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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.
Known For
King Kong
as Native Handmaiden (uncredited)
The Birth of a Nation
as Black Woman (uncredited)
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
as Girl at the Marriage Market (uncredited)
King of the Zombies
as Tahama
Mighty Joe Young
as Young Family Servant (Uncredited)
The Buccaneer
as Good Luck Charm Vendor
Manslaughter
as Prison Inmate (uncredited)
San Francisco
as Earthquake Survivor (Uncredited)
Imitation of Life
as Cook (uncredited)
Sullivan's Travels
as Church Harmonium Player (Uncredited)
