"When Ms. Vaz began her career in the 1950s, the notion of a Black stunt performer did not exist, as they were often cast as extras without prior training."
"During the filming of Porgy and Bess (1959), she suffered a dangerous fall after a carpenter weakened the railing, demonstrating the unsafe conditions Black performers faced."
"Despite her contributions, Ms. Vaz and her Black counterparts were paid significantly less than their white peers for doing the same stunts, highlighting systemic inequalities."
"Toni Vaz played a vital role in supporting iconic Black actresses like Eartha Kitt and Cicely Tyson to escape racially stereotyped roles, advocating for representation."
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