Madame Sul-Te-Wan

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.

Most Known For

Carmen Jones

as Hagar – Carmen's Grandmother (Uncredited)

King Kong

as Native Handmaiden (uncredited)

Hoodoo Ann

as Black Cindy

So Red the Rose

as Slave (Uncredited)

Mighty Joe Young

as Young Family Servant (Uncredited)

The Birth of a Nation

as Black Woman (uncredited)

Thunderbolt

as Bit Role

Sullivan's Travels

as Church Harmonium Player (Uncredited)

Imitation of Life

as Cook (uncredited)

Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages

as Girl at the Marriage Market (uncredited)

San Francisco

as Earthquake Survivor (Uncredited)

Ladies They Talk About

as Mustard (uncredited)

The Buccaneer

as Good Luck Charm Vendor

King of the Zombies

as Tahama

Band of Angels

as Flower Vendor (Uncredited)

Kentucky

as Lily

Thank Your Lucky Stars

as Bit in "Ice Cold Katie" Number (uncredited)

Something of Value

as Midwife (Uncredited)

Tarzan of the Apes

as Esmeralda - Jane's Maid (uncredited)

Queen Kelly

as Kali Sana - Aunt's Cook (uncredited)