Madame Sul-Te-Wan
Actor
- Born
- March 7, 1873 · Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Died
- February 1, 1959 (age 85)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Madame Sul-Te-Wan (born Nellie Crawford; March 7, 1873 – February 1, 1959) was the first African-American actress to sign a film contract and be a featured performer. She was an American stage, film and television actress for over 50 years. The daughter of former slaves, she began her career in entertainment touring the East Coast with various theatrical companies and moved to California to become a member of the fledgling film community. She became known as a character actress, appeared in high-profile films such as The Birth of a Nation (1915) and Intolerance (1916), and easily navigated the transition to the sound films.
In 1986, she was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.
Known for
King Kong
April 7, 1933
The Birth of a Nation
March 8, 1915
Sullivan's Travels
November 30, 1941
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
September 5, 1916
College
September 10, 1927
Mighty Joe Young
July 13, 1949
Carmen Jones
October 28, 1954
San Francisco
June 26, 1936
Imitation of Life
November 23, 1934
King of the Zombies
May 14, 1941
In Old Chicago
April 15, 1938
The Buccaneer
December 11, 1958
Acting58
- 1960Tarzan and the Trappers as Witch Woman
- 1958The Buccaneer as Good Luck Charm Vendor
- 1957Band of Angels as Flower Vendor (Uncredited)
- 1957Something of Value as Midwife (Uncredited)
- 1954Carmen Jones as Hagar – Carmen's Grandmother (Uncredited)
- 1949The Story of Seabiscuit as Libby
- 1949Mighty Joe Young as Young Family Servant (Uncredited)
- 1943Thank Your Lucky Stars as Bit in "Ice Cold Katie" Number (uncredited)
- 1943Revenge of the Zombies as Beulah
- 1942