Madame Sul-Te-Wan

Born: 1873-03-07

Birthplace: Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Biography

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
The Birth of a Nation
Carmen Jones
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
Sullivan's Travels
Mighty Joe Young
In Old Chicago
The Buccaneer
Thunderbolt
Operator 13

Top Movie Credits

King Kong Native Handmaiden (uncredited)
The Birth of a Nation Black Woman (uncredited)
Carmen Jones Hagar – Carmen's Grandmother (Uncredited)
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages Girl at the Marriage Market (uncredited)
Sullivan's Travels Church Harmonium Player (Uncredited)
Mighty Joe Young Young Family Servant (Uncredited)
In Old Chicago Hattie
The Buccaneer Good Luck Charm Vendor
Thunderbolt Bit Role
Operator 13 Slave at Medicine Show ( Uncredited)