Madame Sul-Te-Wan
Actor
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
The Birth of a Nation
as Black Woman (uncredited) 1915
Sullivan's Travels
as Church Harmonium Player (Uncredited) 1941
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
as Girl at the Marriage Market (uncredited) 1916
College
as Cook (uncredited) 1927
Mighty Joe Young
as Young Family Servant (Uncredited) 1949
Carmen Jones
as Hagar – Carmen's Grandmother (Uncredited) 1954
Imitation of Life
as Cook (uncredited) 1934
San Francisco
as Earthquake Survivor (Uncredited) 1936
King of the Zombies
as Tahama 1941
Queen Kelly
as Kali Sana - Aunt's Cook (uncredited) 1932
The Buccaneer
as Good Luck Charm Vendor 1958
Band of Angels
as Flower Vendor (Uncredited) 1957
In Old Chicago
as Hattie 1938
Ladies They Talk About
as Mustard (uncredited) 1933
Thank Your Lucky Stars
as Bit in "Ice Cold Katie" Number (uncredited) 1943
Thunderbolt
as Bit Role 1929