy lives on through her groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry. Her impact is still felt today, inspiring others to pursue their passions and strive for success in the face of adversity.
As we look forward to the unveiling of her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, we remember her as a trailblazer who made a lasting impression on the world of film and television. Her story serves as a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Toni Vaz, stuntwoman who started the NAACP Image Awards, dies at 101
Adella Elitha Antonia Thomas, known professionally as Ms. Vaz, was a pioneering Black stuntwoman in Hollywood. She performed dangerous stunts for stars like Cicely Tyson and appeared in iconic movies such as "The Poseidon Adventure" and "The Towering Inferno." Despite facing discrimination and unequal pay, Ms. Vaz persevered and became one of the few Black stunt performers in the industry.
In addition to her stunt work, Ms. Vaz was instrumental in creating the NAACP Image Awards, which aimed to recognize and elevate the work of Black entertainers. The award show became a nationally televised event, celebrating achievements in music, literature, movies, and TV. Despite being overshadowed in historical accounts, Ms. Vaz’s contributions to the Image Awards were finally recognized, and she was honored with a Founder’s Award in 2021.
Born in Manhattan in 1922, Ms. Vaz had a challenging upbringing, with her parents separating early in her life. Despite her mother’s strict upbringing, she pursued a career in modeling and eventually transitioned into stunt work in Hollywood. In her later years, she resided in a retirement community for industry professionals, where she continued to be a trailblazer and advocate for Black representation in the entertainment industry.
Who were the two husbands of Adella Elitha Antonia Thomas?
She was twice married and divorced, to François Vaz and Wayne Ono, and leaves no immediate survivors.
What honor will Adella Elitha Antonia Thomas receive next year?
Next year, she will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What challenges did Adella Elitha Antonia Thomas face in her career as a stuntwoman in Hollywood?
Ms. Vaz was one of only a few Black stuntwomen working in Hollywood at the time, and she was part of a generation of Black stunt performers who fought for respect, recognition, and fair pay.
What contribution did Adella Elitha Antonia Thomas make to the entertainment industry?
She proposed and spearheaded the inaugural NAACP Image Awards, which became an annual, nationally televised event, often described as the “Black Oscars” or the “Black Emmys.”
How did Adella Elitha Antonia Thomas gain recognition for her work in Hollywood?
After years spent seeking recognition, writing letters to NAACP officials and Hollywood A-listers, Ms. Vaz began to gain attention in the 2000s and is now widely credited as the creator of the Image Awards.
Vaz. Let’s break down the keywords and create HTML subheadings for each one:
1. **Early Life and Upbringing**
– Her mother managed the home and focused on church, school, and family.
– Ms. Vaz was not allowed to watch movies as a young child.
2. **Modeling and Transition to Acting**
– In 1948, Ms. Vaz began working with the Brandford modeling agency in New York.
– She posed for various assignments and eventually transitioned to acting in Hollywood.
3. **Personal Life and Achievements**
– Ms. Vaz lived in Woodland Hills and was twice married and divorced.
– She will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year.
4. **Career as a Stuntwoman**
– Ms. Vaz worked as a stuntwoman doubling for stars like Cicely Tyson.
– She faced challenges and discrimination as one of the few Black stuntwomen in Hollywood.
5. **Advocacy and NAACP Image Awards**
– Ms. Vaz proposed and spearheaded the NAACP Image Awards to recognize Black entertainers.
– The awards ceremony became an annual event celebrating diversity in the entertainment industry.
By structuring the article with these subheadings, we can provide a clear and organized overview of Ms. Vaz’s life, career, and impact on the entertainment industry. Each section will delve deeper into the details and significance of her experiences, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of her journey. Adella Elitha Antonia Thomas, known as Ms. Vaz, was a trailblazing actress and activist who made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Her journey to success was filled with challenges and obstacles, but she never gave up on her dream of creating a platform to showcase the talent and diversity of African Americans in Hollywood.
Born in Manhattan on Dec. 11, 1922, Ms. Vaz was the youngest of four children. Her parents separated when she was young, and her father tragically lost his life while working as a police officer in Barbados. Raised by her mother, who emphasized the importance of church, school, and family, Ms. Vaz grew up with a strong sense of determination and resilience.
Despite her mother’s reluctance to let her watch movies, Ms. Vaz’s passion for the entertainment industry only grew stronger with time. By 1948, she was working with the Brandford modeling agency in New York, where she quickly made a name for herself as a Black model. Her assignments often involved posing for dramatic magazine articles, showcasing her versatility and talent.
After three years in New York, Ms. Vaz made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles, where she pursued a career in acting and stunt work. Her dedication and hard work paid off, and she soon found success in Hollywood. However, it was her groundbreaking work as the creator of the NAACP Image Awards that truly solidified her legacy in the industry.
For years, Ms. Vaz had been seeking recognition for her contributions to the entertainment world. She wrote letters to NAACP officials and Hollywood A-listers, hoping to gain support for her vision of an awards show that celebrated Black talent and diversity. Finally, in the 2000s, her efforts began to bear fruit, and the NAACP Image Awards were born.
With her unwavering determination and entrepreneurial spirit, Ms. Vaz secured sponsors and funding for the event, ensuring its success and longevity. Her hard work and dedication were finally recognized at the 2021 ceremony, where she received the Founder’s Award in honor of her pioneering work.
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, who presented Ms. Vaz with the award, hailed her as a visionary who saw an opportunity to change the perception of African Americans in Hollywood. The NAACP Image Awards became a platform for Black talent to shine and for the industry to embrace diversity and inclusivity.
Ms. Vaz’s impact on the entertainment industry continues to be felt today, as she paved the way for future generations of Black actors and filmmakers. Her legacy will be honored next year with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a fitting tribute to a woman who broke barriers and inspired others to dream big.
Reflecting on her remarkable career, Ms. Vaz expressed gratitude for the opportunities she had been given. In a world where minorities were often relegated to minor roles, she defied the odds and proved that anything was possible. Her story serves as a reminder that with perseverance and passion, one can achieve their dreams and leave a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
Sources:
– [The Crisis Magazine](https://www.crisismagazine.com/)
– [NAACP Image Awards](https://naacpimageawards.net/)
– [Hollywood Walk of Fame](https://www.walkoffame.com/) Expanding can refer to several different things, depending on the context. It can mean increasing in size or scope, growing or spreading out, or elaborating or adding more detail. It can also refer to extending or stretching out physically, such as when a material expands when heated. In a more abstract sense, expanding can also mean broadening one’s knowledge, experience, or perspective.