Madame Sul-Te-Wan
Known for Acting
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.
Filmography
King Kong
1933
as Native Handmaiden (uncredited)
Mighty Joe Young
1949
as Young Family Servant (Uncredited)
The Birth of a Nation
1915
as Black Woman (uncredited)
Sullivan's Travels
1941
as Church Harmonium Player (Uncredited)
The Buccaneer
1958
as Good Luck Charm Vendor
Carmen Jones
1954
as Hagar – Carmen's Grandmother (Uncredited)
Thank Your Lucky Stars
1943
as Bit in "Ice Cold Katie" Number (uncredited)
The Story of Seabiscuit
1949
as Libby
Ladies They Talk About
1933
as Mustard (uncredited)
The Children Pay
1916
as Uncredited
King of the Zombies
1941
as Tahama
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
1916
as Girl at the Marriage Market (uncredited)
San Francisco
1936
as Earthquake Survivor (Uncredited)
Hoodoo Ann
1916
as Black Cindy
Tell No Tales
1939
as Jim Alley's Mother (uncredited)
In Old Chicago
1938
as Hattie
Imitation of Life
1934
as Cook (uncredited)
Band of Angels
1957
as Flower Vendor (Uncredited)
So Red the Rose
1935
as Slave (Uncredited)
Operator 13
1934
as Slave at Medicine Show ( Uncredited)