Madame Sul-Te-Wan
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.
Acting
Movie
King Kong
as Native Handmaiden (uncredited)
1933
Movie
The Birth of a Nation
as Black Woman (uncredited)
1915
Movie
Sullivan's Travels
as Church Harmonium Player (Uncredited)
1941
Movie
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
as Girl at the Marriage Market (uncredited)
1916
Movie
College
as Cook (uncredited)
1927
Movie
Mighty Joe Young
as Young Family Servant (Uncredited)
1949
Movie
Carmen Jones
as Hagar – Carmen's Grandmother (Uncredited)
1954
Movie
Imitation of Life
as Cook (uncredited)
1934
Movie
San Francisco
as Earthquake Survivor (Uncredited)
1936
Movie
King of the Zombies
as Tahama
1941
Movie
Queen Kelly
as Kali Sana - Aunt's Cook (uncredited)
1929
Movie
The Buccaneer
as Good Luck Charm Vendor
1958
Movie
In Old Chicago
as Hattie
1938
Movie
Band of Angels
as Flower Vendor (Uncredited)
1957
Movie
Ladies They Talk About
as Mustard (uncredited)
1933
Movie
Thank Your Lucky Stars
as Bit in "Ice Cold Katie" Number (uncredited)
1943
Movie
Thunderbolt
as Bit Role
1929
Movie
Black Moon
as Ruva
1934
Movie
Revenge of the Zombies
as Beulah
1943
Movie
Tarzan and the Trappers
as Witch Woman
1958
Movie
Tarzan of the Apes
as Esmeralda - Jane's Maid (uncredited)
1918
Movie
Something of Value
as Midwife (Uncredited)
1957
Movie
Why Change Your Wife?
as Sally's Maid (Uncredited)
1920
Movie
Operator 13
as Slave at Medicine Show ( Uncredited)
1934